The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1877-10-18

cloud between them. "
And ! don't care" Edith said to
hcr herself. "If Phil is kinder to me
than Harry is, I'll like him the best,
tnats all. lie Wouldn't leave me
alone as Harry does, and this very
h'gnt we are going to drive to the
park if the moon is bright"
And when Mr.. Forrest came III that
evening, about ten o'clock, he was
aga" fortunately in time to catch the
Dlack-cyed, black -moustachcd fellow
gong down the front steps to the
chaise waiting at the door, ard lust in
time to find Edith folding away her
jacket. But he said nothing.
Ills whole soul wns beginning TO be
on hfe with fury and jealousy, and he
found it remarkably casy to stay at
home when Edith was so winninrly
sweet and charming that he wond rcd
whether or not she meant it, or was
only trying to cheat him into u d:sbe-
lief Of her rccklessucss.
But Edith's curious conduct-timcs
when she vas cxtravagantly gay, times
when she was dull, pale an,l sad -wor-
ried him.
She never asked him to stay at home
III the evenings nOw-of course she
preferred to have him out of the way,
so that she could nave her own good
time with friend" Harry said
to himself, ironically, for in his very
heart Of hearts he could not bring
himself to say clover"
His faith in his wife was too strong
to admit doubt Of aught beyond in
discretion, and yet he was agonizingly
jealous.
Then one evening the climax came,
when Harry went home to dinner half
an hour earlier, and found Edith read
ing note, which she tore into frug-
ments the instant he crossed the door
sill-tore and threw it into the fire
with flushed face and startled action.
Mrs. Worthington wants ME to 60
to her room tonight l suppose You
will be going out, Harry"
He knew she was telling what was
not SO.
"Yes, | am going cat to the club"
In his heart he hated himself for
the falsehood he told, for he knew he
had made up his mind to watch his
wife we'll that night, and see if his
Jealousy was warranted or not.
Edith's checks glowcd and her eyes
sParkled, and she seemed in state of
delicious excitement at dinner.
Then she dressed in becoming toi-
lette of black silk, with flmy laces Mt
wrists ind throat, and rich jeweiry-
rather elaborate for tcte-a-tetc with
Mrs. Worthington, Harry thought, as
he smiled bitterly behind his ncwspa-
per.
He purposely prolonged his stay
half al hour beyond his usual time,
and then was vexed that Edith should
show no signs of perturbation.
''iShe's already so vcrscd in deceit
that she can control her fear and i'm
patience"
Finally he put OH his overcoat, hat
and gloves, and went out, to take up
his position ON the opposite side of the
street, where he commanded the doors
and windows; and ten minutes after
wards tall, black k-moustached gentle
man drove up and rang the bell, and
i'll n moment more his wife-his sweet,
beloved Edith, whom he never loved
SO we'll as this moment of her f;.lsity-
his wife came down, and the two were
driven away.
1t was the work of Il moment to hail
passing cab, and the chase bean,
and ended at the door oir Exeter Hall,
and Harry bought his ticket and took
a seat rs near as he could get to Edith
and hcr-her- friend"
It was u pale, l,nggari face that
watched them all that evening, and n
pair Of eyes that were pitifully panied
and indignant, and passioninl as he
noted how perfectly happy the two
were-how Edith, whose sweet reserve
and shyness had been one of hergreat-
eet charms to him-how Edith was so
sEes, i'll her manner to him, and how
admirably the gentleman returned her
pretty little familiarities.
1t was al hour Of torture to him.
He sat there, remembering NIL the
times he had neglected E'lith-how
she had SO coaxingly asked him to
"stey at home" cr "take her"
He realized, as he had never done
before, what sudden and very great
change it had been 70 her to leave her
homo where there was such large
family of brothers and sisters, and,
consequently, great deal of young
company.
He began to appreciate how careless
he had been Of the happiness entrusted
to his keeping.
He sat there, repentant, indignant,
jealous, remorseful, ready to fly at that
handsome, dnshiDg fellow who assumed
such an air of proprietorship over his
foolish, silly little wife-the lovely lit
tie girl, who, not having her husband 3
society, had sought companionship else
. where.
He never heard chord of the divine
melodies--hc never needed the storms
of applause.
All he heard, all he saw was Edith's
occasional low laugh, her beautiful
| flushed face as she turned her profile
towards him.
Then the performance was over.
followed them closely rs he dared,
until he saw them take their carriage,
] and then tha second chase henan. 4hat