New Oregon plaindealer. (New Oregon, Iowa) 1859-1866, 1860-08-31
"}WhOle Number 5H,H


meant to insult him. '" '.. .
The opera was over at last, and re-
sisting for the first time Helen's allu-
ring glances, and Mrs. Mortimer's ear
nest invitation to come in and spend an
hour at cards, Phillip hastened home
ward in time to see carriage driy G
rapidly away from the door. Bertha
was already unbinding her tresses when
he entered her chamber: and in answer
to his questions she only answered
carelessly. wa iii ia0a s,@}se
eyes, I had an opportunity, and
thought would improve it. You know
it looks 50 stupid for married people to
be always to gether in puddle. Leonard
is an old friend Of mine, and, am
glad he has returned; I shall enjoy his
society very much" s@ .a
She was only repeating words which
Phillip had used many time, when
praising the beauty and grace of some
new acquaintance; but they did not
seem very satisfactory now, for he only
mnttered "humph!" in a discontented
way, and was silent.
Bertha saw the success of her scheme,
and laughed mischievously as she lay
down to slumber, and dream perchance
of the slei ghride she was to enjoy with
her friend on the morrow. Phillip had
to ride, too, with Mrs. and Miss Nor
timer; and so it CHANGED that the two
parties met on the crowded thoroughfare
and he had just time to catch a laugh
ing glance and the wave of a little
gloved hand from his wife as the sleighs
dashed past each other. He spent that
evening at home, but not alone with his
wife; Percy was there, and Bertha chat
ted with him and played for him, and
the sang together songs replete with
love and sentiment-songs which he re.
minded her they had sung often and
often together in Golden time A,
last, angry with himself, his wife, ant
and his guest, Phillip left the room, ex
cusing himself on the plea of business
but adding, that 1.-TWO such old friends
must have so much to say to each 9th.
cr, that third person would be almost
an intruder Mr.. Percy looked sur.
prised, but Bertha answered: smilingly
ooh, Yes, Leonard, and I have plen
ty of subjects for conversation 4"
Leonard, indeed!' growled Phillip
on his way to the library. "Confound
the fellow-what does he mean with his
old songs? -. ". ~,
He remained alone till the visitor
departed, and could hardly believe his
eyes when he saw through the hall
open door, Percy imprint a kiss upon
the brow of his wife, which she received
as quite matter of course.
"Pray, do all your friends take their
departure in that loving manner!" he
asked, as she entered the library.
"Oh, no! but Leonard is privileged
character, and besides, / am endeayor.
ing to bring my old-fashioned notions
Of propriety to a more modern standard
| hope to become accustomed to these
improvements in time, and to take then
as easily and gracefully as some Of you,
favorite ladies do--Miss Mortimer 70,
instance, 1 have noticed that you rare
ly meet or part with her without some
such harmless liberties"
1t was true that in the first days O
his fascination for the bold beauty h.
had often praised her gay manners tt
his wife, but it was strange how differ
emily these things looked from a differ
ent point of view. a} @o
''But Miss Mortimer is unmarried
and besides it was all joke, our meet
ing and parting in that way" he an
swered.
| ;'Vcry we'll, Percy is unmarried, ant
we call our parting a joke, ifyou please,
was the reply.
GAS you will; but / don't admire
such jokes, Iassure you.
s:What! jealous, Phillip? and 1 have
hon,, In po.o.,,a ooxana L.