The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1860-09-14
No, long after this Mr. Archer saw his

lady, he lifted it from the floor and placed
it in her hand. His eyes were fixed upon
her couuteuance, but she did not so much
as return his look, nor make the slightest
acknowledgment, merely receiving the
handkerchief with Quiet Indifference, in
striking contrast witk the way in which
she had taken the glove from another's
hand. Mr.. Archer was disappointed. The
dropping flowers i'll his heart were pining
for sunheams, and he had hoped for few
bright rays. But they were not given.
A lady To whom Mrs. Archer had been
introduced that evening, and who was a
stranger to both herself and husband, sat
hy her side. They had been conversing
with some animation, and were interested
in each othor. This lady was struck by
the marked difference with which Mrs.
Archer received these two slight attentions
from different gentlemen. She had obscrv-
cd the polite response made when the glove
was handed tosits owner, and was pleased
with the graceful manner Of her new &C.
quaintauce. The cold, almost rcpulsive
way in which she accepted the handker-
chef was. therefore, noticed the more dis
tinctly. She saw that the individual who
presented it was disappointed if not hurt.
Her Inference was natural.
That gentleman is no E,vorite Of yours
she remarked.
What gentlemen Mrs. Archer looked
curious.
lie who lifted your handkerchief just
now
why do you think SOP There was a
slightly amused expression in the corners
of Mrs. ArcLsrS mouth.
You :rea.ed him very col]ly-almost
rudely, thought pardon mo for saying
so-quite differently from the way in which
you treated the gentleman who picked up
your glove few minutes ago.
A smile spread over the countcnance of
Mrs. Archer.
oh, hes only my husband = size made
answer.
The one who lifted tbs glover
'No-thc one who gave me my handker-
chief
only your husband!
The lady spoke in lone that Mrs. Arch
er con:d not he'll feeling rs a rebuke.
'IIe's-ny husband she said, 'aud doesn't
expect me io'be particularly ccremonious.
He picked up my handkerchief as thing
Aof 9co,irse. The other was mere acquain-
Efsnce-half stranger in .fact-and a
moral acknowledgment Of his polite atten-
ton could not have been omitted without
rudencss."
I'm afraid remarked the lady guarded
ly, so as not to give offence, that some OF
US are scarcely inst to our husbands in this
matter of exterior courtesy. know that
| have not been; and lesson I once re-
ceiveL will never be forgotton.'
The eyes of Mrs. Archer turned by a
kind of instinct, towards her husband
He was standing near brilliant gas lamp
the lig gtt Of which vas falling clearly on
his face. His glance was upon the floor.
There WAS shadow on his countenance
which the strong light, instead Of oblitera.
ting, made more distinctly visible-a look
Of disappointment, that was almost sad,
A new thought flashed into the mind oi
Mrs. Archer. and touched her With feeling
Of tender self upbraiding. Was it possible
that her husband had felt her manner as
cold, or Indifferent Was it. possible ,ha.
he had noticed the blandness Of her inan
ner toward one who was but little less than
a stranger, and contrasted it as the lady
had done, with her seeming indifference to
himself2 Her eyes were s,il ON his face
when be lifted his own from the floor, and
turned them full upon her, They were dull
and spirilltss. A little while they fingered
upon her, and then moved slowly away, a.
if seeking some object pleasanter to look
upon. For some time Mrs. Archer contin
ucd gazing at her husband, but he did no,
look toward her again. She sighed, and
letting her eyes fall, remained lost in
thought for some moments. Then turning
to the lady who sat by her side, and who
was Observing her closely, sbe said, with .
smile, half forced g.. . ,s... ~.
:. 'You liars set mefto thinking. 2 ;iysa3s