The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-10-30
TRIED.
From Harper's Weekly.

from Harpers weekly.
Lisle Mercnr went home early this
evening. Little Pet had said goodbye,
after dinner, with great heavy eyes that
followed him all the way to the bank, and
kept reminding him of some they had
once closed in death in that same house
hold.
Willie was buried jast three years ago
tomorrow. The father went lightly up
the stairs, straight on his way to the nur-
sery. As he turned at the head of the
staircase, Mrs. Mercur stepped ont of her
dressing room door into the blaze of the
hall lights, elegantly arrayed for an even
ing party. She paused in surprise at see
ing her husband home 80 early. Pretty
and piquant as she stood before him, her
delicate beau-y, as soft and ethereal as the
dress she wore, quite di>pelled the stern
exp ession on his lips; and the reproach
in his tones died down to simple surprise,
as he asked:
care you going ont tonight, Fanny ?"
eyes. Why not?" she inquired, in her
flutte'ing, girlish way.
"Your baby, dear, the husband said,
in sad, reproving voice.
''Pshaw, Lslie. she's only little un-
we'll; and Lette will sit by her. She says
the child is fond OF her, and begs of me
to go and enjoy myself She is thought
full for me-" the yOung wife added, cast
ing o reproachfnl glance at the earnest
face, looking with sure, disappointed in
Guiry into hers. ''She says | must not
shut myself up like num-"
"Do you think your French maid cares
more for you than do, Fanny?"
The small hands worked uneasily, open
ing and shutting her fan. She was always
lost when this strong mans love spoke to
her in this twOtolI, unapprOachable way
So she ignorantly pushed aside the steady
ing hand that would have guided her into
beautiful wOmanhOod, and said, the least
bit peevishly:
"Come, Lisle, don't DO always making
me solemn. Say good night and kiss me,
and fell me to go and be happy"
The husband bent over and and kissed
the red lips held up coaxingly to his, and
encircling the slight waist for moment
with bis arm, said in deep, sad way:
"GO and be happy, Fanny"
She glided down the stairs and sp:apg
into the carriage waiting at the d nor,
but could not shake off the strange feeling
that her husbands manner had inspired,
until fairly launched into the brilliant whrl
of giddy enjoyment at Mrs. Oranges.
Isle Mercur watched her graceful, re-
treating figure until it went out of sight
+ As the front door closed after her he turn
ed heavily, with the great want his beau
ti.ul wife SO lightly cOmprehended, and
walked to the nursery door. 1t stood
slightly ajar. A little querulous voice
kept repeating,
"No, no; Pet wants Flynn"
"Sh-'sh. Lette's here. Le.tes better
than Flynn"
Pet turned ON the pillow and looked at
the fussy French girl with childish incred-
ulity.
s:Pet wants Flynn
Lette was becoming annoyed at the
clili's persistency, and pushed her chair
back impatiently.
Mr.. Mercur was about to open the door
ard 60 in, when he heard a rustic at the
foot Of Pets bed, and pale, weary faced
woman glided in from room adjoining
the nursery, and stopped over the restless
child. Her lips touched the hot cheek,
and two fat arms went around her neck,
like love chains from an angels heart.
Pet was quiet now. Size needed no hush
ing. The touch of Flynn's cool hand was
always enough for her. Lette went bus
tling stifly through the door at the foot Of
the crib. After while Flynn Unlocked
the fingers clasped about her neck, and
holding them in her own, sat down 6y tic
bedside and looked at the head nestled on
the dainty pillow. Her white, illegible
face was partially turned toward the hal
door. where Lisle Mercur stood with q
fathers partlonable curiosity. He had al
ways regarded his young sisters governess
as a calm, gentle woman, with soul enough
for her position. Tonight he caught &
glimpse of something more. That strange