Quasqueton guardian. (Quasqueton, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1856-1858, 1857-03-14
QUAsQUEToN BUCHANAN COUNTY IOWA SATURDAY MARCH H. 1851

CQ OI lON, UCIl1IVhlV
introduced that evening, and who was a
stranger to both herself and husband, sat
by her side. They had been conversing
with some animation and were interest
ed in each other. This lady was struck
by the marked difference with which Mrs.
Archer received these two slight atten-
tions from different gentlemen. She had
observed the polite response made when
] the glove. was handed to its owner, and
! GaS seAsswith the graceful manner Of
her new acquaintance. The cold, almost
repulsive way in which she accepted the
handkerchief was therefore noticed the
more distinctly. She saw that the indi-
vidual who presented it was disappointed
l-if not hurt. Her inference was natu-
raj.
The gentleman is no favorite of yours,
she remarked.
What gentleman 2 Mrs. Archer look
ed curious.
He who lifted your handkerchief just
now
Why do you think so p There was
a slightly amused expression in the cor
ncrs of Mrs Archer's mouth.
/
You treated him very coldly-almosi
rudely, l thought-pardon me for saying
so-quite differently from the way in
which you treated the gentleman who
picked up your glovea few minutes ago.
A smile spread over the countenance Of
Mrs Archer.
'oh, he's only my husband = she
made answer.
The one who lifted the glove 2
No-thc one who gave me my hand
kerchief.'
r Only your husband T
The lady spoke in a tone that Mrs. Ar
cher could not help feeling as rebuke.
He's my husband, she said, and
doesn't expect me to be particularly GER
emonious. He picked up my handker-
chief as a thing of course. The other
was mere acquaintance---halfa a stranger
in fact--and mere formal acknowledge
ment of his polite attention could not
have been omitted without rudeness.'
lam afraid, remarked the lady guard
edly, so as not to give offence, that some
of us are scarcely just to our husbands
in this matter of exterior courtesy.
know that have not been, and a lesson
The eyes Of Mrs. Archer turned, by a
kind of instinct, towards her husband
He was standing near brilliant gas lamp,
the light of which was falling clearly ON
his face. His glance was upon the floor.
There was shadow ON his countenance
which the. strong light, instead of oblit-
Grating, made more distinctly-a look Of
disappointment, that was almost sad.
A new thought flashed into the mind
of Mrs. Archer, and touched her with a
feeling of tender self-upbraiding. Was
it possible that he had noticed the bland
ness of manner towards one who was but
little less than a stranger, and contrasted
it, as the lady had done, with her SEEM
ing indifference to himself? Her eyes
were still on his face, when he lifted his
own from the floor, and turned them full
upon her. They were dull and spiritless.
A little while they fingered upon her,
and then moved slowly away, as if seek
ing some object pleasanter to look upon.
For some time, Mrs. Archer continued
gazing at her husband, but be did not
look towards her again. She sighed and
letting her eyes fall, remained lost in
thought for some moments. Then turn
ing to the lady who sat by her side, and
who was observing her closely, she said,
with a smile half forced
You have set me to thinking
- And in the right direction, / hope
was frankly responded. -
think So
Watching for a good opportunity, when
she knew her husband was near her, and
could not help noticing the fact, she pur-
posely disarranged light scarf that was
laid over her shoulders. Instantly. he
stepped forward and drew it into place.
Thank you, dear she said quickly, a
smile on her lip, and a pleasant light in
her eye. They were not counterfeit, but
real for Mrs. Archer truly loved her
husband, and was pleased with every lit
tie attention. .at home or abroad But he
being sonly her husband. she had .slike'
far too many Others, omitted the form Of
acknowledgment, because he must know
that the feeling was in her heart. !.
What change came Instantly into her