The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1861-04-02
TIE WIFE'S RUSE.

"Don't sit up for mo to night, Bertha" sale
Philip Graham ono pleasant evening as h,
went to bestow a parting kiss on his wife
sweet lips. 81 have engaged to take Mrs
Mortimer and Miss Ellen to tho opera to
night and may return late
"To hear Vestill. Oh, how delightful,
had forgotten that she was to sing tonight
Why may | bo one Of the party"
"You might, | suppose, but REALLY you
60 so little did not mention it to them.
Never mind, | can SO some other time
dare say
"oh, yes, go tomorrow night, if you
like"
"Very well, that will do
GOOD night, then my love-, and with
another kiss Bertha was left alone
Dear handsome fellow" she sighed
throwing herself down on the loungng chair,
Tho cares too much for society ,aud if 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 am sure they
engrossed much moro OF bis attention than |
did; and Others noticed it too. One prim
maid asked me if | was not jealous, and that
lachrymose Mrs Pryum who is always groan
ing cast up her eyes and pressed my hand
TO token Of sympathy, when bade her good
night. No, am not jealous; but wonder
how he would like mo to flirt so. have
half a mind 10 try it, if only knew any one
| liked well enough
a sharp tiuk!e of the dcor bell startled hor
and a moment more tall gentleman, mous-
tachel and whi,kered almost alarmingly, en-.
tered the room. Bertha manifested little
surprise, half of terror, but the words
MY dear Bertha, have you forgotten me 7"
had nct entirely passed the strangers lips ERE,
she was in his arms exclaiming:
"Lconardl dear Leonardo Welcome
home
But where is your husband, dsarestl' he
asked, half an hour later, when she had ask.
cd and answered many rapid question. IL
wonder how he can be tempted to leave this
pleasant home and sweet wife single eve.
ming
ole has gone to the opera" she answered
hcstating slightly.
Without YOU? But suppose you have
some little whin to excuse you-tired of the
prima donua, or something Of the kind Il pre-
sumo. You should spend winter in the
mining districts in order to appreciate your
privileges, y he said laugtingly.
"ls it t o late yet! vii you 90 with me !!
Let me be your cavalier orce more as in old
time"
An idea occurred to Bertha; here was an
excellent opportunity to put into execution
the plan which she was thinking Of when he
arrived, and her answer was
81 shall be delighted I'm sure; will be
ready in few moments
Resting gracefully upon the crimson cush.
ings sat the fair Mrs. Mortimer and her fairer
daughter Helen Mortimer, dressed with real
maanificcnce, and her gorgeous attire suited
well the dark style Of her beauty. a smile
Of triumph sloue in her flashing eyes as size
listened to the flattering remarks Of Philip
Graham whose very distinguished appearance,
polished manners made him most agreeable
companion, and to circles for which her bold
gayety and freedom Of manner might other
wise detar her.
AS for Philip Graham, though he nevor
would have dreamed Of such woman for the
quiet atmosphere of homo vet he loved to
while away an hour in her society, little
dreaming what pain or anxiety was caused by
his conduct, since no word or act of Bertha's
hinted as much
"See Graham" exclaimed Miss Mortimer,
SIS not that your wife in the box opposite us :"
"Bertha, | declare! How came sho here
and with stranger too!' said Philip, look
ing in the direction indicated.
"Then you don't know him!' said Miss
Mortimer. avery elegant in appearance and
very much devoted to his fair lady, | should
say: some old lover presume" :"
excuse me, Miss Mortimer, my wife is too
lady like for indelcacy," he answered stcrnly.
"Ofended, Philip? and with me'' she
said, turning her eyes pleadingly toward him.
"Pardon me, did bu. Jest"
She laid her ungloved hand upon his arm.
But the arts which had charmed and dazze1
the young husband had lost their power, and
he only answered politely her expression Of
regret.
Bertha met bis gaze Of surprise, smiling
but soon seemed absorbed in the music and
the remarks Of her companion whose interests
in her comfort was sufficiently apparent. lie
seemed well known amorg tho audience too !;
for the watchful Philip noticed many bows
and smiles Of recognition.
IHNIc - M' . 'vluIHB, VINO hUOWh every
body; | will ask him the namc Of your wire's
attendant said Mrs. Mortimer, WHO had
marked with surprise the discomposuro Of
Of Graham, whom, she had supposed too
mucl man Of tho world to care for his
wife.
"Mr Golding, pray tell me the name Of
the gentleman opposite-tho one with mag.
nifcent beard and dark eyesl
"Who! Why, I declare! it is my old
friend, Leonard Percy. Ilo must have ar
rived to-day. He has been absent four years.
must 90 round and see him. ! see he
has found Mrs. Graham already. | congrat-
ulate you, sir, lie continued; tsrning to
Philip.
Congratulate me For wlatf' muttered
Philip in surprise, dim idea entering his
brain that Mr.. Goidirg meant to insult him.
The opera was over at last, and resisting
IIelen's alluring gancosand Mrs. Mortimer 3
earnest invitation 10 come and spend an hour
at cards. Phillip hasteued horneward in
time to see carriage drive rapidly from the
door. Bertha was already uubin ding her