The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-05-19
A WICKED WOMAN.

different nature, nearly as murderous,
for l found under the pommel Of
Brownies saddle cunningly contrived
instrument, similar to spur, arranged
In such a way as to goad the high
spirited animal to madness. Who did
such a dastardly deed, If not Max
Ruthven? I swear l thought I saw
him hanging around the stables when
the groom was saddling Brownie. And
how came Ruthven so opportunity on
the spot, just at the moment when
Lesley might have lost her life?-and
with his own phaeton concealed
among the trees. Can it be that he
had contrived that the accident should
happen, intending to save her life,
thus giving himself claim upon her
gratitude; and then expected to reap
the benefit of tete-a-tete drive home
through the woods to ask her to marry
him? How fortunate that returned
from the fields in time to follow her,
even at distance. She does not know
who saved her life. My darling-my
beautiful Carllng!
He fastened away toward the man.
sion, just in time to see Max Ruthven
ascending the marble steps. The
steward clnched his hands, and his
eyes shone with wrathful light.
"Insolent;" he muttered, f1ercely, I'M
der his breath. ito dare intrude
again."
Max Ruthven walked boldly into the
house, and encountering Mrs. Greyson
In the wide, cool hallway, begged to
see Miss Dinsmore.
Mrs. Greyson looked grave.
"Mr. Ruthven,' she said, slowly,
your unwarrantable, and (excuse me,
but the truth is besD ill-bred intrusion
last night, has, I think, given Miss
Dinsmore an unflattering opinion of
you. But will tell her that you are
here, and she will do as she thinks
best"
So, leaving him standing in the hall,
the old lady sought Lesley, who looked
annoyed at the announcement.
He saved my life." the girl whis-
pered softly to herself. Il will see
him, Mrs. Greyson," she added, aloud.
I'll not be absent many minutes,
Maude."
She had removed her. riding habit,
and in long, trailing dress of snowy
muslin, profusely trimmed with Valen-
ciennes lace, and pink rosebud nest
ling in her gold-brown hair, she look
ed pretty enough to turn the head of
any man.
She bowed coolly to Ruthven as she
entered the reception-room, whittier
servant had conducted him.
Pardon my intrusion, Miss Dins-
more" he began, "but l could not rest
until I had assured myself that you
have really not suffered from the acct
dent this morning."
Lesley was very impulsive by ma
ture, and fully believing that it was he
who had saved her from that mad leap
over the bank into the foaming torrent
below, she held out her hand, with a
sweet smile. /
81 have to thank you that am here
now" she said. /
He took the little hand extended,
and forgot to release it.
John Ardsley, passing the open win
dow, CHANGED to raise his eyes, and
saw them standing with Lesleys hand
in Ruthven's, his handsome head bent
lowly above 1t. His own face grew
swiftly pale, and he hurried away.
Max Ruthven knew that while the
feeling of intense gratitude filled this
girls heart, now was the propitious
time for his object.
He pressed his lips passionately to
the little hand in bis own.
Miss Dinsmore-Lesley!" he falter-
ed, Il have known you but short
time, for | have not dared to venture
into your presence until last night,
and then | could not restrain myself;
but have watched you from a dis
lance, and-my heart lies under your
feet, Lesley"
He paused, and his bold eyes sought
her own.
Lesley drew her hand away, and
turned aside quickly.
He went on, fercely:
Language fails to express the in
tensity of my love for you!" he painted.
"Tell me. is there no hope for me?
True, l have no wealth to offer you,
hut hniiouo hot Won own 1pop,ap 10
wed for love, and not for fortune Will
you answer me, Lesley, darling? for
my whole life, my future, my hope of
Heaven, hangs on your reply"
Her eyes met his now, with a steady
gaze.
"Mr. Ruthven," she said, "you sar-
prise me. l am almost stranger to
you, and-and-I have no intention Of
marrying anyone at present"
"Then am to consider this rejec-
tion?" he said, slowly, and the look in
his eyes was not good to see.
She bowed gravely.
Il do not wish to marry" she said,
simply.
Farewell, Miss Dinsmore!"
Max Ruthven hurried from her pres
ence. Once outside, his face became
demoniac with rage.
Curses upon her!" he Kissed, saw
agely. "Ill bow that proud head in
the dust yet so sure as l live. l can
see 1t all. She is in love with that
beggar, Ardsley, as he calls himself,
think had better let in little ray Of
light upon his private history"
He was walking rapidly away from
the house now. In a clump of ever
greens, which shielded him from OBJ
servation, he turned, and looking back,
he shook his fist threateningly.
'Ah, my lady" he muttered, between
his white teeth, I'll bring down your
pride before I am many days older! I
can afford to wait"
Once more alone, Lesley sank into
seat, and bowling her head upon her
clasped hands, wept bitter tears,
though why she wept it was difficult to
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