The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-04-09

blt1ous. md the Leycester family deriy-
ed their income from Irish estatcs-a
derivation that was every year growing
more fanciful in its results
cts pity" began Gwen. towing
with q lace handkerchief, "thatn-
II haven't title2 Exactly" said.
rather brusquely.
She appeared not to have heard the
remark.
AT one time Gwen and I had seen a
lot OF one another, and I felt that an
other straw i'll my favor would have
brought the matter to happy termina-
ton. However, it was not to be, and
now Mrs. Beresford had taken the mat
ter into her own hands, mud Gwen had
probably been allowing her tongue to
trip lovingly over the pretty name Of
Lady Gwendoline Leycester until the
present arrangement had been arrived at.
= suppose, she said, thinking it ad-
Sisable to change the subject, III shall
SEQ you tomorrow ut the Fenwickes'?''
Yes. said. "And now must be
going" added, lingering for o mo-
ment, hat in hand. "I have to see a
physician.
II thought you were never illp'' she
said anxiously. what is it?'
An incipient attack of profound
melancholia, I replied as took my de-
parture.
went home to dinner and afterward
strolled round to the club, thinking that
smoking room gossip would be pleasant
er than my own reflections. spent the
remainder of the evening there, and is
was striking 10 when 1 stood on the
steps, contemplating whether should
walk OF ride back
Going home, Tcmple?' said voice
turned. 1t was young Leycester.
I'm your way, if you walking"
he continued
Yes, " said, and he linked his arm
within mine. He commenced to talk
about himself, being quito young.
I'm an awful fool, Temple, he said
presently
1 glance at the fair. boyish looking
face and mentally agreed with him.
I've como frightful cropper, 4" he
continued.
IF you will play baccarat with cap
tains' who have forgotten the name Of
their regiments" remarked, "you
must expect to come troopers.
And dare not tell the duchess" he
exclaimed. "She has advanced me all
she can spare already. don't know
where to raise another penny, and I
shall be sold up!'
began to think of Gwen.
1.-The worst Of it is" he went on.
the duchess hus arranged marriage
with pretty little heiress. Tho engage
ment is to be announced tomorrow, and
L shan't be able to carry the thing
through. I haven't even the money to
buy ringi''
do you wish to marry?" asked
quietly.
NO." he said impatiently. "she is
nice enough girl, but it is not in my
line. What am I to do? The duchess
will simply eat me when she finds out
the true state Of affairs, and If I can't
make some sort Of settlement by to-.
morrow shall have to bolt. It's com.
Portable position to be In, he concluded
dismally.
reflected. Gwen would not marry
me even II this precious young idiot
did bolt" SO I might just as we'll as
sist in giving her the title she coveted
"Leycester, said, "what sum will
settle your creditors for the moment and
enable you to carry the marriage
through?''
He thought for moment.
Five thousand pounds would do it.
Why2"
Because" Ireplied, believing that
fool should sometimes be helped in
mis- folly, I shall have much pleasure in
lending you that AMOUNT
Leycester looked at me in amazement
Temple, F" he cried, you're a good
'unp'
We returned to the club, and I wrote
him out check. I left him chatting
with Barton Fenwicke, gossip, who
spent large amount Of time retailing
information he had picked up and in
venting much which he had not.
The next evening went to the Fen
wicles' dance. had not been there five
minutes before I espied Gwen talking
with Alice Fenwicke. strolled up to
them. A waltz was just beginning.
"Are you free for this?" I asked
Gwen as man came up and claimed
Alice.
eyes" she replied. "But you don't
want to dance. Come into the oonserva-
tory"
glanced at her in astonishment She
seemed perfectly serious. led her to
secluded spot, and we seated ourselves
Mr.. Temple, she said impetuously.
lis it true that you have lent Lord
Leycester SCOOP
How in the name Of -" I began.
Alice Fenwicke told me" she said
quickly. THAT gossiping brother OF