Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1877-04-27

A WIFE'S TEMPTATION.

"Mcrcenary little thing Who could
imagine that she could be so artful p
said Mrs. Fulton, contemptuously; aud
society, judging from its own standard,
quite coincided in her opinion.
He was double her age. OF course
she had married him for his money.
Was it so? Lily Rivers herself
could scarcely answer the question
She was very friendless, very desolate /;
it was but dreary work, acting as gov
orposs to Mrs Futon'S unruly children,
and bearing the airs Of that great lady
herself Mark Grants tender heart
melted with infinite compassion at sight
Of the fragile young creature, bearing
her cherries life so uncomplainingly,
striving so braveIy to fulfil her duties
An intense desire to shield and protect
her came over him, then, to his own
amazement, Mark Grant, who for nearly
two score years bad resisted all matri-
monial traps, found that he had fallen
hopelessly in love with his sisters pretty
governess.
When Mr.. Grant, the rich banker,
asked Lily to be his wife, she was al
most overpowered by the unexpected
honor; his VOWS we're the first words of
affection she had listened to for many
years. 1t was so delightful to have
some one to cling Toto know that she
was not utterly friendless She never
asked herself if she loved this man as a
wife should love her husband he loved
her, he said she could render his home
a little heaven upon earth. What more
was wanting to complete her happiness
So Lily reigned like queen 10 Mark
Grants stately mansion at Chaplain, and
felt vivid delight in the luxury and
spendor with which her husband loved
to surround her. Mark never seemed
tired of ministering to his young wife's
pleasure.
A year passed thus, then Gerald
Lacy appeared upon the scene. He
was Marks cousin-handsome wealthy
and talented; he was one of society 8
idols, had somewhat tired Of its attrac-
tions; and now after some years Of
! IOTclHu tldNel, uC Hdu IcbuIutu W MS
native land. We have said that he was
rich and idle how could he employ the
time than by devoting it to his cousins
lovely wife? Such pastimc was neces-
sary to Gerald's excitement loving nature.
He was not bad man only thought
less triher and he assured himself that
he meant no barn.
"Mark did not understand the value
Of the treasure he possessed. Lily was
his cousin; it would only be charity to
eniven her life p Thus he reasoned
Accordingly Mr. Lacy set himself to
work to render himself agreeable -
Lily was not very difficult to please, she
received all his attentions graciously f;
for Gerald was a new experience to the
girl, his gay manner captivated her
simple fancy he was hero in her sight,
he called her his friend; Lily imagined
that never before had friendship assumed
so fair guise to mortal being.
Day after day passed, each brighter
than the last, then summer came and
still found Gerald at Lily Grants side.
There were boating excursions when the
limped waters were as calm as a mirror.
Lily seated near him, looking like a
watery fairy in her dainty white robes.
Long rides when the horses hoofs
brushed the diamond drops of dew from
the grass; promenaded upon the terrace,
when the moonbeams bathcd the land
scape in flood Of silvery granduer.
During the summer days, Gerald
Lacy was careless no longer Bis
tbougbtlcssness had drifted into sin, and
without struggle, he yielded himself
up to the fierce passion which consumed
him. lie declared TO himself that he
could not live without her He felt no
remorse for the dishonor hc would bring
upon bis kinsman's name, no pity for
the woman he would disgrace absored
in his selfish passion, be was deaf to the
voice Of conscience.