The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-05-18
A WICKED WOMAN.
ne uoweu. with a sarcastic smile.

like my own house to me, and have
been welcomed here at any time for
years"
As he spoke his eyes fell full upon
the face of the steward.
John Ardsley turned and confronted
him quietly.
Max Ruthven had never been pre-
scented to the stranger who had been
installed as manager Of the Chadwicke
estate; and now, as their eyes met, he
started and suppressed an imprecation.
Great Heaven!" he exclaimed
Raleigh! How came you here?"
The steward made no answer, and
Ruthven turned toward the door. Con-
sternation, and something like fear,
was imprinted upon his face. At the
door he paused and glanced back.
Miss Dinsmore." he said, cody, Il
have a communication for you when
you are at leisure, If you please"
She bowed, but made no reply. The
door opened, he passed through, and
1t closed behind him.
"Who-what does he mean?" gasped
Lesley.
II cannot explain now, Miss Dins-
more" returned Ardsley, gravely; "but
trust that you will believe that
have done no wrong?"
IL do believe you," she cried, impul-
sively.
THANK YOU" he answered softly.
"You shall never regret your conf
dence. And now, Miss Dinsmore, to
change the subject for one more agree
able, the horses are in need of exer-
else. Will you rido in the morning."
Lesley's face lighted up. She was
a passionate lover of fine horses, and
was perfectly at home in the saddle.
81 will ride Brownie" she said, de-
cidedly.
His face grew grave.
II do not think him safe for lady,
Miss Dinsmore," said John Ardsley.
But" with little impatient gesture,
II have confidence in him. I have
been petting him, and feeding him with
sugar. He has grown to know me.
and am sure that I can manage him.
l will ride him!" she added, wilfully.
For Lesley was, by nature, little
willful; and now, with the reins OF
power in her hands, she became at
times a trife headstrong.
Ardc1aHy F,,rfhor
monstrance, and soon, with quiet
goodnight to the ladies', left the room.
But the grave look had not disappeared
from his face.
Up stairs in her luxurious chamber
Lesley seated herself at the window,
and was soon buried in thought.
AS in kaleidoscope, the important
events of her life passed quickly be-
fore her, so vivid that they seemed
the living pictures in which she was
again prominent parsonage. Her
imagination, becoming more powerful
as it was INDUCED, came hurriedly
down to the present hour; she thought
Of Lurline, and of the portrait Of her
husband, Barton Chadwick, which
hung In the gallery, and on which she
Uesley) had looked SO often that the
lineaments were familiar.
Half in dream, half awake, Lesley
imagined she heard football. In a
vision she saw the form and face OF
Barton Chadwicke, for she had long
studied his features on the painted
canvas. The face was pale, sad, and
seemed to be that of an accusing spirit;
for the lips moved as If forming the
startling word:
Murdered"
With wild cry, Lesley dashed from
the room. In the hallway she en-
countered Mr.. %Ardsley, on his way to
his own apartment. He started in
amazement.
Good heavens, Miss Dinsmore!" he
exclaimed; what is the matter?"
And, half sobbing with terror, the
frightened girl repeated to Mr.. Ardsley
all that had occurred. He did not
smile. He listened quietly, his eyes
flashing with a strange light, and he
clinched his hands together fiercely.
"Murdered!' he repeated, under his
breath. "Ah, Lurline st. Cyr, l begin
to see all now!"
Lesley did not catch the muttered
words, and he controlled himself with
fearful effort.
miss Dinsmore," he said, soothing
ly, do not be alarmed. This is evil
IDENTIFY one of the strange mysteries
one Of the incomprehensible occur
rences which sometimes come into our
lives. Do not give way to nervous
fears" he added. II will do all that
man can do to protect you-Lesley."
The word faltered from his lips be-
fore he was aware of it. Then, with
Q sudden start, he whispered, Good
night" and was gone.
Lesley, thoroughly terrified, sought
Mrs. Greyson's room, and begged to re-
main there all night.
But when the morning came, with its
bright sunshine and blue sky, her spir-
its were light and care-free again, and
she was her own audacious self once
more. After breakfast she had
Brownie brought around to the door;
q beautiful, satin-coated creature, ev-
cry proud movement revealing his ped
igree. In her riding-habit Of navy-blue
with black hat and long, sweeping
plumes, Lesley was perfect. She vault
ed lightly into the saddle, and smiling
Iat the remonstrances Of the groom
(she had not seen Mr.. Ardsley yet that
day, she bad the man remain behind.
and dashed away like the wind.
She had not gone far ere 1t became
evident to her that Brownie was run
ming away. In vain she endeavored to
check him; the horse few on like (
man creature down the long, green
road, on, on to certain destruction.
The road which Lesley had chosen
wound beside pretty little river; its
banks were very high and steep; the
road became mere bridle-path; still
the frightened animal flew on. A few
pocoo foruord and oartain daoth