The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1896-09-10

1 nduueu MIN the WTltlHp LII dteIIdIS.
Archie Lidyard wrote the acknowl-
edgment, spoke few words to those
around him, and then left the room
1t was evident, in spite of the young
mans calnness and unconcern, that
the loss was q serious one and the even
ing's work no laughing matter.
But James Ruthven was naturally in
a more cheerful mood. He was not a
poor man, but he was far enough from
being millionaire to feel no slight sat-
sfaction at the respectable sum of his
| winnings. Five hundred and fifty
pounds was total worthy of consider
alton. and it must be confessed that he
looked at the slip of paper bearing the
pretty signature Of Eva Lidyard" on
the back with certain amount Of COM
placency before retiring to rest.
He was aroused next morning by
loud knocking at his door.
"Eh? Come in-what's the matter;
what do you want?" he inquired, start
ing up.
"a lady to see yeu, sir"
"What?
Ruthven admitted the servant, glanc-
ing at his watch as he passed; it was
Just $50; who could wish to see him so
soon.
"A lady to see me, did you say|"
"Yes, SIR"
"What sort of lady?" inquired
Ruthven, obviously.
II can't rightly say, sir; she's got a
thick veil on, and she's all in black"
did she give ysu no card?
mo, SIR"
"Most extraordinary; go down and
ask her II she can tell you her busi-
ness"
In few minutes he returned.
"It's Mrs. Lidyard, sir, and she says
her business is very private"
Mrs. Lidyardv' 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 l 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 be-
hind him.
A tall, black-robed figure advanced to
him.
"You are very good to come to mt" !"
she said, in broken voice.
Ruthven glanced at her quickly; she
looked particularly graceful and ele-
CANT 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, draw
Ing a chair; but Mrs. Lidyard sank
down in one nearer her, her back to the
light.
"Will you tell me what l can do for
youT' asked Ruthven, gently.
The small, black -gloved hands twist
ed handkerchief desperately. Mrs.
Lidyard made one or two Intellectual
attempts to speak, and at last said:
you won a large sum last night
from my son at cards, Mr.. Ruthven?"
"a considerable sum-yes."
"And he-he gave you a check for
itY
For part of 1t, certainly"
Mrs. Lidyard uttered a groan. Ruth
ven's astonishment grew. What did it
all mean? With what was evidently a
great effort his visitor continued:
"a check drawn in my favor; purport-
ing to be indOrsed by me?'
"Yes"
'I-he-ohv she broke down sobbing,
'the wretched. wretched bOyw
The veil she wore was thick, but not
so thick as to disguise her, and Ruth
ven could see that Mrs. Lidyard was
still possessed of very great charms,
and the glimpse he caught of her
snowy hair only made the rest of her
face appear more youthful. Grief, under
touching.
pray calm yourself, Mrs. Lidyard,"
he said, soothingly. you have not yet
told me how l can serve you"
Mrs. Lidyard suppressed her agita-
tion and continued:
muSt teil you eVeytHiHS, Cah Wv
nothing but throw myself upon your
mercy. Yesterday, on going through
my accounts, 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.
Il am very unfortunately placed. My
son has extravagant tastes, and an in
come quite insufficient to indulge
them" She looked at Ruthven piteous-
ly.
Il think understand" he said,
gravely.
Il waited for my son, spoke to him
of what dreaded, implored him to tell
me all! And-oh, Mr.. Ruthven, have
pity on me, and give me back that
wretched check"
Ruthven rose Immediately, and sec
ond later returned.
l l..