The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1870-03-18
miscellaneous.
Mrs. Stevens Last Filtration.

fully in through the dining-room win
dows. its golden beams playing elfin
games DER the dainty breakfast-service.
"Weli. Mary have you decided" in
quired Mr.. Stevens, a fine looking man,
some forty years old, sitting down his cup
of unt,,sted Mocha. and glancing over to
his wife, whose dimplcd, pouting face
was almost hidden by the massive coffee
urn. .s
81 decided some time ago to attend the
soirec this evening with Major Hunter,
and assuredly shall not alter my decision
at this late moment"
"But. Mary he is no companion for one
like you, and" SO
20. spare me" interrupted pretty little
Mrs. Stevens, with martyred express
sion. "M9or Hunters demeanor TO me
has always been that of n gentleman,
Because my husband. whom acknowl-
edge as my rightful escort has become
surfcited with gaiety, must needs settle
down into the humdrum existence only
congeniL to those whose age renders
more trivial amusements unbearable!n
He waited until she had finished. then.
with n sad. stern smile. said calmly.
Good morning. madame" and LEFT her.
presence.
"Oh, dear!' sighed the wife, as the
door closed softly. GLOW strangely he
looked-not angry exactly-not as I ever
saw him before; but hurt. 1t was wick
ed in me to speak so-wicked, wicked;"
and her words were now accompanied by
checking sobs. "When know his sens
itiveness upon that one subject. knew so
we'll of his many misgivings in regard to
my love for him, simply on account OF
the difference in our ages. how could i
have been SO cruel3" - .rrr...
Her reyerie was interrupted by the en-
trance Of servant, bearing the card oi
Major Hunter, who was waiting in the
parlor. With an inpatient gesture she
read the name. and entered his presence
after n short time, with eyes around
MISUNDERSTANDING numerous appli-
cations OF rdsc-water--traccs of tears,
were still yisable. s.-...bssA
The Major rose with complaccnt
smile, and complimentary greeting, but
Mrs. Stevens Was in no mood for ilattery,
as he had tact enough TO perceive.
AT what time shall I call for you'" he
inquired. rs conversation began to flag.
0hl how she longcd TO excuse herself
and refuse TO attend but pride. our
enemy, rose up in arms, and with appar,
cut nonchalancc, she appointed the hour.
"Mrs. Stevens" began the Major, in
low earnest tones, "you appear sal
harasscd. Excuse my seeming Impcrti'
ncncc, for when one has but few friends,
he is apt to discover any signs. how ever
slight, serving to Indicate their unhappi'
ness" 90 agurrsu DO o. .
80, , r,,,
hS 'oV' n"a' n ~ Ss 81.
amel'Ia tone' "hich s''1eu uhP'','S''"
on MIS- stevens cars an" sno iooAo' J"
anl.zaihen' rs nc oon'inuea.
S'' my "'''""" "'u 1' Any
nave met you o''eh' anu 'n' o'no.'o'
which compelled me 10 seek An in'rodnc,
uon NJ our hrst meeting mas not grown
cool in the many weeks OF our acquaint-
anco; and although have not been as
surod Of reciprocity OF sentiment. your
evident pleasure IN my 'ocic'y' ana &C,
cepe'nce OF my protection upon diiieren'
occasions give mo t'o se,i''so 20 ass
you' Wnosc iu'cfcs's "o i'n o''i'i ~ '"'
than my own' the cause OF this sdness'
Mary Stevens was thnndersruok a.
this. Could this insulting rascal DO The
man over whom she and her husband had
but m hour ago quarrcled' But without
waiting for any contempt from his andi'