The Republican journal., 1876-03-09
Jessie's Test.


Jessie's Test.
Miss Jerusha Jenkinson folded her nap
kin with slow, precise caretulness, and
then followed her pretty little hostess
from the dining room back to the parlor,
where the soft astral lamp glowed like a
silver moon, and the illuminated stove
made red shadows on the brown rep easy
| chair in which Miss Jenkinson ensconccu
| herself
Il really don't know what to do about
it, Miss Jerusha If | once thought Rich
was guilty of such indiscretions as you de-
clare he is, do believe should die"
Jessie Wintringham winked away q
suspicious brightness from her pretty curl
| ing. brown lashes, and looked eagerly at
her guests sarcastic countenance.
IL dare say there are great many peo-
pie who would say was very otlicious.
my dear, because tell you what think
Of that good looking husband Of yours.
But feel have your interest at heart
and if no one else has the courage and
charity to point out to young wife of
halt a year, the goings on of her husband
why my dear Mrs. Wintringham, I'll
stand by YOU, and take your part"
| Her very solemn words made little shiv-
ers OF vague terror thrill all over Jessie.
Il A.le say you are very kind indeed
| Miss Jelusha, only | emit believe that
Rich is such ilirt as you say always
paying such exclusive attention to ladies
when he is away from home"
You mast think ust what you please,
my dear Only, l suppose you would be-
| ieve the evidence of your own eyes,
Jessie's slightly flushed checks betray-
ed 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 MI Wintring-
ham has such rcry important business to
New Y York, do you 90 by the same train,
with your Waterproof and 4 thick veil to
| disguise you. | must go now, L think,
my dear. III have to stop at poor Mrs
Dolacorn's, and hear if she has heard from
that runaway daughter of hers. Thanks
for the early cup of tea you made SO nice
ly-and don't forget what | told you, Mrs.
| Wintringham.
And the abominable cid gossip went
her way, leaving the arrows OF the dis
trust she had sown ranking painfully IN
poor. jealous. loving Jessie's heart.
She perfectly adored her handsome young
husband: and as always such passionate
affection is accompanied by jealousy. this
otherwise sensible woman found it no
difficult matter to entertain the doubts her
guest expressed.
Rich was 50 handsome, so stylish. SO
| gallant why should not ladies enjoy his
attentions? And sitting by the cozy fire,
waiting until her husband should come in
i tor his dinner, Jessie almost decided to
play the spy upon him at the earliest mo-
meut.
Then, when she heard his latch key in
the door, and his quick, firm tread in the
hall, and saw his handsome face as he
took her cheeks in his hands to kiss her,
she felt almost ashamed and confused.
Il am afraid shall have to hurry you,
DEAR he said linking her arm through
| his, and leading the way to the dining
room, where the bright light made a gen
ial GLOW on silver, crystal and snow White
| china.
Hurry me--Rich how?'
Il have to take the seven-thirty train.
very unexpectedly, for the city, on impor-
tant 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 chick
en-, 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 hotly
across Jessie's mind that her husband was
| 10 In fhnatro onl if hot
Miss ,Jerusha had said was true not
alone!
That second decided her; and as Nlr
Wintringham arose from the dining table,
he little knew the thoughts that We're
thronging in his pretty little wlte's head
Don't be lonesome, darling, will you
Or shall l stop and tell Florrie to come
up tonight
Jessie laughed-a little forcedly
You over anxious fellow! What do
want of sister Florrie? | shall not be lone
ly at all"
"Brave little woman; kiss me good
night, then, dear!"
lie was SO kind and thoughtful; and
Jessie's fond, foolish heart almost misgave
her as she watched him Off
"It is downright wicked to distrust him
but then it is these elegant fascinating
men who are so agreeable to other women
besides their wives-at least, Miss Jerll-
sha says SO, and she's old enough to
know"
She watched the ivory hands OF the
cuckoo clock Fastening toward seven-thr-
ty.
"Wcll--I shall do it--this once, any.
how"
And she went up to her room, with
sparkling eyes and glowing cheeks
"Is this seat engaged sir?"
1t was low, sweet voice that address
| od MI. Piah,ao,,d Mintrinarha.,,