New Oregon plaindealer. (New Oregon, Iowa) 1859-1866, 1860-08-31

ed to leave this pleasant little home and
sweet little wife for a single evening"
Gle has gone to the opera she an
svered, hesitating slightly. od5 ~ n9l
without you2 But I suppose you
have some little whim to excuse YOU
tired Of. the prima donna, or something
Of the kind, I presume. You should
spend winter In the mining district
Of California, in order to appreciate
your privileges, he said, laughingly.
"No, I have never heard Madam V er
tell, and should readily have done so
tonight, but circumstances prevented.
"lt is not tho late yet? Will you 90
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 exc
cution the plan which she was thinking
of when he arrived. What should pre-
vent her? Nothing, she resolved; and
her answer was, ....
II shall be delighted, I'm sure; I
will be ready in few moments"
Resting gracefully upon the crimson
cushions, sat the fair Mrs. Mortimer,
and her fairer daughter, Helen Morti-
mer, dressed with regal splendor, and
her gorgeous attire suited we'll the dark
style other beauty. A smile of triumph
and gratiied vanity shone in her fash
ing eyes, as she listened to the ilatter-
ing remarks of Phillip Graham, whose
very guishedappearance, polished
manners, and ready wit, made him a
most agreeable companion, and to whose
good Offices she trusted for admittance
te circles from which her bold gayety
and freedom Of manner might otherwise
debar her. As for Phillip Graham,
though he never would have dreamed
Of such woman for the quiet atmos-
phere Of hs.ne, yet he loved to while
away an hour in her company, little
dreaming that pain or anxiety was
caused by his condnct, since no word or
act of Bertha's limited as much. -
'See, Graham" exclaimed Miss Nor
timer, lis not that your wife in the box
opposite us?
''Bertha, [ declare! How came she
here and with q stranger too?" said
Phillip, looking in the direction indica-
ted. ...
Then you don't know him ~ said
Miss Mortimer, every elegant in ap-
pearance, and very much devoted to his
fair lady, I should say; some old lover.
I presume"
"Rxcuse me, Miss Mortimer, but nv
wife is too lady-like for indelicacy," he
answered. stcrnly. saa "oo -H.
"Offended, Phillip? and with me?"-
she said, turning her lustrous eyes plead
ing by toward him. pardon me, I did
but jest"
She laid her unglovcd hand upon his
arm. But the arts which had charmed
and dazzled the young husband had
lost their power, and he only answered
politely her expressions Of regret. Ber-
tina met his gaze of surprise, smiling,
but soon seemed absorbed in the music
and the remarks of her companion,
whose interest in her comfort was suf-
ficiently apparent. He seemed we'll
known among the audience too; for the
watchful Phillip noticed many bows
and smiles Of recognition. Ea
'There is Mr.. Golding, who knows
everybody; 1 will ask him the name of
your wife's attendant" said Mrs, Nor
timer, who had marked with surprise
the discomposure of Graham, whom, as
she told her daughter afterwards, she
had supposed too much man Of the
world to care for his wife.
"Mr, Golding, pray tell me the name
of the gentleman opposite the one with
the magnificent beard and dark eyes,"
"Who Why, declare it is my
old friend Leonard Percy. Must have
arrived to-day. He has been four years
absent. | must 60 round ahd see him.
I see he has found Mrs. Graham al.