Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-01-20

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Il must tell you, though" ne OBJ
served before reading. that IT. is too
late for this week, at any rate. We've
gone to press already"
Never mind" returned Sir Francis
indifferently. Next week will ao as
we'll"
And he furtlvely watched Mr.. Shaw
ley-Grubbs while he perused the pen
cilled scrawl. That gentlemen how
ever, as Editor and Proprietor of the
Srake-a new, but highly successful
weekly society" journal, was far too
dignined and self-important to allow
his countenance to betray his feelings
He merely remarked, as he folded up
the little slip very carefully
Very smart! very smart, indeed !!
Authentic, of course?"
Sir Francis drew himself up haught-
! ily you doubt my word?'
ooh dear, not" declared Mr.. Snawley-
Grubbs hastily, venturing to lay q
soothing hand on Sir Francs's Shout
der. Your position, and all that sort
OF thing Naturally you must be
able TO secure correct information.
You can't help 1t! | assure you the
Snake Is infinitely obliged to you for n
great many well-written and socially
exciting paragraphs. Only, you see, 7
myself should never have thought that
80 extreme follower OF the exploded
old doctrine OF noblesse obllgs, as Sir
old doctrine OF noblesse obllge, as Sir
Philip Bruce Errington, would have
started on such new line OF action
ut all. But. Of course, we are all NOR
tall" And he shook his round thick
head with leering sagaclty. We'll"
ne continued after pause. This
shall go In without fall next week,
promise you"
You can send mo n hundred copies
OF the ISSUE" said Sir Francis, taking
up his hat to go. IT suppose You're
not afraid OF an action for libel?"
Mr.. Snawley Grubbs laughed nay,
he roured the idea seemed so ex-
qnlsItely suited to his sense of humor
afraid? Ny dear follow, there's
nothing should like better! II would
establish tho Snake, and make my for
tune! ! would even go to prison with
pleasure. Prison, for Il first class mis-
demeannnt, Ms ! should most probably
be termed, Ia perfectly endurable" He
laughed again, and escorted Sir FRAN
els to the street door, whore he shook
hands heartily. you are sure you
won't come upstairs and join us? No?
All, sec you have cab waiting.
Good night, good night"
And tho Sulwlcy- Grubbs door being
closed upon him, Sir Francis re-en-
tered hs cab, and was driven straight
to his bachelor lodgings in Piccadilly.
He was In better humor with himself
now, though he was still angrily con
scous OF IL smart throbblng across the
eyes, where Thelma's ringed hand had
struck him. lie found n brief note
from Lady Winsclgh awaiting him.
It ran as follows
you're playing a losing game this
tlmo. she will believe nothing with
out proofs and oven then IL will be
difficult. You had better drop the pur-
suit, fancy. For once u woman's
reputation will escape you!"
He smiled bitterly as he read these
last words.
Not whilo II society paper exists"
he said to himself. ''As l0ng as there
are editors willing to accept the word
of responsible man OF position, for
amy report, the chastest Diana that
ever lived shall not escape calumny
She wants proofs does she? She shall
have them by love! she shalt"
And instead of going to bed, he went
off to Il bilou villa In ST. Johns Wood,
an elegantly appointed little place
which he rented and maintained. and
where the popular parsonage known as
Violet Nero, baskod in the very lap of
luxury.
Meanwhile. Thema paced up and
It i her own houdOir into which she
had escaped through the sliding panel
which had batlled her admircr. Her
whole frame tremhled M she Thought
Of the indignity to which she had been
subjected during her brief unconscious
ness, her face burned with hittcr
shame she felt as II she were some
how poisonously infected Ivy those
hateful kisses of Lennon, all her wo-
manly and wifely instincts were out
ragged llar first Impulse was to tell
hor husband everything the instant he
returned 1t was she who had rung
the bell which had startled Sir Fran
els and shc was surprised that hcr
summons WAS not answered. She rang
again, and Rritta appeared
81 wanted Morris, said Thelma
quickly.
"llc thought II was the drawings
room bell" responded Nritta meekly.
for her "Froken" looked very anGry.
Il saw him In the hail Just nov, let
ting out Sir Francis Ienuox."
Has he gone?" demanded Thelma
eagerly.
Britta's wonder Increased YES.
lNroken!"
Thelma caught her arm. Tell
Morris never never To LOT him inside