The suburban citizen., 1902-10-11

sion, lOOkeu at uet Wltn eyes OF
triumph, and then she saw Spider cross
the room and ask Kate for a dance.
For months past, ever since Jim
came into the title, Kate had thrown
herself at his head, and lost no oppor.
tunlty Of turning up at every party and
dance at which the good looking lancer
was likely to be present.
What did 1t all mean? Maisie felt
her brow wrinkllng when Teddy Da'
cres Joined her and led her Off.
They took two or three turns, and
Maisie could keep silent no longer.
what does II all mean, Mr.. DacresT
"Oh, you mean about your dear old
Splder?"
what has he doneT' she gasped.
"He has been putting money into
some rotten company that has failed"
HAS he lost much--has he lost every.
thing?'
I'VE do not know full particulars
yet, but Spider never did anything by
halves; he is badly hit, should say"
"Will he have to leave the serviceT
she .faltered.
impossible to scg, but suppose So"
"Oh, Jim, is this true?" They occu-
pied retired nook in the conservatory.
THAT 1 have lost money in a rotten
company? Yes"
"And you must cut the service|
II was thinking of sending in my
papers," he said, after a pause, and it
was true.
Jim" she said, looking up into his
face. will you come and see me to.
morrow
"Of course, Maisie-after morning pa.
rade2"
Yes and then her partner claimed
her
The girls brain was in a whirl when
she reached home, half glad and half
sorry at the turn events had taken. No
one could accuse her of being mercen.
ary now. He would call and should
have his answer, even If they half
starved together, and her face flushed
happily.
1T must be awful to be poor after
being rich" she thought and then as
the early summer dawn broke she
went to her jewel case. A crisp IS
note which the Colonel had given her
from the proceeds of the Kangaroo
shares lay atop. This she slipped into
an envelope, and directly after break.
fast induced one of her maids to ad-
dress 1t, and 1t was soon on its way to
Blankton Barracks.
Five pounds is not much, 1 know"
she said to herself, "but, please God, IT
will help"
When Lord Culworth re.entered his
quarters after parade he took a small
velvet case from his pocket and looked
once more at the diamond ring it con-
tanned, laughing happily.
'4The plot seems to have succeeded"
be said to himself, and then his eyes
fell upon the letter.
What a vile hand" and he handled
the envelope gingerly, but q subtle
scent Of Violets saluted him. "Maisiew
be cried. '"Maisie"
For moment his blood turned to ice
Had she repented OF her decision? He
hesitated for some moments to open
1t, and the strong man trembled like a
leaf.
At last he tore 1t open and out
dropped the f5 note, and something
very like a tear rose to his eyes, and
he grew scarlet.
Good God" he said, under his
breath, II have carried the Joke too
far" and calling his servant he jumped
into mutt and drove over to Dorches.
ter House.
Maisie sat alone In the drawing
room. She heard her lover dismiss the
dog cart, and moment later, with the
privilege Of q welcome guest, he had
crossed the hall, and without waiting
to be announced, stood before her.
For a moment neither spoke; she had
risen at his entrance.
"You are welcome, Jim." she said.
flushing, and their hands met. The
man seemed the more agtated of the
two. "Jiml Jiml Months ago you
asked me a question. You honored me
by asking me to be your wife, and re.
fused you because you were rich. Now
you are poor, Jim, Jim, dear; ask me
againw
The man extended his arms toward
her, and she flew into them blushing
rosily, laughing happily. He kissed
her on the lip and brow.
"Will you marry me, Maisie, dear?"
eyes, jim" very softly.
"You will never go back on that,
dear?"
Never, never" and he slipped the
engagement ring on her finger, and she
kissed the gems. "We may be poor,
but We shall have each other, dear old
boy. You must start as an army cram.
mer or something"
"You will never repent having ac.
cepted me, dear"
"What a question! am the hapniest