The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1857-03-27

cold, almost repulsive way in which she nc.
c-pted the handkerchief was, therefore no.
ticed the more distinctly. She saw that the
individual who presented il, was disappoint.
edit not hurt. Her inference was natural.
"That gentleman is no favorite Of yours"
she remarked. ..- .....
"what scntleman?" Mrs. Archer look
ed curious. ....
"Ilc who lifted your handkerchief just
now" ...r .-r. f
"Why do you think so ?" There was a
slightly amused expression in the corners Of
Mrs. Aarcher's mouth. .... .... ..
"You treated him very coldly-almost
rudcly, l thought-pardon me for saying 30
quite differently FROM the way in which
you treated the gentleman who picked up
your glove few minutes ago.
A smile spread over the cOuntenance Of
Mrs. Archer. g
"0h, he's only my husband!' she made
answer. ....I d.
"The one who lifted the glove
"No-the one who gave me my handkcr-
chief" .
"Oniy your husband" .r-.
The lady spoke in tone that Mrs. Arch.
or could not help feeling US rebuks. ...
"llc's my husband, she sild, - and does
not expect me to be particularly ceremoni.
Gus. He picked up my handkerchief as u
thing Of course. The other was nero ac-
quaintance-half u stranger in fact-and a
mere formal acknowledgement Of his polite
attention could not have been omitted with.
out rudencss
Sim afraid" remarked the lady guarded
ly, 80 as not to give offence, 'taat some OF
us arc scarcely just to our husbands in this
matter OF exterior courtesy. know that
have not been; and lesson once received
will never be iorgotten.r
The eyes OF Mrs. Archer turned by sort
Of instinct, towards her husband. He was
standing near a brilliant gas lamp, the light
Of which was falling clearly ON his face
His glance was upon the floor. There was
u shadow on his countenance which tho
strong light, instead of obliterating, made
more distinctly ysible-a look ofdisappoint-
mcnt, that was almost sad. tsi a.,
Anew thought flashed into the mind of
Mrs Archer and touched her with feeling
of tender sslcupbrsiding. Was IL possible
that her husband had felt her manner cold,
or indifferent? Was it possible that he had
noticed the blandness of her manner towanfs
one who was but little less than stranger
and contrlsted it as the lady had done, with
her seeming indifference to him self? Her
eyes were still on his fee, 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 ifseeking some
object pleasanter to look upon. For some
time Mrs. Archer continued gazing at her
husband, but he did not look toward her
again. She sighed, and letting her eyes
fall remained lost in thought for somo mo.
ments. Then turning to tho lady who sat
by her side, and who was Observing her
closely, she said, with smile, half forced
"You have set me to thinking"
"And in the right direction, l hope" was
frankly responded.
"l think So"
Watching for good opportunity, when
she knew her husband was near her, and
could not help noticing the fact, she pur-
poscly disarrnged u ligh scarf that was land
over her shoulders. Instantly, he stepped
forward, and drew it into place.
"Thank you, DEAR" she said quickly, n
smile on her lip and pleasant light in her
eye. They were not oounterleit-but real /;
for Mrs. Archer truly loved her husband.
and WAS pleased with any little attention at
home or abroad. But, he being "ouly her
husband" she had like far too many Others
omitted the form of acknowledgement, be.
cause he must know that the feeling was IN
her heart.
What change came instantly into her
husbands face. What u look of pleased
surprise, almost grateful In its expression
Verify, she had her reward How tenderly
he leaned towards her, und what new
meaning was in his tones, as he remarked
on some topic of the hour. And did not
her heart leap up at these signs Of the affec.
ton that was in his heart, still warm and
lover'likc-still pleased with tokens of kind.
ness and ready to reward them twenty fold.
Away back, through many years. her thots
went to the May time of their young lore,
when they lived in the light of each Others
eyes, and thought no music so sweet rs the
melody OF each others voices.
The time seemed long to Mrs. Archer,
that they were required by etiquette to re-
main; for she desired to be alone with her
husband. Not much was said by either. as
they walked homcward that night but the
hand of Mrs. Archer cluns with closer
pressure than usual - tho arm Of her hus-
bud-and the arm held tho hand with n
returning pressure firmly against heart
that beat with quicker pula tions.
| Both time and place were soon nronitious