The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1860-02-02
The WIfe's RuSe.

ir his wife's sweet lips. II have engaged t.
take Mrs. Mortimer and Ellen 10 the Oper,
!. to night, and may return late"
ITO hear Vestilli? Oh, delight
d had forgotten she was going to sing to- nigh,
Z Why may not be of your party?''
"You might. suppose; but really yo,
90 little-I did not mention it 10 them
and"
"Never mind: l can go some other time,
dare say"
)! "Oh yes. tomorrow night. if you like"
"Vsry we'll. that will do"
"Good night, then. my love-" and with
another kiss Bertha was left alone.
. dear. handsome fellow" sighed she
: throwing herself down 10 the low, lounging
chair by the fireside; $50 good and kind il
he only didn't care SO much for society; and
il 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
l am sure they engrossed more Of his atten-
ton than did. and others noticed il too
One prim old maid asked if | was not ieal.
Gus. and that lachrymose Mrs Pryum. who
Is always groaning over human depravty,
cast up her eyes and pressed my hand in
token of sympathy when / bade her good
night. No. am not jealous; but wonder
how he would like to have me flirt SO. l
have half mind to try it. if only knew
any one liked well enough"
a sharp tinke Of the door bell startled
her. and a moment alter a tall gentleman
moustached and bewhiskered most alarming
ly. entered the room Bertha manifested a
little surprise. half Of terror, but the words,
my dear Berth. have you forgtton me?"
had hardly passed the strangers lips. ere she
was IN his arms exclaiming:
Leonard! dear Leonard welcome home"
but where is your husband. dearesl?"
asked he. half an hour later. when she had
asked and answered many a rapid question
l wonder he can be tempted to leave this
pleasant home and sweet little wife for
single evening"
He has gone to the opera, answered she.
hesltatiug slightly
Without you? but | suppose you have
some little whim 10 excus. you--tired of the
prima donna. or something of the kind.
presume. You should spend winter in the
mining districts OF California in order to sp-
preciate your privileges" said he, lsu ching
ly.
mo; have never heard Madame Vesiel-
ii, and should really have done so tonight,
but circumstances prevented
"Is it too late yet? Will you go with me.
Let me be your cavalier once more, as used
to be in the old time!'
An idea occurred to Bertha here was An
excellent opportunity to put in execution the
plan Of which she was thinking. when he ar
rived. What should prevent her? nothing;
she resolved, and her answer was, Il shall be
delighted. I'm sure; l shall be ready in a
few moments
Resting gracefully on the crimson cushion
sat the fair Mrs. Mortimer. and her fairer
daughter, Helen Mortimer, dressed with al
most regal splendor. and her gorgeous at
tire suited we'll the dark brilliant style of her
beauty. A smile OF triumph and grati6ed
vanity shone in her flashing eyes as she list
ened to the hatteriPg remarks of Phillip Gra-
ham, whose distinguished appearance, pol
ished manners and ready wit. made him a
most agreeable companion, and to whose
good Offices she trusted for admittance to cir
cles from which her bold gayety and freedom
of manner might otherwise debar her As
for Philip Graham. though he never would
have dreamed Of such woman for the quiet
atmosphere of home, yet he loved to while
away an hour in her company. little dreaming
that pain and anxiety was caused by his
conduct. since no word or act Of Bertha's
limited as much.
See, Graham. is not that your wife?" ex-
claimed Mrs. Mortimer-''in the box oppo-
site us?''
and with a stranger. too! said Philip looking
in the direction indicated.
Then YOU don't know him." said Miss
Mortimer. 'Nery elegant in appearance,
and very much devoted to his fair lady.
should say; some old lover. presume
Excuse me, Miss Mortimer, but my rife
is too lady like for indelicacy," answered he,
sternly.
Offended, Phillip? aud with mel said
she, bending her lus.rous eye plssdingly up
on him. Pardon me, 1 did but jest:" and
she laid her ungloved, snow-whi,e hand up
On his arm. But the arts which had charm
I'd and dazzled the young husband had lost
Iheir power. and he only answered politely
her expressions OF regret. Bertha met his
gaze OF surprise smiling. but soon seemed
absorbed in the music, and the remarks of
her companion whose interes, in her comfort
WAS sufficiently apparent He seemed well
known among the audience, too--for the
watchful Philip noticed many bows and
smiles OF recognition. There is Mr. Col
dsn, who knows everybody; will ask him
the name of your wife's attendant" said Mrs.
Mortimer. who had marked with surprise The
of Graham. whom. as she told
her daughter afterwards, she had supposed
too much of . man Of the world to care for
his wife.
"Ar. Golding. pray tell me the name of
the gentleman opposite; the one with the
beard and dark eyes,
"Whoe why. declare! it is my old friend
Leonard Percy! Must have arrived to-day.
he has been four years absent. I mus, go
round and see him. see he has found Mrs.
Graham already. congratulate you. sir"
continued he. turning to Philip.
Congratulats me, for scAat." muttsred
rhiiip IN surprise-a dim idea entering his
Drain that Ellen was right in her conjecture
that Mr.. Goiding meant to insult him.
The opera was over At last, and resisting
TOR the hrst time Helen's alluring glAnces,
and Mrs. Aortimer's earnest invitations to
come IN and spend an hour at cards. Philip
haSseped home Eard in TIA u. 80