Connecticut western news., 1876-08-04
The Mistake of a Lifetime.

A lovers quarrel A few nasty words "a formal parting between two hearts that neither time nor distance could ever disunite-then, lifetime of misery.
 Edith May stood before me in her bridal dress. The whole world was to be made believe she was happy and heart whole. I knew better. I knew that no woman who had once loved Gill bert Ainalie could ever forget him-least of all, such heart as Edith's.
 She was pale as snow wreath, and bent her head gracefully as water lily in recognition of her numerous friends and admirers.
 "What sacrifice l" the latter mur- mured.
 "What sacrificel' my heart echoed.
 Mr. Jefferson Jones was an ossifed old bachelor. He had but one idea in his head, and that was to make money. There was only one thing he understood equally well-and that was to keep it. He was angular, prin, cold and precise {; mean, groveling, contemptible and cun- ming. - .s....e-
 And Edith-our peerless Edith, whose lovers were "legion Edith, with her passionate heart, her beauty, grace, taste and refinement to VOW "Iove and honor" to such soulless block ..s...
 It made me shuddcr to think of it! I felt as though his very gaze were profa- nation.
 We'll, the wedding was over, and she was duly installed mistress of Jefferson House. -
 She had fine dresses, fine furniture, 8 fine equipage, and the most stupid in- cumbrance in the shape of an old hus- band.
 But Mir. Jefferson Jones was very proud of his bride firstly, because she added to his importance secondly, be- cause he plumed himself not little in bearing off so dainty 8 prize. It gave him malicious pleasure to meet her old admirers, with,the graceful Edith up- on his arm. Of course she preferred him to them all-else, why did she marry him9
 Then how deferential she was in her manner since their marriage how very polite, and how careful to perform her duty to the letter. Mr. Jones decided, with his usual acumen, that there was no room to doubt on that point
 He noticed, indeed, that her girlish gayety was gone bat that was decided improvement, according to his view. She was Mrs. Jones now, and meant to keep all whiskered popinjays at a re- spectable distance.
 He liked itl
 And 50, through those interminable evenings, Edith sat, playing long games of chess with him, or listening to his gains or losses in the way of trade; or o9 sl |. words conveyed no ideas to her absent mind.
 She walked through the busy streets, leading on his arm, with an unseen form ever at her side; and slept next his heart, when hers was far awayl
 But when she was alone-no human eye to read her sad secret, her small hands clasped in agony, and her fair head bent to the very dust-was he not aEenged9
 
 It was driving storm. MT. Jones resolved to dine at a tavern instead of returning home. He had just seated himself, and given his order to the was attracted by the conversation of two gentlemen near him.
 "Have you seen the beautiful Edith since her marriage, Harry2" "No; l feel too much vexed with her. Such splendid woman to marry such an idiot 1 All for foolish quarrel with Ainslie. You never saw such 8 wreck as it has made of him. However. she is well punished: for, with all of her con- summate tact and effort to keep up ap- pearances, it is plain she is the most miserable woman in existence; as MT. Jefferson Jones, whom have never seen, might perceive, if he wasn't. as all the world says, the very prince of donkeys." " Jones seized his and rushed into the open air. Six times he went, like a comet, round the square, then, settling his beaver down over his brow, in very prophetic manner, he turned his foot, steps deliberately homeward.
 It was the deceitful calm before the whirlwind. He found Edith pale and self f-possessed, as usual. He was quite as much so himself-even went so far as to compliment her on coquettish little jacket that fitted her round figure very charmingly.
 "I'm thinking of taking short jour. ney, Edith," said he, seating himself by her side, and playing with the silken cord and tassels about her waist. GAS it is wholly 8 business trip, it would han per me to take you with me; but you'll her from mo. Meanwhile, you know how to enjoy yourself f-hey, Edith?'
 He looked searchingly at her. There was no conscious blush, no change oi expression, no tremor of the frame. He might as well have addressed marble statue.
 Mir. Jefferson Jones was posed We'll, he bade her one of his characteristic adieus; and, when the door closed. Edith felt as if weight had been lifted off her heart.
 There was but one course for Ter tc pursue. ahe knew it-she had already marked it out. She would deny herself to all visitors; she would not go abroad till her husbands return. She was strong in her purpose. There should be no door left open for busy scandal to enter.
 Of Ainslie she knew nothing, save that letter reached her from him aftel her marriage, which she had returned unopened. And so she wandered restlessly through those splendid rooms and, tried by this self-inficted penance to atone for the defection of her heart