The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1876-02-18
JESSIE'S TEST.

Miss Jerrlsha Jenkinson folded her
napkin with slow, precise carefulness,
and then followed her pretty little host
ess from the dining room back to the
parlor, where the soft astral lamp glowed
like silver moon, and the illuminated
stove made red shadows on the brown
rep easy chair in which Miss Jenkinson
ensconced herself.
81 really don't know what to do about
it, Miss Jerusha. If l once thought
Rich was guilty of such indiscretions as
you declare he is, | do believe l should
Diet
Jessie Wintringham winked away
Suspicious brightness from her pretty
curling brown lashes, and looked eagerly
Mt her guests sarcastic countenance.
81 dare say there are great many
people who would say 1 was very Off
cious, my dear, because I tell you what
l think of that good looking husband of
yours. But l feel L have your interest
at heart and if no one else has the cour-
age and charity to point out to young
wife of half year the goings.on of her
husband-why, my dear Mrs. Wintring-
ham, I'll stand by you and take your
part.
Her solemn words made little shivers
of vague terror thrill all over Jessie.
81 dare say you are very kind indeed,
Miss Jerusha, only l can't believe that
Rich is such firt as you say-always
paying such exclusive attention to ladies
when he is away from home"
"You must think just what you please,
my dear. Only I suppose if you were
to see for yourself, you wolld believe
the evidence of your own eyes?"
Jessie's slightly-fushed cheeks be-
trayed the painful interest she felt.
"Of course, if were TO see"
Miss Jerusha arose triumphantly.
"Then all you have to do is to take
my advice, and the next time Mr.. Win
tringham has such Cery important bust
ness to New York, DO you go by the
same train, with your waterproof and
thick veil TO disguise you. ] must go
now, 1 think, my dear I'll have to
stop at poor Mrs. Delacorns, and hear
if she has heard from that runaway
daughter Of hers. Thanks for the early
cup of tea you made so nicely-and
don't forget what 1 told you, Mrs Win
tringham. "
And the abominable old gossip went
her way, leaving the arrows of the dis
trust she had sown ranking painfully in
poor, loving, jealous Jessie's heart.
She perfectly adored her handsome
young husband and as always such pas
slonate affection is accompanied by jeal-
ousy, tins otherwise sensible little woman
found 1t no difficult matter to entertain
the doubt her guest expressed.
Rich was so handsome, so stylish, so
gallant-why should not ladies' enjoy his
attentions? And, sitting by the cosy
fire, waiting until her husband should
come i'll for his dinner, Jessie almost de-
cided to play the spy upon him at the
earliest moment.
Then, when she heard his latch-key in
the door, and his quick, firm tread in
the hall, and saw his handson e, cheerful
face, as ne took her cheeks in his hands
TO kiss her. she felt ashamed and con-
fused.
"I am afraid 1 shall have to hurry
you, dear" he said, linking her arm
through his, and leading the way to
5he dining where the bright light
made genial glow on silver, crystal,
aud snow-white china.
Hurry me, Rich-how?"
CT have to take the 7:30 train, very
unexpectedly, for the city, on important
business that cannot be delayed. L shall
be at home tomorrow night, 1 expect.
Jessie, will you have another piece of
the black meati"
Mrs. Wintringham toyed with her
chicken, her appetite entirely destroyed
by the news Rich announced.
"On important business. Yes, that
was what Miss Jenkinson had said. And
the night train, too! 1t flashed holly
across Jessie's mind that her husband
was going down to the theater, and, if
what Miss Jerusha had said was true, not
alone.
That second decided her; and, as Mr..
Wintringham arose from the dining
table, he little knew the thoughts that
were thronging in his pretty little wifes
head
"Don't be lonesome, darling, will you2
Or shall stop and tell Florrie to come
mp tonight
jessie laughed-a little forcedly.
You oyer-anxious fellow What do
1 want ot sister Florric / shall not be
lonely ut all. ="
"Brave little woman kiss me good
night, then, dear.
He was so kind and thoughtful; and
Jessie's fond. foolish heart almost mis-
gave her as she watched him off.
cit is downright wicked to distrust
him; but, then, it is just these elegant,
fascinating men who are 80 agreeable TO
other women besides their wives-at least
Miss Jerusha says so, and she's old
enough TO know"
She watched the ivory hands of the
cuckoo clock Fastening toward 1870.
"Well, / shall do it-this once, any
how. !"