Amador weekly ledger., 1858-04-03


these two slight attentions from different gen.
temen. She had observed the polite res
ponse made when the glove was handed to
its owner, and was pleased with the graceful
manner of her new acquaintance. The cold,
almost repulsve way in which she accepted
the handkerchief, was, therefore, noticed the
more distinctly. She saw that the individual
who presented it, was disappointed if not
hurt. Her inference was natural.
'The gentleman is no favorite of yours"
she remarked
"What gentleman 2" Mrs. Archer looked
curious
Gle who lifted your handkerchief just
now"
"Why do think 2" There was slightly
amused expression in the corners of Mrs.
Archer's mouth.
"You treat him very coldly-almost rude
ly, think-pardon me for saying so-quite
differently from the way in which you treated
the gentleman who picked up your glove a
few moments ago"
A smile spread over the countenance Of
Mrs Archer
oh, he's only my husband y she made
answer.
"The one who lifted the glove ?"
"No-the one who gave me my handker-
chief"
"Only your husband p
The lady spoke in tone that Mrs Archer
could not help feeling as a rebuke.
| "He's my husband" said she, "and does
not expect me to be particularly ceremonous
picked up my handkerchief as thing of
course. The other was mere acquaintance,
half stranger in fact-and a mere formal
acknowledgement of his polite attention
could not have been omitted without rude
ness"
"I'm afraid" said the lady guardedly, so as
not to give offence that some of US are
scarcely just to our husbands in this matter
Of exterior courtesy. | know that | had not
been; and lesson | once received will never
be forgotten"
The eyes 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 q
shadow on his countenance which the strong
light instead of obliteratng made more dis
tinctly visible-a look OF disappointment that
was almost sad.
A new thought flashed into the mind Of
Mrs. Archer, and touched her with feeling
of tender self-upbraidiug. Was it possible
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 q stranger,
and contrasted it, as the lady had done, with
her seeming 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 seeking some object pleas
anter 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 for some moments. Then
turning 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
IL think So"
Watching for a good opportunity, when
she knew her husband was near her, and
could not help noticing the fact, she purpose
" disarranged light scarf that was laid
over her shoulders. Instantly he stepped
forward and drew it into place.
''Thank you, DEAR" she said quickly, O
smile on her lip, and pleasant light in heI
eye. They were not counterfet-but real
for Mrs Archer truly loved her husband, anC
was pleased with any little attention at home
or abroad. But he being only husband she
had, like far too many others, omitted thC
form of acknowledged because he mus
know that the feeling was in her heart.
What change came instantly into hel
J husbands face What look of pleasan
|, surprise, almost grateful in its expression
Verify she had her reward How tenderly
he leaned towards her, and what new mean
ing was in his tones, as he remarked on som'
! topic of the hour And did not her hear
leap up at those signs Of the affection tina
: was in his heart, still warm and lover-like-
still pleased with tokens of kindness, anC
: ready to reward them twenty fold. Ava,
back through many years, her thoughts wen
, to the May time of their young love, whel
/ they lived in the light of each others eyes
, and thought no music as sweet as the melod,
, of each others voices.
The time seemed long to Mrs Archer tina
5 they were required by etiquette to remain
: she desired to be alone with her husband
a Not so much was said by either as the
/ walked homeward that night but the han
r of Mrs Archer clung with closer pressur
+ than usual to the arm of her husband--an
: the arm held the hand with returning pre-
: sure firmly against heart that beat wit