The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1878-01-31

t't'-s t.t7 'l4t'4 VIZ - -'.,r ~ <
nopoiizds 50 iAu a di !.
Harry" she contiuued'in a differ
ent tone, "are you only tired, or are
You sick, or"
"My dear Ethel" interrupted Mr..
Benson, "of course nm a little tired;
but shall feel rested after dinner
only I.must hasten or shall not be
ready, SO let me Co." And giving
her a light kiss he abruptly left the
parlor.
For a few moments Mrs, Benson
remained immovablo, gazing fxedly
into the fire. The dinnor,bell arous-
ed her, and she arose with a deep
drawn sigh, saying to herself;
Something is the matter-he is SO
different"
The dinner hour was always pleas
ant in that household. Tonight,
however, Mrs. Benson fancied her
husband made an effort to talk; and
two or three times, in momentary
pauses, she saw that anxious look
pass over his face. Was it her i'm
agination? If not, what caused it?
Had she done anything to annoy
himP Did home seem less attractive
to him than at frst2 Did hc-and
the young wife quivered at the bare
possibility-care less for her? Had
he seen some one else who had turn
ed his heart from her?
"Come, Ethel, are you dreamingP"
demanded Bellies laughing voice.
81 am sure we have all finished din
ner, andI am longing to try that
new duet"
EEb9l rose FROM g,g the table at this
reminder, :eyilS
"But we MIST make baby visit
first"
The. evening passed quickly be-
tween music and visitors, and all
thought of trouble had vanished
from Mrs. Benson's mind. The last
caller had taken leave, Belle had re-
tired to her own room, and the young
couple fingered over the cozy fire in
the drawing room.
cousin May is coming to spend
New Years with us" remarked Mrs.
Benson. 81 heard from her to-day"
as she?" responded her husband
absontly.
eyes, and l think I'd better ask
Grace to come, also; it is dull for her
at home. Don't you think so?"
"What did you say, dear?" asked
Mr.. Benson, rousing himself.
"Why, Harry, do believe that
you are half asleep. Oh, Harry, l
had almost forgotten-I wish you
would leave me some money or a
check, or something of the kind, for
tomorrow Belle and must get our
New Years dresses You might as
well leave five hundred or So
Mr.. Benson making no reply, his
wife glanced at him to see if he was
really asleep, She saw again the
bent brows and troubledface. Look
ing earnestly at him, shesaid:
"What is it, Harry?"
"Ethel," he began, hositatingly-
and then paused.
Ethel laid her hand upon his care.
lcssly and waited silently; but no
word came, Presently, leaning her
head on her husbands shoulder she
said in a low voice;
"Plcaso tell me, Harry"
81 don't think can give you the
money, Ethel" he said in a con.
strained tone. "There have been so
many failures lately, and we have
lost a great deal"
ooh, well, Harry, if it is not con-
venicnt, no matter Get some of
my money from the Merchants
Bank tomorrow; and we can do our
shopping just as we'll Thursday"
Mr.. Bonson's hand closed convul.
sivoly over his wilo's.
"My darling" he groanod, chow
can | tell you2 How can ] ever for.
give myself"
Ethel clung closer to her husband,
halfrrightoned at his strange excite
ment and evident suffering,
81 don't understand, Harry. If
you only love mo still, ! am sure
there is nothing to forgive"
"But Mr.. Benson seemed unable