The Washington times., 1912-10-14

"For only a few minutes. She was
too weak--too overcome by my unex-
pected return--to discuss the situation.
strength. / found her. however. only
shadow Of her former self. and In lodg-
Ing that are unworthy Of her. learned
that her physician is young, incom-
etsnt oSs vss ina hss oy 70 ones nes
a week, whereas she should be attend
ed daily by as competent a medical man
as there 10 in the town."
II did not know that the situation st,,s
MARY has asked for nothing more than
the two pounds have sent each week."
* moment. please. Let me 20 on.
which has not been brought to your
attention. Two years ago she became
a wife. A year late
"A wife, gasped Rylance: as he
gazed at Isbister with widened eyes.
"A year later she became a mother,
Mary's health became 80 impaired that
consumption found her an easy victim"
Whom did she marryr asked Ry-
lance hoarsely.
"Tom Ridgeley. son of Samuel Ridge
ley. the big woolen manufactured"
Tom Ridgeley" EXCLAIMED Rylance,
contemplate biacksuard In all Eng
Mary is pot the FIRST girl who. for
some inscrutable reason, has allowed
herself to be led to the altar by q black
guar, .,,,,,, when more worthy 'uitors were
why d,d you not write and let me
VT was not until a couple Of months
ago that ] learned that she had taken
formed in Paris. and was kept secret.
In accordance with the wishes of Ridge
ley. who feared that the marriage would
excite. his fathers anger"
papers.. which reached me in Africa,
that his father died several months
ago Do you mean TO tell me that the
marriage is still unannounced-that
Ridgeley has not Acknowledged herr"
TON Ridgeley 10 not the sort OF man
to love. honor. and cherish an invalid
| wife. To be perfectly frank with you.
his affections have been transferred to
snother younS, ,,wS,nmm woman. who may one
with a muttered oath on his lips.
us Ridgeiey in town now7' he asked.
II believe So" answered Isbister.
"I'll find him. then" said Rylance
Suddenly he stopped and turned.
Uncle. I've come back broke" he
went on. II must draw on you for
some of my money-a hundred pounds
will drop in for a statement OF my ac-
count with you in the morning"
There was pause: then 1sbister said /:
81 will let you have the hundred when
/ give you the statement"
"But I must have the money this
| tonight. and"
YES"
There was another pause.
Drop In tomorrow morning. David"
The frown on Rylances face Deep
, ened.
"Come-come, This won't do. Dom,
| you understand. man. that with things
as they are have no time to lose
What Is your reason for delaying? AZ
a result Of your failure to make better
| balance of between four and five thou.
"and pounds with you. have not?'
| Yes
well, I have come here during bank.
Ing hours to draw part OF 1t. What II
For he first time in the history OF
! our house. an unexpected drain on III
=, has caused us to be short OF cash. To
morrow"
| But YOU have securities In my name
suppose. Let me have enough oi
these to raise some money on this after
noon. I don't know much about bust
ness; but the idea Of bank not hav'
ing enough funds on hand to enable
II to cash a check for hundred pounds
seems to me to be a somewhat singulai
| situation
1T is. asserted Isbister. In a Low
| voice.
In the aspect of the man at the desl
there was something that excited In tn,
mind of his visitor a sudden feeling o
wonder and vague alarm. Their eye.
met and Rylance felt a strange chill
stealing over him and gripping hi
heart.
I'm Gods name. uncle. you dom
n ean"-he faltered.
That's It, lad answered Isbistel
huskily.
In the course of the silence that fol
lowed, Rylance leaned back breathiessi,
In his chair.
How did II happen he gasped.
Isbister's eyes grew suddenly moist