The central record. (Lancaster, Ky.) 18??-current, 1921-05-19
By FREDERICK CLARKE


lowry would restore the old abbey and
enable her husband aud herself 10 as
sumo their rightful place In the social
hierarchy. Aud ~ RenSley had won
he beauty OF Cleveland.
lie and his bride were face 20 face
In their apartments at the Eyersley
MOTEL. The bride drew on her en-
gagement ring meditatively and hand
ed II TO him and said. without
trace % passion:
Il shall wear my marriage ring. but
not this. The bargain IL an equal one.
and I am satisfied. You will never
have cause To be ashamed u me la
the eyes Of the world. Good night.
Lord Rensley."
"You mean" he asked. "that our
marriage II 20 be one In name onlyr
"why. what elsc did you expectr
she answered mockingly. though her
lips were qulverlng. "You never loved
me. You sought me for my fortune.
a. ! you for your title" And 70 she
turned away and they said no more.
Ia due course they sailed for Eng
land. Rcnsley Abbey was redecorated
and thrown open. Gay parties assem-
bicd there.
Then Rensley sailed for India 10
shoot tigers, aud the parties continued.
They were a. KAY a. ever. but differ
cnt people came. There was Rlzzi. for
instance. that Italian nobleman who
had acquired a sinister reputation In
several capitals OF Europe. and was
not diminishing la London. lie brought
his attendant crowd: Flashy women
came aud sporting men and tswdry
actors and actresses. And Of the char
acter % these people Lady Rensley
knew nothing. for she never stopped
To- gossip. and she only knew that she
liked Rizxi and that he alone Of all
of them SEEMED 10 understand her
situation and TO have sympathy for
her.
So she moved among them. limo
Gently. the lonely mistress Of the
Abbey. while people shrugged their
shoulders and smiled. And then they
heard that Rcnsiey was coming home.
Rizzi. too. heard II. and he put his
fate Ia the touch. In his way he
liked this unapproachable American
lady as much n he was capable ~
liking. and rs constantly. They were
alone for few minutes In the con
seryatory. From tie ballroom came
the sound OF music and the chatter OF
the guests.
lie fell upon his knees and seized
her hand and pressed II 10 his lips. Il
have ever loved you. you beauty with
your secret sorrow. Leave him and
come with me To Italy. You shall
have my love all your days. and my
fortune shall be nc your disposal. You
shall"
That was the moment when Rens-
ley returned week earlier than had
been expected. lie had sent word. but
he had arrived before his own letter.
~ he had strolled quietly In.
lie saw the rooms brilliantly light.
81. hut. when he entered the hall. none
~ the guests knew him.
Then Rensley entered the ccnserva.
tory alone. And Lady Rensley. seeing
him. drew back with frightened
catch of the breath. and Rlzzi. know
lng him. rose also To his feet and stood
looking at him dcnantly, with folded
arms.
Pardon me for lntcrrupting." said
Lord Rensley. Baron Rlkzif lesf
Pray. what il II you ~ urgently de-
sire IL Lady Rcnsley that YOU 20 down
upon your knees TO heri"
Since he did not answer. Rcnsley
turned to his wife.
"My dear. n Il In our power. or Il
Il your desire "a grant this gentleman
what he II askingf' he demanded.
mo" 81 flashed out In her bewll-
derment. moi"
Rensley took Rizzi by the arm.
"My dear fellow. you shall have
your five hundred pounds" he said Ina
a loud voice. which carried To those
waiting outside "Bnt wish you had
asked me instead IL nay wife" lie
turned TO the guests. "Gentlemen. my
cars are at your disposal" he said
Lady Rensley tapped her fingers
upon the table.
Il want 20 tell you one thing before
We part" she said. Il have never
given you reason 10 be ashamed 81
me. have kept my VOW
Lord Rensley took her hands In
his.
but I have not kept mine" he said
Edith. let my faith In you be the
proof Of my love. WIN you give me
chance 10 show its realiiyr
That broke her pride; she cried then.
In his arms.
"I'ye been a fool" he said; but she
laughed through her tears when he
put back the engagement ring upon