Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1860-08-24
MISCEILANY Y.
The Wne's Ruse.

Don't sit up for me tonight, Bertha"
said Philip Graham, one pleasant winter
evening, as he went to bestow a parting
kiss upon his wife's sweet lips. +" have en-
gagged to take Mrs. Mortimer and Helen to
the opera tonight, and may return late"
"To hear yestilli Oh, how delightful
| had forgotten that she was to sing to-
night Why may not be of your party?"
" You might, suppose; but I--really,
you 60 SO little-I did not mention it to
them, and"
"Neyer mind ! can go some other time,
| dare say"
"Oh yes, tomorrow night, if you like
Z. Very s.rell, s1sse will do
"Good night, then, my love-" and with
another kiss Bertha was left alone.
"Dear, handsome fellow !! :" she sighed,
throwing herself down in The low lounging
chair by the fireside; " so good and kind
if he only didn't care so much for society
and that gay widow and her bold daughter
would let him alone. The third evening
this week that he has spent in company
with them. True, was at that stupid
party, but am sure they engrossed more
of his attention than 1 did and others no.
ticed it too. One prim asked me if | was
not jealous, and that lachrymose Mrs. Pry-
um, who is always groaning. cast up her
eyes, and pressed my hand, in token of
sympathy, when / bade her good night.
No, am not jealous but wonder how
be would like TO have me firt so. / have
half mind to try it, if / only knew any
one liked well enough" -
A sharp tinkle of the door-bell startled
her, and moment after, tall gentleman,
moustached and whiskered almost alarm
insly entered the room. Bertha manifest
ed little surprise half of terror but the
words, g My dear Bertha! have you forgot
ten me? ?" had hardly passed the strangers
lips ere sac was in his arms, exclaiming:
"Leonard! dear Leonard welcome homer
| "But where is your husband, dearest F."
he asked half an hour later, when she had
asked and answered many rapid question.
/" i wonder he can be tempted to leave this
pleasant home and sweet little wife for a
single evening"
I" He has gone to the opera" she answer
ed, hesitatiug slightly.
/" Without yous But / suppose you
have some little whim to excuse you-tired
of the prima donna, or something of the
kind, l presume. You should spend win
ter in the mining districts Of California, in
order to appreciate your privileges" be
said, laughingly.
[" No. have never heard Madame Yes
| tell, and should really have done SO 70
night, but circumstances prevented
Is it too late yet? Will you go with
me? Let me be your cavalier once more,
as in the old times"
An idea occurred to Bertha; here was
an excellent opportunity TO put in execu-
ton the plan which she was thinking of
when he arrived. What should prevent her !?
Nothing, she resolved ; and her answer was,
q shall be delighted, I'm sure; will
be ready in few moments
Resting gracefully upon the crimson
cushions, SAT the fair Mrs. Mortimer, and
her fairer daughter, Helen Mortimer, dress
ed with regal splendor, and her gorgeous
attire suited well the dark style Of her
beauty. A smile of triumph and gratified
vanity shone in her flashing eyes, as she
listened to the f1attering remarks of Philip
Graham, whose very distinguished appear
ance, polished manners, and ready wit,
made him a most agreeable companion, and
to whose good offices she trusted for admit
tance to circles from which her bold gayety
and freedom of manner might otherwise
debar her, As for Philip Graham, though
be never would have dreamed of such a
woman for the quiet atmosphere OF home,
yet be loved to vile away an hour IN her
company, little dreaming that pain or anxi-
ety was caused by his conduct, since no
word or act of Bertha's limited as much.
/ sSee, Graham" exclaimed Miss Morti-
mer. is not that your wife in the box oppo-
site us?
aBertha, / declare How came she
here and with stranger, too! said Phil
ip, looking in the direction indicated,