Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-01-09
MISCELLANEOUS.
The WiEe's Ruse.

':Don't sit up for me tonight, Bertha. p
said Philip Graham one pleasant evening, as
he went to bestOw parting kiss on his wife
sweet lips, L have engaged to take Mrs. Nor
timer and Miss Ellen TO the opera tonight,
and may return late
Too hear Yestill. Oh, how delig htful, I
had forgotten that she was to sing tonight.
Why mag | not be one OF the party?"
You might, l suppose, but really you
90 so littie--L did not mention 1t 70 them"
Never mind, L can 60 some other time,
l dare say"
'.Oh. yes, go tomorrow night, If you
like"
Very we'll, that will do"
Good night, then my love- and with an
other kiss Bertha was left alone.
Dear handsome fellow. she sighed, throw
ing herself down on the low IoungIOg chair
by the lireside, so good and so kind, if he
din'nt care so much for society and il that
gay widow and her bold daughter would let
him alone. The third evening this week he
has spent in company with them. True,
was at that stupid party, but l am sure they
eugrossed much more of his attention than |
did and others noticed it too. One prime
maid asked me if [ was not jealous, aud that
lachrymose Mrs. Pryum who is always groan-
ing. cast up her eyes and pressed my hand in
token of sympathy, when L bade her good
night. No, | am not jealous but L wonder
how he would like to have me firt so. |
have half a mind to try it, If l only
knew any one liked well enough
A sharp tinke of the door bell startled her,
and moment after, a tall gentleman, NOUS
tached and whiskered almost alarmingly, en-
tered the room. Bertha manifested little
surprise half of terror. but the words,
My dear Bertha, have you forgotten me-
had not entirely passed the strangers lips,
ere she was in his arms. exclaimlng:
Leonard dear Leonard Welcome home =
But where is your husband. dearest 2 he
asked, half an hour later, when she had ask
ed and answered many rapid question. Il
wonder be can be tempted to leave this pleas
ant little home, and sweet wife single even
ing
He has gone to the opera she answered
hesitating slightly
Without you? But l suppose you have
some little whim to excuse you-tired of the
sumo You should spend winter In the
ciate your privileges ne said laughing!y.
is it TOO late yet ? VIII you go with
me- Let me be YOUR cavalier once more as
in old times
An idea occurred to Bertha: here was an
excellent opportunity to put into execution
the plan which she was thinking of when he
arrived What would prevent her: Moth
ing she resolved and her answer was,
Il shall be delighted. Pm sure L will be
ready In few moments
Resting gracefully upon the crimson cush-
ions sat the fair Mrs Mortimer aud her fair
daughter Helen Mortimer, dressed with regal
magnifcence, and her gorgeous attire suited
well the dark style of her beauty. A smile
of triumph shone In her flashing eyes, as she
listened 10 the fattering remarks of Philip
Graham, whose very distinguished appear
ance, and polished manners. made him most
agreeable companion, aud to whose good Off
ces she trusted for admittance to circles from
which her bold gayety aud freedom of man
ner 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 society. little
dreaming that pain or anxiety was caused by
his conduct, since no word or act Of Berths's
hintsd az much