The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1867-02-01
MISCE ELLANE EOUS.
HUSBAND AND WIFE.
IN TWO CHAPTERS.
CHAPTER IL

CHAPTER II.
When at length Isabel was sufficient
ly composed to return with me to tho
drawing-room, we found Mrs. Vivian at !
the piano, and her brother listening to
her fine Voice with evidently cxtrtmt
enjoyment. l felt VcXed to see them
thus engaged, for Isabel had no musical
talent herself, and feared, under pres
cnt circumstances, the effect of the small
est injurious comparison. AS l sat and
watched Mr.. Lorimer following note by
note with cfitical enthusiasm and atlcc.
ton for the accomplished singer, re-
grcttcd still more that this subtle way
of reaching her husbands heart was
closed against Isabel. Mrs. Vivian rose
however, as soon as she had tiiiislied her
song, saying: GO won't bore Mrs. Lori
mer with my loud voice; know she
does not care about music;" and the
hostess challenged her assertion. Mi.
Lorimcr Begin to talk kindly and pleas
antly to me, informed me of his depart
ure for Scotland, and mentioned Incl
dentally that he must start so early that
he should breakfast by six o'clock in
the morning,
"Oh, WE'LL" said Mrs. Vivian, ~
shall be up to pour cut your coffee theirs
is nothing so checrldss as to set off on a
iuurney With no one to see that your
great coat is buttdned, and to wish you
God speedW'
looked nnSiously toward Isabel, for
1 could see she was trembling with sup
pressed indignation; she commanded
herself, however, admirably, and spoke
quietly enough.
"Pray do not diSturby ourself so early,
Caroline, | have made my own arrange
rrents for the morning, and prop6se to
breakfast with my husband alone"
Mrs. Vivian shrugged her shoulders,
expressive of scornful acquiescenGe in
this new caprice, and Mr.. Lorimer APP
pearcd too intent on the Bradsh01c he
had taken up to hear the remark.
About half past tltu On the following
L
standing already dressed by my bed
side. She wished me to get up and join
her and her husband at the breakfast
table.
81 90 nit hndW what I may be tempt
ed to say to him, Aunt Sarah, but | feel
as if | could not let him go away i'll his
present arrangement, especially when
[ fear he has serious business for his OBJ
iect. | have thought forsome time past
that he has seemed anxious and ill at
| ease. Oh, he ii,uat take me to his heart
again--speall to me kindly!'
, "But, my dear child, had you not
; better be alone?"
She thought not; If | were present
could judge for myself, and | should
be no restraint Upon her. I thought
4 how lovely she looked presiding at tltt
+ table in her simple white gown, and fell
= persuaded that her husband must think
a so too when he came in. But when ht
0 did, after few civil speeches to me, h'
Y seemed too hurried and preoccupied t.
l notice anything. lie swallowed hi
1 breakfast in five minutes, and then ros'
: at once and rung the bell impatientlI
for the carriage to como rothd.
5 Imust be OFF Immediately" he said
E looking at his watch; 81 would no
: miss the train on any account. Good
by, Isabel"
n What cttild be done in the way Of re
- tx- q
G cumstances? a man under fear OF los
: ing the train is scarcely tolerant of con
IS iugal embraces, much less of conjuGa
reproaches. Isabel had timed her ap
: neal badly. She stood irresolute, he
T. ewes downcast, her brow cloudeu'
T. saw Mr.. I,orimcr had made moveihen
10 toward her, as if to kiss her, but turne
Il shortly from her on remarking her att
= tude. He evidently misunderstood hel
' for he compressed his lips with an cN
preston of such bitter feeling, though
was but transient, that | felt how dee
a current Of suffering and disappoin
>, ment ran beneath his calm and ordinar
manner.
(" | hope you will not find the countr
very dull" he said to me; "lsabel mus
do her best to amuse you during my al
senee; II i. very kind of you to con
IL and stay with her. Take care of Il
rT children, Isabel"
ri He turned and was going. l touche
he Isabcl's arm, and she sprang sudden.
.rs rs forward SO as to intercept his way to Il
ls- door.
he "You will write to me?" she askt
'i., eagerly" you will let me know yo'
rs movements Are you likely to be loi
ST. absent pa month six weeks? Lon
=. mcr, speak TO me kindly before you
by away"
to saw the color rise angrily to Mr., LC
" liners face.
"Why have sou reserved your to