The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1895-08-31

great or small. He knew better than any
one else that Il short time ago he had only
to ask and he would have been accepted !
and, thinking that such might have been
his destiny, lie had done his best TO pre-
pare and smooth the way. From this, his
supreme good luck had delivered him.
Even if lie had not fallen headlong in
love with Nora L'Estrange, there was
much in Mrs. Ruthycn which dimly dis
pleased him. She was carefully we'll
bred, Yet her manners had not the in
descrlbable ease or grace of one born IN
the purple. there was an under-tone of
animalism in her tastes and looks; more
over, he shrewdly suspected that fidelity
to a husband would be with her very much
Il matter Of accident, though he did her
the Justice 10 believe that she would al
ways keep up appearances
In fact, she was an admirably composed
morsel of Paris paste, eXcellently set and
pleasant to the eye until placed beside a
brilliant of the purest water, like Nora.
However, the visit had 10 he paid, so
Marsden made 4 careful toilet, and set
out to keep his appointment.
1t was some time Stree they had met,
indeed. since their encounter in Paris the
previous spring, they had not been 50
long apart.
Mrs. Kuthven was fully dressed in
black silk and velvet, with Il handker
chief of cteamy lace knotted round her
neck, and dainty cap of the same on her
thick. short hair Her costume seemed to
Indicate that the business on hand was
too serious for the easy negligence of Il
morning gown.
Marsden thought her looking better
than he had ever seen her before. The
debility and languor of slow GONZALES
ccnce had spirituaiZed her expression,
and given more refinement TO her move
ments He could even understand how
some men might think her charming,
charming toy. There was something UNI
usual. too i'll the carncstnCss with which
she looked into his eyes. something panied
and rpprOaChful in the expression of her
own.
Il hope She is not going to make
scene" thought Mursdcn, as he greeted
her cordially.
You are very good, for an unpunctual
man, to be so pumctual,' she said, gra-
ciousy, but srayely.
Il was eager to see with my own eyes
how you were progressing" he returned,
smiling Swcctly upon her. You know YOU
were cruel enough to rciccr my prayer for
an interview at Chcdworth.'
Yes, il was cruel considering how
anxious you We're about me" Marsden
did not quite like her tone Il want TO
speak 10 You about EveSlcigh there are
on" or two little matters You and | can
settle better between ourselves than
through our lawyers"
More agrceahly. | am sure
Before go into my own affairs, how
ever. Mr. AIarsden. | must congratulate
You on your engagement with Miss LES
TRANCE. | always admired her But your
taste is unimpcachablc." There was a
kind Of deadly compoSurc in her manner
that struck him rs omiuouS.
Its coming" he thought. while he said
aloud, "You are very good, ! am sure
Nora has the highest appreciation of you:
She has often spoken Of you most warm
Is"
she will appreciate me much more
deeply and justly later on. returned Mrs.
Ruthvcn, with a slight laugh. Pray
when does the marriage take place."
That is not settled vet"
And suppose your fair, inexperienced
fiancee is desperately in love with You?
You have quite distanced Mr.. Winton"
We'll, / hope So" carclcssIy, feeling
moro and more uncomfortable.
Il should think YOU Lad. you are rather
Il fascinating sinner. | had a fancy for
YOU IT one time myself" And she
glanced quickly at him, Il glance fiery
enough. half admiration and half anger.
as it poSsiilc:' cried Marsden. with
an exaggerated air of regret And how
was | such an IDIOT Is not to see it,"