The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-12-05


Two years had gone swiftly, happily by.
Mr.. and Mrs. Raymond sat at their break
fast table that morning. The room with
its appliances Of taste and luxury, was one
of those rare h me-gems, that only an artist
can appreciate.
But the little wife, behind the silver coffee
urn. in her hwn colored morning gown,
with its tassels of blue silk, was after all,
the crowning beauty of the sweet home
scene.
"Aldcn," said Mrs. Raymond as she
passed his second cup of coffee, "won't you
just put down that paper, and listen to me
n moment. You know that party you prom
iscl me, almost year ago. Well, I've de-
eided to have it next week It's just the
season for it now, and we'll make grand
effort to have it pass off we'll"
lfNlrs. Raymond had at that moment
looked narrowly at her husbands face, she
would have seen it grow pale at the mention
OF the party.
"I'm sorry, Elsic," he commenced, NOV
ing restlessly on his chair.
" Now, DON'T" interrupted the little wife
quickly, "don't, Alden, say one word
against the party, for I've quite set my heart
on having it. | told the Campbells and the
wildmans about it, more than two weeks
ago, so should die with shame to postpone
it." .
"You shouldn't have mentioned it to
them without consulting mo first"
Mr.. Raymond's tones were cold andscyere
for the first time, but his wife would have
forgiven them, had she guessed the anguish
that lay at his heart. As it was her face
flushed with anger.
Really" she answered, " | was not, un.
til this morning, aware l was responsible to
you, Mr.. Raymond, for the subjects might
choose to select for conversation with my ac'
quaintanccs. Once for all, what is the
reason you refuse me this party?"
al do not refuse it, Elsie, l only ask you
to delay it,"
81 must and will have il next week, oi
never. cannot soc why you wish me tC
postpone it, unless it be because you know
the delay will greatly annoy me-"
The young mans pale face flushed will
the pain her words had Occassioned him.
"Elsic," and his voice was quieter. and
sterner than before, "you cannot move me
by these accusations, because, you know a'
well as do, there is no truth in them.
have some heavy payments to meet this week
and that alone was the reason ormyrcquest
ins you to defer this matter. AL | have tC
say is, you viii be quito as likely to accom-
plish your wishes by presenting them in
less dictatorial manner"
1t was very unfortunate for Mr.. Raymond
that he added to his explanationthat last ro
mark; for now that he assigned motive
for the delay, his wife's heart had begun tC
soften towards him, but that last speech
hardened it again. .a.taa
al don't believe word of what your
saying, Alden Raymond" she answered
pushing back her chair, and bursting into Q
aOod of passionate tears. .'lf the money
had made any difference, you would have
told me before this day; and it's only be
cause you want to mortify me now before
the world, that you're so stingy this morn
inc. wish was back again in my Ole
home, with grandma and dear old Daisy
Who never would have spoken to mo tn
harsh, cruel words that you have just donc
wish I was back there again, and that
had never LEFT it for-and that | had ncvel
seen you, Alden Raymond! J" 80.
And springing from her scat. the ladl
burst out Of the room, and her husband
made no attempt to detain her. He ONLY
leaned his head on bis hands, and groane'
deeply. II was the last drop IN his cup o
bitterness.
An hour later the young merchant wa
+ walking up and down his counting-roon
with restless step, ana haggard face. =
There had come sudden revulsi9n in tn
r.rrn.Iaf rfEI t.