Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1859-09-20
A STARTLING SURPRISE.

curious circumstance has come to our
knowledge. says one of our Western exchanges
recently, which, though creating much talk
among certain parties, has been hushed up as
much ss possible, and a il does not seem like
ly to proceed farther, we suppress names. A
gentleman and his wife some time since settled
in Rockford; shortly after their arrival they
made, among others, the acquaintance Of
young and beautiful widow who had the repu
tatiOn of being great flirt. The gentleman
up to this time, had been q most devoted hus-
band, and though there seemed to be a mutual
attraction between himself and the gay widow
whenever they met, the wife, confident Of his
affection, suspected nothing. Matters pro-
gressed, how rapidly she did not know, until
the beginning Of this week when husband wife
and widow were invited to tea at the house of
a friend 1t was an agreeable social party and
the company were apparently enjoying Them
selves highly, when the wife, vino had been
chatting with friends on the piazza. entered
the parlor and seated herself in the shadow of
window, the heavy damask curtains of which
separated her from teie-a-.stG which stood in
arecess. The parties occupying the tCie-a-tPie
were her husband and the fascinating widow ;
and what was her astnn;shmeni when their low
tones became fully sudible % her strained ears
to hnd that they were arranging the prelimi-
naries OF an elOpement, TO take place that very
night, Matters were to be arranged so that
ing, while the husband, in the most natural
manner in the world, would offer to drive home
the beautiful widow. Instead of going home
however, they were to go Immediately to the
cars, and leave on the eIevcn-o' clock train.
The discovery was So unexpected and the
shock so great that the poor wife almost faint
ed. She was determined, however, not to be-
tray her knowledge of the guilty scheme until
the proper time came, and. recovering herself
glided from the fatal seat. and tried to enter
into conversation az usual Of course she was
not greatly surprised when her husband shortly
aIterward afectiOnately advised her to 90 home
with Mr.. and Mrs. -. who were going their
way, as he himself had TO go to his Office short
ly. and might be detained till late. She made
no objection, but putting on her bonnet and
bidding adieu to her entertainers started for
home, to the great relief of the guilty couple
who had feared some trouble in getting rid of
her. Immediately on arriving at home, the
wife proceeded to pack a carpet bag with a
pile of shirts, and other neces.aries and start
ed on foot for the house where her husband
still remained. She hid herself in the shadow
OF the trees and waited, but not long. Soon
her husband and the widow exchanged GOOD
night with their hostess the latter remarkiny
IN lively tone. that she should certainly tell
his wife. They seated themselves comfort
ably IN the vehicle. when the wife without
bonnet or shawl, suddenly walked to the side
OF the carriage and said quietly at the same
time holding up the carpet bag,
l ID, don't go without your shirts the mercy
knows when you will get any mOre,'
The blank astOnishment Of the two NAV be
imagined. The simple words, however, pro-
duced the most eOmplets reaction in the feel
lngs OF the faithless husband. lie looked into
the pale face Of his wife. sud met her clear
gaze, aud saw that she knew all lie said :
" NJ, We must take Mrs - home, and then
L will tell you how it happened" " They did
take Mrs - home. aLd left her there The
husband aud wife seem affectionate and de-
voted as ever; but the widow is dissatisfied
with society at the West, and thinks of going
East this fall