The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1876-01-01
JeSSie'S Test.

| napkin with slow, precise carefuilness,
and then followed her pretty little
hostess from the dining room back to
the paror, where the soft astral lamp
glowed like a silver moon, and the H.
| Illuminated stove made red shadows on
] the brown rep easy-chair in which Miss
JCnkinsOn esconced herself.
81 really don't know what to do
about it, Miss Jerusha. If | once
thought Rich was guilty of such indis-
cretions as you declare he is, ! do be
lieve | should-die -
Jessie Wintringham winked away a
suspicious brightness from her pretty
curling brown lashes, and looked
eagerly at her guests sarcastic counte-
| nance.
81 dare say there are great many
people who would say I.was very Off r.
cious, my dear, because ] tell you what
think of that good looking husband
Of yours. But / feel have your in
terest at heart and If no one else has
the courage aud charity to point out to
young wife of half year the goings-
on of her husband-why, my dear Mrs.
Wintringham, I'll stand by you, and
take your part"
Her solemn words made little shiveTe
of vague terror thrill all over Jessie.
II dare say you are very kind in
deed, Miss Jerusha, only | can't be-
lieve that Rich is such tlirt as you say
always paying such exclusive atten-
ton to ladies' when he is away!from
home"
"You must think just what you
please, my dear. Only, | suppose il
you were to see for yourself. you would
believe the evidence of your own eyes. "
Jessie's slightly flushed 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 very important bust
ness to New York, do you go by the
same train, with your waterproof and
a thick veil to disguise GU. | must go
now, think, my dear. III have to
stop at poor Mrs. Delacorn's, and hear
if she has heard from thaE runaway
daughter of hers. Thanks for the early
cup of tea YOU made SO nicely-and
don't forget what told you, Mrs. Win
trrgham.
And the abominahe 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 adorrd her handsome
young husband and as always such
passionate affection is accompanied by
jealousy, this otherwise sensible little
woman found IL 10 difficult matter to
entertain the doubts her guest express.
ed.
Rich was so handsome, So stylish, so
gallaut--why should not ladies enjoy
his attentions? And, sitting by the coZy
fire, waiting until her husband should
come in for his dinner, Jessie almost
decided to play the spy upon him at tho
earliest moment.
Then, when she heard his latch key
in the door, aud his quick, Iirm tread
in the hall, and saw his handsome,
cheerful face as he took her cheeks in
his hands to kiss her, she felt ashamed
and confused.
~ am afrail shall have to harry,
you DEAR" he said linking her arm
through his, aud leading the way to the
dining.roOm, where the bright light
made a genial glow on silver, crystal,
and snow white china.
Hurry me--Rich, how?"
81 have to take the seven-thirty
train, very unexpectedly, for the city,
on important business that cannot be
delayed. shall be home tomorrow
night, expect. Jessie, will you have
another piece Of the black meat ?"
Mrs. Wintringham toyed with her
chicken, her appetite entirely destroyed
by the news Rl1h announced.
"On important business" Yes, that
was what Miss Jenkinson had said.
And the night train, tool IL flashed
hOtly across Jessies mind that her hus-
band was going down to the theatre,
and, If what Miss Jerusha had said was
true-nOt alone
That second decided her and as Mr..
Wintringham arose from the dinner
table, he little knew the thoughts that
were thronging in his pretty little wite's
head.
Don't be lonesome, darling, will
you? Or shall / stop and tell Florrie to
come up TO night ?"
Jessie laughed-a little fOrcedly.
''You over anxious fellow! What do
/ want Of sister Florrie ? shall not be
lonely at all"
" Brave little woman; kiss me good
night, then, dear -
He was so kind and thoughtful ; and
JesNie's fond, foolish heart almost mis-
gave her as she watched him off.
at Is downright wicked to distrust
him! but then it is just these elegant,
fascinating men who are so 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 seven
thirty.
"Well-I shall do it-this once, any
how"
And she went up to her Toom, with
sparkling eyes and glowing cheeks.
"Is this seat engaged, slr2"