The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1860-01-28
it was the society of Mrs. Ross that Percival

it was the society of Mrs. Ross that Perciva
sought.
If any such desire prompted his course
ne was too circumspect to attract genera
observation, and it was only at rare inter
vals that she was seen with her hand on hi
arm, taking an evening stroll through som
OF the sylvan groves that encroached upol
the borders of the village or else drivinI
with him in his elegant buggy, then an
there an article Of luxury but seldom
found.
Chance threw no opportunity in my wa
OF becoming acquainted with Mrs. Ross
though unconsciousy, almost, felt
glowing interest in her, and often puzzle,
myself to interpret expressions of fierce de
hance and wistful longing that seemed in
termlngled on her face. ! tried to solv
the feeling that animated Percival towar,
Ross; and Notwithstanding that each da,
saw them meet rs boon companions-not
withstanding that in the then universal habi
OF play | knew Percival repeatedly, in tn
face of his well known skin, most unskil
fully to lose large sums to him, and ye
invite him again to game, thought l coult
see through the apparent friendship, a
through fimsy disguise, a deep contemp
and bitter hatred.
Several months passed away without an,
incident in their intercourse coming to my
knowledge worth narrating, until one da,
Perclval called ut my Office, and after som,
desuitory conversation, said, somewhat hesi
tating, 81 wish you had power to minister
to mind diseased" ....
Thinking that perhaps he jested, l repliet
jocularly:
"Perhaps, in your case, treatment woult
be required for chronic affection of tht
heart.'
He rose and walked the floor neryously
once or twice, and then said slowly:
''lt was not of myself that | spoke.
was thinking of Mrs. Ross"
"She is changed of late," answered s:I
is perceptible even in the transient glimpse,
| have had of her. She looks pale, and SUI
perbly scrrowful, if may so express it.'
"She seems at times torn by contendins
emotions, which, exhausting their fury, nat
urally leave her to fall into profound de-
preston, unacknowledged, perhaps unseen
by all except-except, well except one whc
feels an all absorbing interest in her well
fare, and from that she passes, physically
wrecked Of strength, and at times lies al
most IN state Of insensibility for many
subsequent hours. | have found her thus
repeatedly. She gives me no clue to he
sorrow, denies my sympathy and refuses my
aid. She is alone in the world,' he said
with a tremor almost like tears in hi
voice.
"Alone!o l CALCULATED. ''Her husband
ga brute!' speaking more unguardet
than had ever before known him. 50
brute, who holds jewel which majesty
itself might claim, and proudly boast-th
rarest of its treasures"
"An ill-sorted match, apparently"
said. in matter offact manner.
"Sold to him in the day of his prosperity
by bankrupt mercenary fa;her," he an
swered bitterly, through his clenched teeth
"Surely, be has fitting punishment heapet
on his unnatural head, by seeing her descenl
to the last round, the ladder of this man.
disgrace and blasted fortune. But it il
not for that would speak. What woult
ask of you is to accompany me to the house
She is shy of forming new acquantances
and hard to approach but possibly, as m!
friend, you may be able to establish suf
fcient degree Of intimacy to discover, un
consciously to herself, whether there is any
medical treatment that might benefit her
If earth holds remedy it shall be hers"
| hasita;ed how to act. 1t was somc
what strange state of affairs and after ,
few moments reflection, said, gravely:
"Mr. Percival, do you know you arc play
ing a dangerous game:' 20 .. 49,. ..
lie looked at me with a mixture of ,nnge
and reproach, and said quickly, and Will
emphasis:
81 am playing no game. am more hon
est probably, than ever before in my life
will not hesitate to cenfess to You that
love Mrs. Ross, but love without hope O
return, or of ever possessing her. The Law
would, doubtless, free her from this man, i
her many wrongs We're urged; but she wi!
never make the appeal. She says the powe
to do so rightfuiy has passed away; tina
she must bear all, suffer all, that he choose
to cast upon her. What it means do no
know: but whatever lies shrouded this mys
terry is what is killing her by inches. Ono
heard her darkly murmur that the act aut
time would come when she would take ven
geance in her own hands but God know
to what point her thoughts were tending
have now reposed more confidence in yor
than ever in man before. viii yo,
come?o
"Yes."