The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-04-16
The Deserted Wife.

Il
IN again, to abandon the idea of at
tending this ball tonight"
"Why Robert, you must be crazy. Not
attend the ball would not miss it for the
world.'
The speakers were Robert Lyle and his
young wife, and the above remark took
place in the breakfast parlor of their hand
some residence, in a fashionable quarter Of
Philadelphia
Mr.. Lyle was a partner in fiourishing
commercial house, and devoted the most of
his time to the interests of the firm. About
eighteen months before the opening of our
story he had married lady much younger
than himself, who professed in deed and,
perhaps did entertain for her husband an
ardent affection. She did not, however,
seem to comprehend the proper sphere of
a wifes duties. Often when her husband
would return from the tolls and fatigue of
the counting house, to find solace and COM
fort at home, she would be busted in prep
aration for some scene of festivity He
had fondly hoped that after the birth of
their child, she would abandon the busy
round of excitement for the purer joys of
the home circle, and for short time she
did give promise of thorough reform, but
soon the evil habits returned, and even ma
ternal fondness was swallowed up by the
devouring passion for social excitement.
"You know, Lucy, our child is not WELL
and for her sake, if not for mine, don't go
away tonight"
"Oh, BERTHE will do well enough. The
nurse is very good to her, and knows bet
ter what to do for sick child than do.'
"But, Lucy" said Mr. Lyle, show long
is this state of things to continue? / am
less frequently in your society now, than
before our marriage. If you have no re-
gard for my feelings surely your sick child
might claim ycur attention"
"Why, Robert, you have grown won
derously solicitous about the child. DIR.
Walton said yesterday she was better, and
besides you will be here to attend to her.
4 But Robert, that is only an excuse. You
I wish me to shut myself up here, and be-
come, at my age, staid matron, but you'll
find yourself mistaken"
Mr.. Lyle said no more, and soon after
left the house and repaired TO his place of
4 business During the day he had long
consultation with his partner and returned
home at late hour in the evening. He
saw nothing of his wife till she appeared
i fully equipped for the ball.
$50 Lucy you are determined to go, l
see," said her husband, sadly. "How is
little BERTHE this EVENING""
"Well, l declare" she answered, 81
had quite forgotten the little darling, / have
been so busy. will see.
She entered the nursery, followed by her
husband. The child was evidently quite
sick. Its cheeks were flushed with fever,
and its breathing was slow and difficult.
REALLY, am afraid the child is sick"
said the young mother "If had known
4 it before dressed would not have gone.
You must take care of her, dear, and l
win come back as soon as can tear myself
away from the dance" She bent over the
5 chiid and kissed 1t, then returned to the
parlor.
A servant soon announced that the car
Rage was waiting, and, with playful adieu
10 her husband, she was about to leave,
when observing the look Of sadness ON his
Face, she said:
"Why Robert, you look the verv person
hcation Of grief. am not going TO elope
With any of my admirers for really think
love you better than all Of them. 30 you
iced not be jealous any way. Az rsuoir