The weekly Butte record., 1862-04-26
NO. 25

strength between US 10 settle Inc matter az
once and forever =
Cecile Cecile trials of strength are dan
gerous things between husband aud wife -
But the gay young creature gliled cut Of
the room like sunbeam. aud her laughter
doated lightly back like chime of silver bells.
Yet to the anxious ear of Alice il seemed Ike
a kuell. dying away into the silence With III
describabIy mouruful cadences.
The ballroom was a scene which always
wrought Cecile's nerves to their highest point
I os excitement. The brilliancc of flashing lights
the crowd and crush and lutter-ihe heavy
odor Of ho,-house flowers, and the melodious
throb of ophicleide and horn, with flying feet
keeping time to waltz and redowa. all acted
like magical spell upon her nature. The
crimson shadows glowed upon her cheek-her
eyes shone like violet stars. The evening was
a succession Of brilliant triumphs to her and
of uneasiness and annoyance to her husband
Henry Marchmont was one of those proud,
/ reserved mer, who cannot endure the least
soupoon of coquetry in their wives He would
have treasured her as an Eastern sultan treas
ures his crown,jewel. bnt the jewel must shine
for him alone Every one Of the smiles so
freely lavished by Cecile pierced like an arrow
to his heart. He leaned gloomily against the
wall. deaf to the delicious whiSperings of bugle
and violin. blind to all except the light figure
that whirled past in the waltz with Vernon De
LOrme, dashing youth whose disSolute char
acer was better known to him than his unsus-
pecting wife, and whose intimacy at his honse
had given rise to vehement, though unheeded
remonsirance on his part.
How provoking you are Harry y exclaim-
ed Mrs. Marchmont, at length when he had
very decidedly expressed his determination to
return home. g" 1t is only one o'clock. and
nobody thinks of going yet If could only
stay for another waltz -
But Henry Marchmont drew her ieweled arm
beneath his own in relentless silence, and nc
companied her to the cloak room IN very
unenviable mood.
The apartment was dimly lighted, and as he
stood silently beside his wife. waiting for her to
fasten her hood and opera cloak. the hated
! figure of De L'Orme brushed close to him. and
a whisper fell scathingly on his ear.
Dearest, if you wear your diamonds to-
morrow night shall know that you do not
frown on my suit
The words that had been intended for his
wife's ear were, by some strange fatality
breathed into his, and the utterer was gone.
Marchmont clenched his hand until the blood
sprung from under the nails while Cecile pratt
tied on.
She is as innocent as the flowers in May"
he murmured, yet she would rush blindly on
to destruction, spite of my efforts TO withhold
her. | will not tell her-it would shock her
/ pure soul too much but if he tenpis me far
ther-Great Heavens why is she 50 willlul ?"
You are not answering word say, IIar-
ry," demonstrated Cecile few minutes after
ward as the carriage was bearing them swiftly
/ homeward.
/ What's the matter? Are you cross and
jealous because danced with other gentlemen?
Goodness, how cold your hand is !n' she ex-
claimed starting and shrinking away.
My heart is colder, CecIle," be answered
moodily.
She shrugged her beautiful shoulders. drew
the white cashmere wrapper more closely about
her, and relapsed into silence.
"IlI let him alone until he gets little bet
ter natured, she thought inwardIy. lie may
be as sullen as be hkes-I Will have my own
way"
All had she but known all that was passing
in his brain, she would have thrown herself on
bis breast, pleading for pardon and forgiveness
-bewaiing her own unworthiness Of his great
forbearance and tenderness.
The next evening, as she was arraying her
self for the soree TO which all the fashionable
world was Fastening, Harry came hurriedly
into the room.
Cecie." said he 81 am very sorry. but
unexpected business will prevent me from at
tending you tonight. | will endeavor 10 join
Won in an about hour however And, my love.
l have one request to make of you Don't
wear your diamonds. Wear anything else You
please, but crafty me in this single respect"
Il can't wear anything else with white
tulles, said Ceee, peuishy What very
strange request, Henry"
Your pearls, my child suggested Alice
Wayne.
No; had set my heart on my diamonds"
said Cecile, evidently much annoyed
" shall depend on your complying with my
wishes Cecile," said her husband gravely. IF
a mere request has no weight with you, remem-
Der that my command must not be irilrd with"
He left the room. and Cecile proceeded with
her toilet, deep blush burning like hectic
spot on either cheek.
My dearest" exclaimed Alice. restraining
her hand as she was about to lasten the spark