Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1857-07-02

lous, for he knew the truth of her character;
nor offended, Sut hurt. Almost any price
would have paid for the bright return anoth-
Ter received for simple act, the double of
which on his part, woul ID scarcely receive a
passing notice.
Not long after this, Mr.. Archer saw his
wife drop her handkerchief Stepping for
ward, from where he stood talking with a
lady, be lifted it from thu floor and placed it
in her hand. His eyes were fixed upon her
lcountspsnce, but she did not so. much as
return his lock, nor make the slightest ac-
knovledgement, merely receiving the hand.
lkerchief with quiet Indifference, in strik-
ing contrast with the way in which she had
taken the glove from another's hand. Mr..
Archer was disappointed. The dropping
flowers in his heart were pining for sun
beans, and be hoped for few bright rays.
But they were not given.
A lsdy to whom Mrs. Archer had been in
troduced that evening and who was stran-
ger to both herself and husband, sat BY her
side. They had been conversing with some
an imation, and were interested in each
other. The lady was struck BY the marked
difference with which Mrs. Archer received
these two slight attentions from different
gentlemen. She had observed the polite
response made when the glove was handed
to its owner, ,snd was pleased with the grace
full manner of her new acquaintance. The
cold, almost repulsive way in which she ac-
cepted the handkerchief, was thereby no.
ticed the more distinctly. She saw that the
Individual who presented it,was disappointed
if not hurt. Her in ference was natural.
The gentleman is no favorte of yours,
she remarked.
what gentleman Mrs. Archer looked
curious.
He who lifted your handkerchief just
now
sWhy do you think sor There vas
slightly amused express ion in the corners
of Mrs. Archer's mouth.
You treated him very coldly-almost
rudely, thought-pardon me for saying SO
quite differently from the way in which
you treated the gentleman who picked up
yon- glove few minutes ago.
A smile spread over the countenance of
Mrs. Archer. Il
ooh, he's only my husband!' she made
answer.
the one who lifted the gloyel'
'No-the one who gave me my banker
chief'
'Only your husbands
The lady spoke in tone that Mrs. Arch
er could not help feeling as rebuke.
He's my husband said she. 'and does not
expect me to be particularly ceremonious
he picked up my handkerchief as thing
of course. The other was mere acquaint-
ance, half stranger in fact-and mere
formal acknowledgment Of his polite atten-t
tion could not have been omitted without
rudeness.'
Sim afiaid,' said the lady guardedly, so as
not 70 give lefence, that some OF US are
scarcely lust TO Our husbands in the matter
of exterior courtesy. know that | had
not been and lesson once received will
never be forgotten
The ewes of Mrs. Archer turned, by
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 upon his countenance which
the strong light instead of obliterating,
made more distinctly visible--a look OF dis
appointment, that was almost sad.
A new thought flashed into the mind OF
Mrs. Archer, aud touched her with feel
ing of tender self-upbraiding. Was it pos
sible that her husband had felt her manner
as cold, or Indifferent! Was it possible
that he had noticed the blandness of her
manner towards one who was but little less
than stranger, and contrasted it as the
lady had done. with her seeming in differ
ence TO herself! 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 seeking some object pleassnter
to look upon. For some time Mrs. Archer
continued gazing at her husband, but he did :
not look towards her again. She sighed,
and letting her eyes fall remained lost in
thought fo. some moments. Then turning
to the lady who sat by her said. and who
was observing her closely, she said with "a
smile half forced
sYou have set me to thinking
sand in the tight direction. | hope was
frankly responded.
Il think so'
Watching tor good opportunity, when
she knew her husband was near her, aud
could not help noticing the fact, she pur-
posely disarranged light scarf that was
laid over her shoulders. Instantly he STEP
ped forward and drew it into place.
Thank you, DEAR she said quickly, with
a smile on her lip, and pleasant light in
her eye. They we're not counterfeit, but
real; for Mrs. Archer truly loved her hush
and, and she was pleased with any little at
tention at home or abroad. But he being
sonly husband she had, like too many 9TH
ers, omitted the form of acknowledgment,
becau use he must know that the feeling was
in her heart.
What change came instantly into her
husbands face! What look of pleasant
surprise, almost grateful in its expression!
Verify, she had her reward! How tenderly
he leaned towards her and what a new
meaning was in its tones. as he remarked
on some topic of the hour. And did not
her heart leap up at those signs o: the af-
fect,on that was in his heart, still warm
and .like-still pleased with tokens Of
kindness, and ready to reward them twenty |
fold. Away back through many years, her
thoughts went Ito the May-time of their
Young love, when they lived in the light of
each others eyes, and though. no music as
sweet as the melody of each others voices.
The time seemed long to Mrs. Archer
tina, they were required by etiquette 10 re-
main: she desired to be alone with her hus-
band. Not so much was said by either as
they walked home-ward that night; but the
hand of Mrs, Archer clung with closer pres.
sure than usual to the arm of her husband
II