Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-12-30
li,on,iuuca from frs, page. i

and 10 take their part in due time. IN one
Of the most brilliant seasons ever known
in London. Mr.. Vivian was rich, Mrs.
Vivian was beauty, and before she knew
Il herself, Mrs. Vivian was the rage
Every one called: invitations were show
cred upon them; and they both agreed in
thinking quiet evening now and then
would be very welcome, it was almost
impossible to achieve such thing.
But A shade seemed gradually to en-
yelop Mr.. Vivian, and though his devo-
ton to his wife was evident, still 1t was
apparent that his marriage was changing
him. for he was not the same man. Alice
nerceiyed the alteration and first WON
dered. then trembled. and then charged
him with It. nor desisted until she had
Gained his fullest confidence. In the
midst of their gaiety and magnificence,
She heard that her husband was on the
verge of ruin. He told her all. unburdened
himself to her sympathizing ear, and so
relieved himself of half the anguish which
concealment had entailed. 1t was the old
story: speculations had failed, which, as a
partner, he shared in; others hao oeeh
ventured on, but were equally unioriu
nate and it now required but one WINS
per against the solvency OF the bank 10
insure its ruin. To invite the posslbillty
of Suspicion, Alice went out as usual, and
received visitors in her splendid home
with a smiling exterior, which covered,
alas! sinking heart; while he struggled
to avert the dreaded crash, returning
home every afternoon jaded and worn'
only to have to brace himselfup to accom-
pany his wife to some gay scene. sadly IN
discordance with their feelings, but nec-
essarv effort to avoid suspicion. Matters,
they vainly hoped, might yet be arranged
and they would be able quietly to with.
draw from their present position without
the iasco sudden collapse would entail.
They must fulfil their engagements. and,
worse still, allow a ball. for which Mrs
Vivian had, little dreaming of what was
imminent, issued innumerable invitations.
Poor Alice no wonder that her heart
sank when she thought of what might be
in the future. or that she almost recoilec
from the sight OF the lovely robe held ou
for her inspection by her maid, and which
she had intended for that particular even
ing. Her husband had been most anx
ious to have her 60 to the Duchess Of
ball. and when an invitation came, Alice
TOO had been highly delighted, and sent al
acceptance, little dreaming what an or
deal it would prove.
Tired and miserably anxious rs he was
Mr.. Vivian decided that they mnst go, i
only for shcr. time. So they went
What scene of splendor and magnifi
cence it was, that brilliant throng, witt
their gorgeous dresses. glittering dia
monds, and their smiling, animated faces
All seemed happiness and radiance. Ev
cry one was cordial, every one was kind
Alice was surrounded at once and during
the short time they remained the Vivians
only saw each other at distance. Alice
ewes were constantly looking towards her
husband, while his as constantly sought
hers. At last. heart sick and weary, they
departed. thankful to find themselves roll
ing rapidly homewards, in their own lux
urious carriage. The next day Mrs. At
wood came to spend the day with her SIS
ter, and having announced her wish to re-
main until dinner time, Alice found her.
self alone with her after Mr.. Vivian had
set oil for the city. No sooner had the
door closed upon his retreating figure than
Mrs. Atwood remarked "You are in
deed lucky girl, Alice. Charley seems
10 grow daily more devoted, and what a
house you have.
Charley is everything to me" replied
Mrs. Vivian, in a low tone. at the same
moment bending over her embroidery, to
hide the quick flush that mounted over her
fair face at her sisters words.
Fred says he is perfect millionaire. y
pursued Mrs. Atwood.
"Does hep responded Alice, family
Suppose we change the subject, Clara. :"
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