Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1875-07-15
THE WlFE'S RUSE.

| Bertha SAID Philip Granam, one
pleasant evening,as he went tobestow
a parting kiss upon his wife's lips.
Il have engaged to take Mrs. Morti-
mer and Helen to the opera tonight
and may return late.
TO near Vestillil On, how delight
ful | had forgotten that she was to
sing tonight. Why may | not be
one of the party z
you might, | suppose; but /
really you are SO little-I did not
mention to them, and
Never mind | can go some other
time, dare say
oh, yes, -to-morrow night, if you
Ike
very well, that will do
Goodnight, then, my love- and
with another kiss Bertha was left
alone.
'Dear, handsome fellow she sigh
ed, thro wing herself down in the low
lounging chair by the fireside, if he
only didn't care so much for society (;
and if that gay widow and her daugh-
ter would let him alone. This is the
third evening this week he has spent
in company with them. True, | was
at that stupid party, but | am sure
they engrossed more of his attention
than | did ; and others noticed it too.
One prim old maid asked me if | was
not jealous, and that lachrymose Mrs.
Prisum, who is always groaning over
human depravity, cast up her eyes,
and pressed my hand, in token of
sympathy, when | babe her good
night. No, | am not jealous, but |
wonder how he would like me to firt
so. [ have half mind to try it, if
| only knew of any one liked we'll
enough
A sharp Jingle of the door bell
startled her; and moment after, a
tall gentleman, moustached and
whiskered almost alarmingly, enter
cd the room. Bertha manifested O
little surprise, -half of terror but
the words, My dear Bertha, have
you forgotten me 2 had hardly pass
ed the strangers lips ere she was in
his arms, excaiming:
Leonard dear Leonard welcome
homer
But where is your hus band, dear
est?' be had asked, halt an hour later,
when she had asked and answered
many rapid question. Il wonder
be can be tempted 10 leave his pleas
ant home and sweet little wife, even
for a single evening"
HE is gone to tho opera che an
swered, hesitating slightly.
Without you? But suppose you
have some little within TO excuse you,
tired of the prima donna, or some~
thing of the kind, L presume. You
should spend a winter in the mining
districts of California. in order to APP
preciate your privileges be said
laughingly.
No, [ have never hoard Madame
Yestili, and should really have done
so tonight, but circumstances pre-
vented.
is it too late yet? Will you 90
with me? Let me be your cavalier
once more as used to be in old
times
IAN idea occurred to Bertha here
was an excellent opportunity to put
into execution the plan she was
thinking of when he arrived. What
would prevent her? She resolved,
and her answer was:
q shall be delighted, I'm sure. |
will be ready in few moments
Resting gracefully on the crimson
cushions sat the fair Mrs Mortimer
and her fair daughter, Helen Morti'
ner, dressed with almost regal splen-
dor, and her gorgeous attire suited
we'll the dark, brilliant style of her
beauty. A smile of triumph and
gratified vanity shone in her flashing
eyes as she listened to the glittering
remarks of Philip Graham, whose
very distinguished appearance, pol
ished manners, and ready wit, made
him very agreeable companion
and to whose good offices she trusted
for admittance to circles from which
her bold gaiety and freedom of man,
ner might otherwise debar her. A.
for Philip Graham, though he never
would have thought of such woman
for the quiet atmosphere of home
yet he loved to while away time il
her company, little dreaming wha
pain or anxiety was occasloned by
his conduct, since no word or act o
Bertha's conduct hinted as much
See, Graham, exclaimed Mrs. Nor
timer, 'is not that your wife in tn
box opposite to US p
Bertha, | declare! How came SD
2 here and with stranger, too 7 sal
Philip, looking in the direction lndi
!, Gated.
Then you don't know him 2 sal
Miss Mortimer very elegant in ap
pearance, and very much devoted t
!; his fair lady, l should say some oil
1 lover, | presume
: Excuse me, Miss Mortimer, bu
d my wife is too Iady-like for indeli
If cacy,' he answered sternly.
+ defended, Philip2 and with me
: she said, turning her lustrous eye
pIeadingly toward him. pardon m
) Il did but jest
5 She laid her ungloved, snow-whit
: hand upon his arm. tut the arr
which had charmed and dazzed tn
D young husband had lost al pcwe
Or and be only answered politely h'
= expressions of regret. Bertha mt
his gaze of surprise, smiling, but SOC
= seemed absorbed IN the music, an
Is the remarks of her companion, who's
Il interest in her comfort was sufficien
= ly apparent. He seemed we'll know
among the audience for the watc
full Philip noticed many bows al
smiles of recognition.
- There is Mr.. Golding, who know
:. every body | will ask him the nan