The Red Cloud chief., 1877-12-20

his meaning. Could he have been &C
bold - to have her understand literally
his words? How charming he was
Not to be compared to Will. however.
The little wife's heart beat high with
pride and love for her gallant husband,
even though he had that n evening
neglected her.
What. little wife, all alone? Not sit
ting up for me, l hope? Did l not keep
my promise to come home early? The
fellows thought me wOfully shabby, but
l know in their hearts they all enyied
me-"
Il did not know it was late. l have
had q very pleasant evening. MI. Ray
mond called"
.What, Hale Raymond? l am sor-
~ / was not at home; n0tthat l missed
anything. but because he is not the sort
of a man l care particularly to have my
wife receive alone"
Indeed! I thought him charming!"
throwing an unusual emphasis into the
words, as she noted the flush she sup
posed jealousy originated by Viii Ches.
terield's face.
An answer was upon his lips, but he
checked it, as unworthy of him; and re-
counting the evenings sayings and do
ings to the little wife he SO fOndly loved
and of whose displeasure he little deem
ed himself the subject, he soon forgot
the irritation of the moment.
Two months glided BY, and scarcely
was Mrs. Cheste, field alone ere she was
joined by Haze Raymond. Did she walk,
he seemed to spring from the ground;
did she drive, his horse would come ca.
reering beside her carriage, and he would
find time and opportunity to have with
her q few moments quiet converse. Ey-
or approaching forbidden themes, he
never transgressed openly, but slowly,
surely fought his way, as he hoped, into
the heart of the citadel.
will" says Mrs.C Chesterfield, one day.
to her husband, there is to be a masked
ball at the Academy next week. Will
you take met"
II am sorry, my darling. but l will be
out of town on that night; and, even
were 1 here. it is not the place where l
would care to see you"
With a pout the young wife turned
away, and the subject dropped.
ut is nothing to him now to refuse my
wishes" she thought. "Once he would
have postponed any engagement to graf
ify me"
The day of the ball came. With allow
ing kiss in the early morning. Will Ches-
terfeld babe his wife good by. Scarcely
had the door closed upon him than MI.
Raymond was announced.
II have come to ask you and Mr.. Cbes-
terield to join our party for the las
querade to night. Of course he will con
sent if wou will but ask him."
"Mr. Chester fl I'D is unfortunately alb
sent. 30 that l must decline"
"Indeedr feignlng the utmost sur.
prise. But surely you will not spend
the evening alonep Mrs. Irving is going
to ~chaperone the party. We shall have
a box, and be perfectly to ourselves. No
one will recognize you. Dc say you will
| COME"
And so he pleaded, until, remember
ing her husband had not absolutely for
hidden her going, and knowing she could
readily assuage his displeasure, she gave
a somewhat reluctant consent, and with
his heart heating high with hopes of
what she never dreamed, Hale Raymond
left her.
But all that evening, surrounded by
mirth and fun, music and lights, uproar
and dancing, she wished herself a thou.
sand times back to her own quiet home.
Between her and the jewellers came the
vision of her husbands handsome face.
What would he say? Yet could he
blame her? Had he not left her alone?
At last she could bear it no longer,
and whispering q few words to her es-
cOrt, he arose, assisted her in her hasty
adieu, and went with her forth from the
din and glare into the calm, peaceful
moonlight night.
vii you walk or driver"
"Oh, let US walk" she answered; and
gathering up her rich ball dress, and
slipping off her mask. she drank in, with
q sense of inexpressibls relief, heavens
pure air.
At last her home was reached. Turn.
ing, as the servant opened the door, to
say good by to her companion, she was
startled by the request
1T is early yet. May 1 not come in?
I have something l want particularly to
say to you"
She could scarcely refuse 80 trifing a
request, 50 preceded him into the draw
ing room. The room was in a shadow,
but as she turned to ask his meaning,
she started at the unusual pallor of his
handsome face.
Are you ill ?" she questioned.
Zip Would to God I were! Would
that torture of the body might teach
forgetfulness of the mlnd's anguish!
Have you not seen. all these weeks, how
I have loved you-how I would dare all
things for some response? You must
hav known it all-why, then, do you
give me that white face of untold hOr-
rorP"