The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-08-13

AOSj extraordinary, 70 uoWu duu sion
her if she can tell you her business"
In few minutes he returned.
Its Mrs. Lidyard sir, and she says her
business is very private"
"Mrs. Lidyardl" Like fash the pretty
signature at the back of the check came
back to him. "Ask her into the sitting
room," he said, quickly. "say I will be
with her directly"
He dressed hurriedly; what could she
want with him?
"You wish to see me, madam ?" he asked,
as five minutes later he closed the door of
his private sitting-room behind him.
A tall, black-robed figure advanced to
him.
you are very good to come to me-" she
said, in a broken voice.
Ruthven glanced at her quickly; she
looked particularly graceful and elegant IN
her sable draperies, and the voice was soft
and pleasant, in spite of the evident distress
and nervousness of the speaker.
"Pray sit down." said Ruthven, drawing
forward q chair; but Mrs. Lidyard sank
down in one nearer her, her back to the
light
"Will You tell me what can do for you?"
asked Ruthven, gently.
The small, black -gloved hands twisted
handkerchief desperately. Mrs. Lidyard
made one or two Intellectual attempts to
speak, and at last said:
"You won large sum last night from my
son at cards, Mr.. Ruthven?"
"a considerable sum-yes."
"And he-he gave you check for lt?"
For part Of it, certainly"
Mrs. Lidyard uttered groan. Ruthvens
astonishment grew. What did it all mean?
With what was evidently great effort his
visitor continued:
"a check drawn in my favor, purporting
to be indorsed by me?"
eyes"
"I-he-oh!n she broke down sobbing,
"the wretched, wretched boy!"
The vail she wore was thick, but not 80
thick as to disguise her, and Ruthven could
see that Mrs Lidyard was still possessed of
very great charms, and the glimpse he caught
of snowy hair only made the rest of her face
appear more youthful. Grief, under such
circumstances, cannot fail to be touching
pray calm yourself, Mrs. Lidyard," he
said. soothingly. "You have not yet told
me how l can serve you"
Mrs. Lidyard suppressed her agitation and
continued:
Il must tell you everything; can do
nothing but throw myself upon your mercy.
Yesterday, on going through my accounts, 1
missed a check that had been sent me only
the day before. searched everywhere for
it, and not finding it, finally telegraphed
to the bankers stopping payment. did not
at first suspect that "-she hesitated.
am very unfortunately placed. My son has
extravagant tastes, and an income quite In
sufficient to indulge them." She looked at
Ruthven piteously.
81 think I understand" he said, gravely.
81 waited for my son, spoke to him OF
what dreaded, implored him to tell me all!
And-Oh, Mr.. Ruthven, have pity on him
and on me, and give me back that wretched
check"
Ruthven rose Immediately, and second
later returned,
You can count on my discretion" he
said, pityingly, as he placed the check IN
her hand.
"Oh how can thank u?-how can 1
ever thank you?" she exclaimed, almost
hysterically. Then, seeing small writing
table, she sat down hurriedly.
May write you check here .
He smiled, and she drew check-book
from the bag she carried.
Mr.. James Ruthven, is it not?"
She began to write, and then turned to
him quickly.
"But e30O is not the whole amount Will
you tell it me?"
Ruthven replied shortly: Five hundred
and fifty pounds" 1t was one thing win
ming money at the Nebulus from Archie
Lidyard bit of coxcomb, and a great
deal of fool; quite another thing taking
it here in the cold morning light from his
mother, still quiyering from the anguish she
had undergone.
Here it is," she said, rising. "You see
the Endorsement was not even clever forg-
cry" she added, with a little sob.
Ruthven glanced at it; there was Ger
tain similarity in the signatures, no doubt,
| but the one he had seen last night was firmer,
with touch Of masculinity, wanting in
| this.
No, as she said, it was not even a clever
| forgery.
Il don't think you know what you have
| done for me, Mr.. Ruthven, she said, Offering
him her hand. "No, please" she continued,
| as he made q movement to accompany her,
| 81 would rather go alone; thank you again,
and God bless you" F"
James Ruthven was not a sentimental
man, but lie was rather pleased with Mrs.
Lidyard's parting words, though it was per-
fectly clear to him that he had done little to
deserve them for, after all, it was clear
| gain to him to exchange worthless bit OF
paper for check for $3.50.
His complacency remained undisturbed
| for a least two hours. He breakfasted we'll,
and read his paper with absolute serenity.
| Then he took a cab to the st. James Square
Branch of the Westminster Bank.
The cashier took the slip of paper, and
after looking at the signature, honored
Ruthven with a keen glance before disap-
pearing.
"Will you step this way?"
| Ruthven looked up astonished, but obeyed
| conscious that the clerks were watching him
curiously as he was ushered into the man
| ayers sanctum.
Il shall be glad if you will explain how
! this check came into your possession" said
the manager, as Ruthyen came into the
room while the cashier stood with his hand
on the door.
u really don't understand" began Ruth
ven.
No one," replied the manager, of thu
name of Eva Lidyard has an account will
this bank"
mo account!" exclaimed Ruthven. "Nt
account! Why, she wrote this check to-
me not two hours ago"
There was smile about the manager
eyes as he renewed his request for an ex
planation of the circumstances by which th'
n ~ =