The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1877-05-31
CCNSThN 2E'S STORY.

. When my husband Roscoe Arnold asked me
to marry him, felt it necessary to tell him that
did not love him rs he loved me that un
derstood his devotion, because had felt it for
another-thlt other, Ivan Grey-that to my
husband had to give only a grateful affection.
Would that suffice?
He said that it would. He told me after rard
THAI, through my weeping. he did not catch
the name that he thought l said also that my
lover had died.
From th first, Roscoe was good husband.
If l did not appreciate him then, was not
unhappy. ! had bright beautiful home which
Roscoe named Hesperides. The library was
extensive the conservatory luxurious. Books
and flowers being my ruling passion, my hus-
band had taken especial pains to gra ify me.
After our boy was born, and everybody pro-
nounced him most healthy and beautiful
child Roscoe said to me:
Constance, are YOU happy now?"
looked straight into his honest brown eyes
as | truly answ red Yes, Roc"
He bent and kissed me with delight had
never seen him show before
dearest You are mine :. be mllrmured.
That was all he said.
1t was just two wears after our marriage.
few days later he received letter.
asked whomit was from.
My sister, he answered.
Il never knew that you had a sister, said,
in surprise.
'No. | have never spoken to you of Ora
When my parents died IN my boyhood, Ora
was baby. and was taken by an aunt down to
New Orleans, where she was raised with her
children l have only seen her once since. She
is very pretty. This letter tells me she is to be
married."
He gave me the letter to read. 1t was writ
ten on delicate, fragrant paper the penman-
ship easy and graceful. but rather too fine
Rather ii brief communication, prettily ex-
pressed. asking us to come to the wedding
ITO New Orleans in July l am afraid to
take baby, and | could not leave him
- | see that we cannot CO. 1t is impractical
bic. | will write and tell Ora"
And give her my love. Say that hope she
will be very happy"
I had been present at but one wedding in my
life, and that was my own. | was siX-and-
twenty. Ii was very different from what
thought it would be when l was eighteen. At
eighteen | had been betrothed to Ivan Grey at
twenty-Six married Roscoe Arnold.
Ihe suggestion Of another wedding brought
! back the past to me. When l was alone, and
lbahy asleep in his basket, went to drawer in
IA private cabinet, and took out packet of let
YterS and photograph.
The latter was q vignette-a face handsome
as a Greek gods with perfection of contour
that must ever be fascinating. AS l looked at
1t, the peace of my heart fled away. The breath
OF the past. fragrant, new, spring-ike, swept
over me; the warm, imperious impulses of
youth started to life in my blood.
| looked at the letters, but did not open
them. There was no need. / had learned each
one by heart years ago. The packet was
small and | sat with it held between my palms
for nearly half an hour. But put away let
tors and picture at last, and sat down by the
open window swinging the baby's basket to
and fro. just then l heard Roscoe whistling
lightly as he ran up stairs, and in moment he
entered the room his hands full of pond
lilies.
''Soe here, Connie-here's treat for you
Aren't they beauties?"
My favorte flower l took the splendid
things from him and put them in a crystal
globe of cool water
''See here 20 said Roscoe
He had pulled off his straw hat and the curl
ing hair about his white forehead was literally
dripping with perspiration.
'See how wilted | am, hurrying home
through the heat to save your lilies" he
laughed
brought him some cool water to bathe his
face, laid out for him some fresh clothing, and
went away to see if dinner was ready. Thus l
took up, again, the present.
Another year went by. / was surrounded by
comfort; tenderly cared for. / resolved not to
unlock the rosewood cabinet again.
was reading in the portico, one June morn-
ing, while Melisse, the nurse, was leading little
Lyle along the garden walks, when carriage
came whirling up the drive.
| sprang up, fearing something had happen
ell to my husband. But, by the time reached
the open hall door, a lady, alone, was coming
up the steps from the carriage She was very
young, richly robed, and instantly addressed
me:
" Are you not my brother Rosooe's wife2'