M'arthur Democrat. (McArthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1853-1865, 1856-11-06

/ NOulu Ndlh VII AOkFAllNls p' Nuu-
tionmg his wife not TO remain out until the
dew Ipll, went into the house alone, and the
auondam school girls walked Oh in the gath
rrimg twilight, chatting pleasantly of the ol-
den times, and Of Mary's exquisite hus-
band"
1t was quite dusk when she again turned
homeward. She walled rapidly, lest Henry
should be alarmed for her safety; at the same
time wondering little that he did not come
in search Of her. and half hoping she might
find him "iust the least offended Hurried.
ly she closed the gate, and bounded up the
gravel walk. Her husband sat upon the
piazza in the shadow Of pillar, and she was
rushing past withou. seeing him, when he
suddenly sprang up, and caught her by the
arm.
mot quite so fast, madam, fyou please, y
said he. in constrained tones, that sent q
thrill through Mary's frame; "have you an
other letter from your admirer, that you make
such haste7"
"What do you mean, Heny7 | have no
letter, - she exclaimed looking him full in
the face. with a vague fear that lie was deran-
ged crossing her mind.
He made no answer, but led her 10 The
lighted psrlor, and still retaining her arm,
seated her upon the sofa, and with the other
hand held letter before her.
Have you not met Edward Beam sec
ond time this evening"" he asked, stern
ly.
" Mo-" was her answer, in ialtering, yet
indignant tones. al met him but once, and
you were with me-"
"When, then, did he give you this let.
teri"
He did not give time. l never saw it
before"
81 found it by the gate, as | was going
out to meet you, and supposed you had
dropped it. II not, the matter is little
mended. since il isevident that the writer
placed it there for you In iind onyour return.
But anticipated you. Read
May did read, and with wonder-dilating
eyes. 1t was addressed to her, and contain.
ed eXtIavagant prOtestatOns OF affection,
with various alusionS TO former meetings
and correspondence. The signature was
simply 4. B.
well what do you think OF it?" inquir-
ed the enraged husband, sayagely, and Mary
felt the iron grippe upon her arm tighten to
painfulness.
She burst into tears. 81 know not what
10 think o! it, except that it is VI lie false
hood" was all she could arliculate.
"Do you mean to say that you never CO.
ouetted with this man, never encouraged his
advances, or deceived me in regard TO
them?"
"Neyer-never.'
"You cannot expect me 10 believe yon,
Mary, after such proof of your guilt as
hold lnmy hand. Tell me the whole truth
at once, and it shall be better for you than
deceiving me longer"
"Ikare told you the TRUTH she cried,
trembling with terror. and weeping bitterly;
"do, do believe mel What can this mean?
Oh! am so miseTabe!"
1pity you Mary, for | see that you suffer
deeply, but / cannot believe you! 1t is no
use longer denying the facts. Make full
confession at once, and if ! do not promise
TO forgive you. will. at Least, regard your
fault more lenienlly Dare you tell me-" he
continued, seeing that Mary was about TO
renew her protestation' of innocence. g that
ou have not often met the writer OF the let.
Ter, even seeking him in his Office rooms, and
exchanged vows of love and constanCy, II
so, listen, for have further proof. This da'
guerreotype found this evening in private
drawer Of your bureau" |
"Ob Henry, stop! | cannot bear. it, !
am the victim OF a conspiracy, diabollcal
plot. Isee il ALL But though !hese things
are against me, am innocent. | never
wronsed you in thought, word, or deed. /
would swesrit"
Hush! do not add PERJURY to your other
iniquity. Look at this picture, and then
say il my charges are not true. Say, ifyou
dare that you do tlove the original; that
you never vowed TO be his, and only his, for
ever! Look"
Poor Mary could scarcely see through her
binding tears. but the moment her glance |
fairly rested upon it, brightness, as OF Heav-
ems own light, illuminated her face. The
handsome, benevolent features of her own,
dear husband. He caught her in his arms:-
''Forgive me- darling he explained, "and
next time you indulge your habit Of talking
to yourself, be sure ! ain not behind the cur
tain" .. III, D.. ... ..... -....
.Oh!,Henry, | am SO relieved! How fool |
sh have been!'
"a little too romantic, love, that is ALL
But trust me Mary, no greater mistake was
ever made than to suppose that, in married
life, there can be tOomuch hOneyr-Arlhqr's
Home Magazine. v . II