Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1857-06-04
ompIain of reduced luxuries-nay, even of pov

| W
brought me-"
Thus even adverse fortune without could
only throw passing shadow on that blessed,
united home
The birth of their son drew little nearer the
hearts of Sir Francis Lester and his wife, but
their life had been too long troubled current
to receive more than temporary calm. When
Sir Francis stopped from usual dignifed reserve
to fondle his child, with the pride of new
made father, these caresSes, after the first
pleasure was over gave a jealous pang to Emil
ly's heart She was absolutely jealous of the
babe, attributng her husbands more frequent
society tc his delight in his son and heir She
even doubted the increased fondness Of man
ner that he evnced toward herself until re-
pulsed by her GOODNESS and vague hints, he
again sought abroad the comfort that was
denied him in his splendid but joyless home
From that home Sir Francis became more
and more estranged. His wife rarely saw him
in the day and midnight often found him alb
sent If she complained, or questioned him
whittier he was going, or where he had been
his sole answer was silence or naughty reserve
In the early days of their marriage, Emily had
often won her way, even against her husbands
will, by tears or caresses. But the former
were useless now the latter she was too proud
to try Only the shadow of her oden love lin
gered in the wfes heart and in its stead had
come dlstrust, and Jealousy, and wounded
pride
One morning daybreak saw Lady Lester re-
turning from ball alone for her husband now
seldom accompanied her. AS she entered, her
first inquiry of the heaVy-eyed domestic was,
if his master had returned He had not and
this was only one of the many nights that Sir
Francis had outstad the daylight. Lady Les
! ter compressed her lips in anger and retired
but she had scarcely gained her room ere Sir
| Francis entered
Yon are out late ?" said Emily He made
no answer. Where have you been 7" she
continued
Nowhere of consequence--at least not to
you"
Sir Francis Lester you are mistaken" an
Swered Emily, trying to speak calmly, though
she trembled violently. Il have right to
know where you go and what you do-the
| right of a wife"
Do not annoy yourself and me l never
interfere with your proceedings"
Because you know there is no evil in them.
| have nothing to hide which you have"
How do you know that 2"
| Because, if you were not doing wrong,
why should you stay out night after night, as
now. There must be cause for this and
shall | tell you what | think-what the world
thinks That you gamble !"
The world lies :" cried Sir Francis-the
words Kissing through his white lips but he
became calm in moment. beg your par
don, Lady Lester | will say good night"
Answer me, Francis !" said his wife, much
agitated. Where do you 60, and why ?
Oh tell me-"
al will not" replied he. "The curiosity
of wife who doubts her husband is not worth
gratifying Good night"
Emily pressed her throbbng forehead against
the cushions of sofa, and wept long in silence
and solitude. Ere morning dawned upon her
! sIeepless eyes she had resolved what to do
| will know" muttered the unhappy wife, as
she thought over the plan on which she had
determined "Come what may, | will know
where he goes. He shall find | am equal to
him yet"
Two days after, Sir Francis Lester, his
wife and mother, were seated at the we'll
| lighted dinner table. There was no other
guest-a rare circumstance, for a visitor was
ever welcome to break the dull tedum of a
! family tetea-tPte Alas for those homes in
which such is the case ! Silently and formal
ly sat Lady Lester at the head of her hus-
| bands table How heerleSS it was in its cold
grandeur with the servants gliding stcalthily
about, and the three who owned this solemn
state exchanging few words of freezing c-
Witty, and then relapsing into silence. When
the servants had retired, Sir Francis uttered
few words in his usual tone-perhaps lit
tie kinder than ordinary-to his wife ; but she
made no effort to reply, and he turned to his
mother. They talked awhile, and then the ell
der Lady Lester ro Sc to retire.
Emily's pale cheek grew a shade winter as
che said, Before we leave, | have a word to
say to my husband"
Sir Francis lifted his eyes, and his mother
observed sharply, Perhaps had better re-
tire ?"
| "As you wll," Lady Lester replied, with
sneermg emphasis Oh, how different from
sweet Emily Stratford of old ! " But it might
be an unpleasant novelty to Sir Francis to
| hear his wife without his mothers presence"
What is all this 2" coldy said the hus-
band.
Merely, Sir Francis, that what you refus-
ed to tell me- have learned. / know where
and how you pass the evenings in which your
wife is not worthy to share your society
know also where you spent last night. A no
BILE thing, very noble thing, for Sir Francis
Lester to be squandering his own-ay, and
his wife's-fortune-in gaming-house !"
! Sir Francis started from the table 1t is
false p' he said, while the blue veins rose like
knots on his forehead
"It is true," Emily answered "I know
it."
May ask how ?"
by the evidence of one who saw you en-
ter the house"
| "And shall l tell you, Francis how th5
evidence was gained ?" said his mother, in the
calm. biting tone. she well knew how to use.