Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1861-01-16
THE WIFE'S RUSE.

Don't sit up for me tonight, Bertha,
said Philip Graham one pleasant evening
as he went.to 5estow parting on his wife,
sweet lips. 4 haYe engaged to take Mrs
Mortimer and Miss Ellen to the opera to.
night, and may return late
10 hear Vestill Oh, how deligL tful
l had forgotten that she was to sing to.
night. Why may not be one of the
party?
You might, l suppose, but I-really
you go so little-I did not mention it to
them
Never mind, can go some other time
| dare say
oh, yes, go tomorrow light, If You
like
Very well, that will do
Goodnight, then, my love-" and with
another kiss Bertha was left alone.
Dear handsome fellow she sighed,
throwing herself down on the low loun.
ging chair by the freside, 80 good and so
kind, if he didn't care so much for socie-
ty and 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 more of his attention than l did
and Others noticed it too. One prim maid
asked me if ! was not jealous, and that
lachrymose Mrs. Pryum, who is always
groaning, cast up her eyes and pressed
my hand in token of sympathy, when l
ba&e her good night. No, am not jeal-
Gus but | wonder how he would like to
have me ilirt SO. ! have half n mind TO
try it, if only knew any one liked well
enough
A sharp tinkle Of the door bell startled
her, and moment after a tall gentleman,
moustachcd and whiskeIed almost alarm
ingly, entered the room. Bertha mani.
Tested 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, exclaim-
ing;
Leonard dear Leonard Welcome
homep
but where is your husband, dearest |?
he asked, half an hour later, when she
had asked and answered many a rapid
question. Il wonder he can be tempted
to leave this pleasant home and sweet
wife single evening"
He has gone TO the opera, she answer.
ed hesitating slightly.
Without you? But / suppose you have
some little whim to excuse you-tired oi
the prima dona, or something of the kind,
presume. You should spend @ winter
in the California mining districts in order
to appreciate your privileges, he said
laughingly.
Is it too late yet? Will you go with me?
Let me be your cavalier once more as in
old time
An idea occurred to BERTHA here was
an excellent opportunity to put into ex-
ecution the plan which she was thinking
ofwhen he arrived What would prevent
her? Nothing she resolved, and her an.
swer was f:
Il shall be delighted I'm sure. l will
be ready in fey moments
Resting gracefully upon the crimson
cushions sat the fair Mrs. Mortimer and
her fairer daughter. Helen Mortimer,
dressed with regal magnifcence, ard her
gorgeous attire suited well the dark style
OF her beauty. A smile of triumph shone
in her flashing eye. as she listened to the
nattering remarks of Philip Graham,
whose very distinguished appearance
and polished manners made him most
agreeable companion, and to whose good
offices she trusted for admittance TO cir.
cles from which her bold gayety and free
dom of manner might otherwise debar
her.
As for Philip Graham, though he never
would have dreamed of such woman for
the quiet atmosphere Of home, cthe loy