The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1877-12-20
er's tenderness, although he had caused
her many bitter pang by his dissolute

about town, and the discreditable tales
current respecting him were beyond
count, and Of a complexion not to be
mentioned here. I heard that he was
nearly being dismissed from the service
through bis faulty behavior. His
mother, however, had hurried to town,
and, exerting all the interest she pos
sessed in certain influential quarters,
managed to snatch him from the disgrace
then threatening him.
In order to remove him from the evil
influence Of bad companions, his moth
er persuaded him to exchange into
another regiment, stationed in quieter
place.
Before he joined it the widow begged
him to come and spend Christmas with
her at her home in Surrey.
A trifing change had taken place in
he Danesbrooks' household in the mean
ime. When paid my patient visit
one day, found young girl staying
with her, who was introduced to me as
distant relative who had consented to
be companion to Mrs. Danesbrook till
she should have recovered from her ner-
vous depression OF spirit.
This girls name was Julia, and the
brilliant brunette, with her red lips,
black eyes, and rather coquettish man
ner, formed decided contrast to the
gentle-eyed Maud.
Always in high spirits, she seemed
destined to work q great change in Mrs.
Danesbrook's quiet household.
I was quite delighted at having sue
ceeded in making my eccentric friend
more sociable. The young wife seemed
to be very grateful to me, also, and daily
showed more confidence in me, treating
me more as friend than family doctor.
By-and-by she began to tell me about
her past life, and her domestic affairs
Of her YOUTH and how she became &C
quainted with her husband, on an occa-
sion which explained the high esteem in
which she held him, and the love she
seemed to bear him.
According to her account, her hus-
band, who was very wealthy, had saved
her father from a ruinous bankruptcy.
and her whole family from poverty, by
the greatest sacrifices on his part.
CT was quite child then" added
she, ''and, childlike, thought a great
deal of personal beauty. Soon, how
ever, I grew accustomed to Denis ap-
pearance, and, In time, became quite in
different to it. The older I grew, the
more I recognized his worth, his good
ness Of heart, and appreciated and hon
ored his character. A peculiar sadness,
which I attributed to his bitter expert
ences of life, filed me with pity for him,
which soon turned into love. So, when
he asked me for my hand, [ gave it to
him, with the most sincere affection, and
with a wish to make him as happy as [
knew he deserved to be-"
In spite of this frank, and, as I firmly
believed, truthful confession, I still
doubted her happiness, and the follow
ing incidents seemed to confirm my srs-
picions in that respect
Christmas was approaching, and [ had
received an invitation from Danesbrook to
assist in a grand festival, to which he
was going to treat all his farmer-tenants.
He threw open all his large rooms, dec
grated them extensively, and had sum-
moned capital brass band from Lon
don. He threw himself heart and soul
into the occasion, and every one about
rendered him their best assistance.
At length the eventful evening ar
rived. Fhe earth was covered with
deep snow, and everything was season
able and agreeable.
Carriages bearing rich neighbors, on
one hand, came bowling along; then, on
the other, light carts and wagons ratified
up to and discharged their contents at
the hospitable door, now opened wide
to all.
Led by the agent of the estate-a still
youthful mana procession of farmers,
their wives and daughters, followed by
scores of workers-men with horny
hands and simple minds-was formed,
and entered large saloon, were pre-
sented in due form to the landlord and
his wife, the generous donors of the
feast.
Among the assembled guests I noticed
Mrs. Cottrell and her son Claude, who
certainly justified the report of his beauty
which had preceded him.
The Lieutenant was assuredlY very
handsome man, perfect dancer, and
possessed that degree of boldness which
most women are inclined to admire in
one Of the opposite sex.
In town he had made conquests wher-
ever he appeared, and Julia Leyland
was especially charmed with him. They
danced often together, and theyindulged
| in much merriment.
Mrs. Danesbrook also mixed among
the dancers. She, too, danced several
times with the fascinating lieutenant,
while her husband stood moodily in a
corner, following the pair about every
where with his lowering chances.
[ could not remain till the end my
self, SO I asked the agent to order my
carriage brought round unknown to all,
and stole away unperceived.
"I am sorry Mr.. Ormond, to go away
SO soon," observed to the agent, as I
shook hands with him on the stairs; but
I have patient who expects visit from
me before retire for the night