Middletown transcript., 1897-09-18

ner to himself by putting it down to
preoccupation in the affairs Of the
cause to which size ftadd ddeTTf Teteedd ed her
self. Besides, be had other causes TO
worry, which diverted his attention
from what was perfectly visible to out
siders. In fact, his fnancies had fal
len into such a state that bankruptcy
stared him in the face.
Ronald Fane's confiding nature had
been too much for some of his sharT
acquaintances. Money which had
been invested in gilt.edged securities
had been Withdrawn and sunk in much
pnffed mining ventures. For time
Ronald had dreamed of becoming a
millionaire. 1t was not for himself he
desired it, but always for Myra. When
his railway stock and consols had all
been realized he found himself face to
face with his first difficulty. His
chief investment had been in the
Great Juggernaut Gold Mine. After
the first month the reef came to an
end. In spite Of all the gold that was
poured into it no more came out Of it.
and Ronald had either to accept his
initial loss or find money with which
to endeavor to retrive it. Being of a
hopeful disposition, he tried the latter
plan, and mortgaged his property. AZ
the weeks passed and no news arrived
of the finding of the reef he began to
despair. He had not told his wife of
his difficulties. He had not even told
her of his investment in the Great Jug.
germent, hoping to astonish her with
the news of their prosperity when his
money came back increased hundred
fold. He became gloomy and dis
spirited. and dined more frequently at
his club.
But Myra was not blind. She noted
the alteration in his manner. HE is
firing of me,' she told herself, and
then the suspicion was aroused in her
mind that her husband was purposely
throwing her in the way of Philip
Preston in the hope that she might re-
lieve him of the burden of herself.
Matters were very strained between
the two when the final blow fell upon
Ronald. Day by day he had hoped
with sickening anxiety for favorable
news about the Great Juggernaut, but
the shares had dropped until no one
would even accept them as gift, and
Ronald had been forced TO borrow
money to meet his current expenses.
On the day previous to that on
which the repayment of the loan fell
due lie at last determined that his
wife must know the worst. He shrank
from inficting the blow upau her, bat
word or IwO be heard at The clubs
decided it.
He had been just entering the smok
ing room when the voice of an acquain-
tance caught his ear. "Fane not here.
Why, he almost lives here. Looks
seedyP No wonder, with that wife Of
his always about with that Preston fell
low. I'm hanged If I'D stand it,"
Ronald did not enter. He must re-
turn home at once. Myra must know
that be was ruined man, and then,
perhaps, if she no longer cared for
him-he pursued the question no fur
ther.
His features were very set, his face
very stern as he entered the room he
had furnished so dainty for the bride
he had sought so ardently.
Myra was sitting writing, but she |
looked up as he entered, and remarked |
coldly, 81 am glad you have come in
early, Ronald, I have something, l
want particularly to say to you." She
turned again to her writing desk and
he stood wondering as he watched her
how best to break the news. He was
so preoccupied that he did not notice
that her 6gers were trembling over
the pen she held. At last she threw it
down, and rising, faced him.
"This cannot go on much longer"
she said,
He looked at her stupidity, not grasp
Ing the words.
ssI came in because 1 had something
Iwsnted to tell you," he said at
ength.
:" You may save yourself the trou-
ole,' she remarked sit win save q
scene If tell you that I know every
5hing.n
lyon know eyerythingl" he rel
Grated in surprise. "Why2 How ?
haden't said word TO soul"
Do you think l am blind 2'' she
continued. Hasn't your face revealed
very thought Haven't I read your
Intentions in your mannert Do you
hink / am a child or fool 20 Myra's
voice was vibrant with the indigna-
ion of outraged womanhood, and her
husband remained silent. "Why didn't !
vou come and tell me at first ? 1
houldn't have felt ill., She laughed
cornfully. 'sPerhaps you fiattered
roursef that ! married you for love2n i
''Myral For pity's sake-n
But she went on unheedingly.
NO it was for the wealth-for the
uxuries you could give me. The OPP 3
of pursuing my work
ssMyraI" "
"Ah, well, it doesn't matter. Only
8 said before, it is time to come to
n end. have been punished for mar ;
ying you. You can depend upon it I'il :
ot repeat the mistake. . !
The rush of invectiye, the measure
her scorn, had its effect. He had no n
stort to make to her cutting re- =