Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-07-03
gu 0riginal Sturg.
Written for the Yorkville Enquirer.
JOHNS WIFE.
BY E. VICTORIA LOMAX.
CHAPTER XXI.

After breakfast, next morning, Nellie and
Mary came directly to my room to give me an
account of the wedding.
"What do you think, Matte? Henrietta
Lewis kissed John p we're the first words
heard from Nellie. "Itis fact, indeed, she
continued, "and you never saw man stand
it better than he did,"
."Oh Nellie, how can you say so? You
know he looked as if he would have given
anything not to have been there. l cannot
imagine the cause of Henrietta's attentions to
John last night"
1T was not from any feeling Of affection,
YOU may rest assured" said Nellie; 81 never
see her with that loving look on her face, but
I know mischief is brewing somewhere"
"How did the bride look? Was she dressed
becomingly?" 1 asked.
"Ithink she looked better than ever saw
her." said Mary.
"And the groom?"
"Something seemed to have gone wrong
with cousin Richard he did not appear so
happy as think he ought to have been, con-
sidering the occasion"
"How entirely we differ in our OPINION
Mary" said Nellie "now I think he was in
remarkably fine spirits, considering the occa-
sion.' am sure if had just been married
to Henrietta Lewis, the expression OF my
countenance and my feelings would have been
decidedly Jacobinical, Gf I may be allowed
to use that term,) whereas he only looked as
if his boots were too tight, or his collar did
not set exactly right"
"You are little too severe toward your
cousin Richard and his wife, Nell" said l.
'"But here comes John; perhaps he can tell US
the cause of the brides apparent devotion to
him last night. 49,,
"She was talking on business most of the
time," said John. "She is a good friend of
mine, Nellie, whatever you may think of her.
She. did me great service last night"
We all looked up in astonishment on hear
ing this speech. John took no notice of the
impression his remark had made, but left the
room hurriedly, as if to avoid the necessity of
saying anything further on the subject.
"What do you suppose John means ?" said
Nellie, after we had somewhat recovered from
our surprise. eff I were in your place, Mary,
would 20 sitter him and make him tell but
hear the 'dulcet tones of the infant phe-
nomenon,' so must leave you"
Mary came to the side of my lounge, and
throwing herself on her knees, burst into tears.
knew then the same idea had flashed through
our minds; the service Henrietta had rendered
John was to show him those letters Mary
was so much overcome that thought it best
to let her shave her cry out" as we say of
little children, before discussing the matter.
She soon recovered her composure, however,
and said
'"Now Matte, what must do?"
81 should 60 directly to him, my darling,
and tell him everything cannot doubt you
then"
doubt me! what do you mean? Those
letters were all written long before l saw
John"
"Perhaps he does not know this. 1t is an
awful thing for a man to have cause to sus'
pect that his wife does not love him. think
it would take the strongest proofs to make
John doubt your affection, even for moment. "
"But if he saw the letters, he must have no.
ticed the dates of them"
"The dates may have been altered"
"Oh Matte, do you think any one could
act so dishonorably as that?"
"Yes. know it," And then 1 told her what
had occurred during my last interview with
Henrietta, and added: II thought the let
ters had been destroyed, or I should have told
John and yourself about them then" -,
81 wish you had How can he believe me,
when he thinks he has seen in my handwrl'
ting professions of love for some otherperson r
"Never mind what he has seen ; he ought to
believe you, Mary. If you prefer it, 1 will
send for him, and tell him all know; but it
would be better for you to do this yourself, l
think. 1t is your duty to clear yourself from
this charge, Mary"
She remained silent for several moments,
and then look of calm resolution came over
her face, as she said
eyes, know ought to 60 to him but If he
does not believe me, think it will kill me" ;"
"He will believe you, darling" said l., kiss
ing her still pale face. murmured prayer
that all doubtand suspicion might be removed
forever and love-such as 1 knew it to be-
might be theirs for the future.
While was yet lying there, Nellie came
in, bringing with her my little namesake, and
also letter. She said
"Mattie, will you let the baby stay with
you for little while? Harry has sent for
me. She is so good that know she will not
disturb you while you are reading your letter" ;"
"Certainly 1 will take care of her, Nell ;
my letter can bear keeping. You need have
no fear that will neglect my important du'
ties as nurse for the pleasure of reading few
lines from a friend"
"Not if that friend is Owen Morris" said
Nellie, with meaning glance; but before
could reply, she placed the baby in my arms
and left the room.
NY heart was very light, though l did not
know the contents of that letter. l felt that
he had written he would soon be with me; and
believe the pleasant anticipations and day.
dreams were almost as charming as the future
realization proved to be. 1t was sometime be-
fore could quiet little Matte sufficiently tor
me to read. She was in the habit of having