AYNESWORTH PLANS A LOVE STORY
Wingrave disappeared suddenly from London. Aynesworth alone knew where
he was gone, and he was pledged to secrecy. Two people received
letters from him. Lady Ruth was one of them.
"This," she remarked quietly, handing it over to her husband, "may
interest you."
He adjusted his eye glasses and read it aloud:--
"Dear Lady Ruth,--I am leaving London today for several weeks. With
the usual inconsistency of the person to whom life is by no means a
valuable asset, I am obeying the orders of my physician. I regret,
therefore, that I cannot have the pleasure of entertaining your
husband and yourself during Cowes week. The yacht, however, is
entirely at your disposal, and I have written Captain Masterton to
that effect. Pray extend your cruise, if you feel inclined to.--I
remain, yours sincerely, W."
Mr. Barrington looked at his wife inquiringly.
"That seems to me entirely satisfactory, Ruth," he said. "I think that
he might have added a word or two of acknowledgment for what you did
for him. There is no doubt that, but for your promptness, things might
have gone much worse."
"Yes," Lady Ruth said slowly, "I think that he might have added a few
words."
Her husband regarded her critically.
"I am afraid, dear," he said, "that all this anxiety has knocked you
up a little. You are not looking well."
"I am tired," she answered calmly. "It has been a long season.
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