The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1865-11-02
am going out of town in an hour"

I rose and beckoned him to follow me.
He did-Blanche trembling all over as
she came after. The young husband was
asleep, but lying in the very position to
afford close inspection of his features.
The face was nobly handsome, the pallor
of illness only increasing it's manly beau
ty-the finely-rounded throat exposed,
the brow, white just above the temples,
the beautiful outline of lips and chin,
quite visible under the rich brown beard
and moustache.
The little old man looked, and as he
gazed his features worked with some
emotion, either of grief or Election. He
nodded his head with the same decision
that characterized everything he did,
and saying, "That will do" walked out
of the room. There he deliberately seat
ed himself beside me, Blanche remain
ing with her husband.
Beenasoldier," he remarked, briefly.
Ever been wounded ~
"Only fifteen times,o was my re-
spouse.
" Possible:' And by this time he was
fumbling in his breast-pocket from
whence be brought forth bulky, dis
colored poclSet-book.
Poor, is he?"
" He is by no means rich," said, fear
full that some dun with lOng-standing
account, had turned up.
"Ah! And married q rich wife, | ul-
derstand.o
"No, sir; you have been misinformed.
My neice is not rich, though she has
hitherto lived in affiuence and elegance.
In marrying him, she renowned all that,
and ran the risk of the undying displeas-
ure OF her parents.'
g Is that sou he cried, brisler tllan
before. All, really-is that so? noble
girl. Well, madam, l merely came
ahem-out of curiosity, or perhaps it is
hardly just to say that for to tell the
truth, l owe a little sum of money to the
boy in yonder, which, suppose, madam,
you will take charge off,
g I Will, with pleasure" said I, great
ly relieved.
sssrhen will leave it in your care It
is not necessary to give receipt you
will find it all right. Good-by, madam,
and when the young man wakes up,
say that Adonirah Martinique called to
see him, and Ia course OF time, will call
again"
aAll this was certainly very mysterious
as well as very funny; for the little old
man had that half pOmpOus, half aWk-
ward manner which it is so difficult to
picture, with Il shy outlook now and
then, from a pair of expressive gray
eyes.
who could it be :' cried Blanche,
running to the window; for she came
from the next room as the man went
out. Then she started back with an ex-
clamation. l followed her to the WIN
dow, but saw only the lady boarder next
door and the gentleman whom | sup
posed to be her husband.
She is very beautiful, is she not?" 1
asked.
80, very; but that was not what
thought of. How came she to have Mrs.
Sponsors husband with her"
Mrs. Sponsors husband, my dear?''
"Of cOurse-everybOdy knows Mrs.
Sponsors husband, and that the poor
woman, his wife, is almost dead with
jealousy. l must confess, l have thought
it ungrounded, though her husband has
the misfortune to be so elegant and fas-
clnaling a gentleman. But, dear aunty,
who is that he is with 90
have always imagined them
married COUPLE" said I, with some
vague feelings OF uneasiness.
A married couple! why, that is GER
tainly Harcourt Spenser, though I con-
fess he looks trif1e more careless in his
dress than usual; and that's not his
wife," she added, energetically. "Be-
sides, she is very young and beautiful
much younger and handsomer than the
real Mrs. Spenser."
A sister," suggested.
He hasn't living relation, except
an uncle-not one. l have often heard
Mrs. Spenser speak of it-not even a
cousin" said Blanche, looking quite dis
tressed.
"Well, my dear, don't worry about
it-that wont help the matter any. Be-
sides. 1t may not be the man you think
it is"
LAS if I didn't know! am positive
about Harcourt Spenser, when I've seen
him every day for ten years. Did you
say they lived next door,"
eyes. / understood he had some
thing to do with daily paper. He Is
only at home few at time"
Blanche's face assumed q look of ex-
IRENE anxiety as she turned away, say
Ing to herself In voice of pity:
Poor Mrs. Spenser"
~ have something to tell you," said
/. ''Sit down here by me, and don't
waste pity or sympathy yet awhile