The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1871-01-12

RED lie. and for months our bliss was
perfect, and then that dreadful night
came
Horace had been gone all day. He
did not come home to dinner, as was
his custom; so, having ordered tea, |
dressed myself and sat down in the
rose-shaded porch to await him. Sun
set. dusk, evening--the moon soaring
up above the sea! Still he did not
come. Dinner and supper had both
got spoiled, tue flowers in my hair
were failing, and was sick and weary
with waiting and suspense. Horace
had never remained away so long
since our marriage. What could de
tain him so? Very slowly the even
ing went by. Twelve O'Clock
came, the moon dropped out of sight,
leaving me in darkness. An owl boot
cd from the top Of the old willow, and
the surf beat with a weary, sobbing
sound.
| worked myself up into perfect
trcmor of alarm and nervous excite.
mcnt, and by degrees the old doubt, or
fear, or whatever it was, stole back to
my mind My husband was cruel to
keep me in such suspense. He did
not love me! 1t never occurred to me
that he might be detained against his
Twill. When, at last, the clock was on
the Stroke Of three, l caught the quick
tramp Of his horses feet Bnt it did
not greatly relieve me. l ielt angry,
and instead Of running down to meet
him, as my woman's nature prompted
me, yielded to my petted. rayward
will, and kept my seat. When he
reached the porch, lie sprang down,
flushed and eager.
"Violet," lie cried, the moment he
caught sight Of Inc, "are you up yet?
| Gm So sorry-."
He approached, both hands extend
cd But turned from him, and walked
into The hall.
He stood for moment in silent as
Constituent, then followed and took
my hand, though ! kept my face per
sistcntlJ avcr,ed.
"Violet." he said, ''what is it? Are
You i'll, tired ? was so sorry to keep
YOU waiting, but circumstances"
"Never mind the circumstances
now" l exclaimed, pettishIy. / am
very tired, and now that you are safe,
l will 60 to bed"
He looseneG his hold on my hand,
but looked after me, as | left him,
with glance shall never forget.
can see him now, as he stood in the
moonlight, so handsome and noble,
and | loved him 50 well. l wonder
why I turned from him that night.
Heaven knows how it panied me. But
the spoiled, wiliul temper that has been
my ruin, urged me on.
Did you ever speak q harsh word to
one you love, and feel something with
in you prompting you to speak an
other? Then you understand how it
was that left my husband standing
there, weary and supperlcss.
"Violet, dear he said, softly, as |
paused involuntarily at the head of the
airs, .'cnme back and let me explain
YOU know | have not kept you waiting
willingly.
But went on without a word, not
to our chamber, but to u dressing
room exclusively my own, and closed
and locked the door. | am sure the
Evil One must have had control OF
me that night. In little while he
came up stairs and tried the lock of
my door, then lie called my name soft
", but did not answer, and he went
away.
A dozen times that night I lifted my
head from my tear wet pillow, to 80
out to him to implore his forgiveness,
but pride kept me back. Thus lay,
sleepless, till morning. 1t was wild
morning, too, with drifting rain, sob
bipg winds, and the sea Numbering on
the strand.
Ms husband was already in the
! lhreakfast-room when | went down.
He turned and said kindly, "Guod
morning, dear, are you quite well y
"Quita well, thank you I respond
ed, crossing to Il window on the oppo
site side OF the room.
He rose, and l hoped he was coming
to my side; but he only looked at his
watch and said, BE kind enough to
l., me have breakfast at once, Violet,
Inyou can. l am IN hurry, for have
important matters to look after"
l rang the bell at once, and placrd
myself ut the head of the table. When
the chcrrless repast was over, and my
husband rose to go, felt the hot tears
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