Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1879-09-30

Mary's Lesson.

II
"No, Lucy, never make love match,
said young Mrs. Strong to an old schoo
friend who was paying her an afternoo
visit. MARRY for money, for interest
for anything but love. 1 have trie
that, and made failure, such as it wou
break my heart to see you make"
Lucy Moore listened silently,
thoughtful shadow On her fair youn
face.
"Is it indeed true?" she said. I"
grieve to hear it. How well 1 remem
ber your wedding day, Mary. How
handsome and noble he looked How
bright and happy were you! Oh! sure
ly he loved you very dearly then ~
He thought he did, and so did l.,
said Mrs. Strong, with half choket
sob. "But it did not last long, Lucy
We have been married just two year
to-day. He will not remember th'
day. He left me this morning withou
kiss, as he always does. He will come
back to dinner in the same way, anC
after it is over he will go out to his club
or some other place, and never come
home until after I have gone to bed
And yet 7 have been a coed, faithful
and careful wife to him. I have studied
his comfort in every way, and this is my
reward !"
She laid her face in herr GLANDS as she
spoke. Lucy Moore bent over her and
whispered, I'm every way save one
my dear Mary"
Mrs. Strong looked up.
"What do you mean >"
"Promise not to be angry and 1 will
tell you"
"Go on"
Your husband as young man was
very fond of music. Do you ever play
or sing to him of an evening now?"
"Oh, no. We gave that up long
enough ago"
"But why gu
II am sure can't tell. 1t was such
bore to practice"
"Do you read aloud to him or have
him read to you?"
mo. I used to; but somehow that
is given up toe"
"And your dress; shall you change
it before he comes to dinner 2"
Mrs. Strong shook her head She
wore dingy, founced delaine, no collar
or cuffs, and her hair was rough and
untidy; her whole look one of careless
ness.
He would not notice it if l did
Where is the use, Lucy? 1t is all too
late"
''No, it is not TOO late. But it may be
soon," said Lucy, earnestly. MARY,
some one ought to tell you. No one
dares to but me. Your husband does
not go to his club of an evening. He
goes to Mrs. Wylie's. You know her;
you have heard her name-'The Queen
of Flirts.' Mary. she is dangerous
woman. She lives but for admiration,
and that she means to have. Your
husband gives her admiration now !;
take care that he gives her no more
his loveW
Mrs. Strong burst into tears.
"What can l do?" she asked. 81
know that woman too well. What
chance have l against her?'
"Give yourself chance" said Lucy,
with kiss. "Let your husband find
pleasant welcome from a wife neatly
dressed, Mary. Forgive the hint. You
have beauty and grace. Do not neglect
them longer. Sing to him, Mary, play
to MN, charm and fascinate him. You
have done it once. Try again, and save
him from the Queen of Flirts.'"
She stole softly from the room. 1t
had not been pleasant lessen to re-
ceive; it might not have beon g pleas
ant one to give who shall say? But
Mrs. Strong was a sensible, as well as q
pretty woman, and five minutes after
Lucy Moore had gone she went to her
own room, acknowledging that her
friend had spoken but the truth.
That evening, just after the street
lamps were lighted, Mr.. Strong came
carelessly toward his home. Carelessly ?
Yes, that was the word. That house
was fast becoming to him place to eat,
sleep and dress ina place fer which
he had to pay rent ana taxes, but in
which he took no comfort Or pleasure,
if the truth must be told.
Never mind, I'll 60 to Grace Wylie's
as soon as dinner is over, and she will
make it UP to me, bless her bright
eyes :" thought Mr.. Strong, as he open
ed the front door with his latch key and
strobe across the hall.
Only halfway, however, for there be-
fore him, at the foot Of the stairs, stood
graceful, pretty woman, with satin
smooth brown hair and bright blue
eyes, and cheeks as red as roses, wear
ing a pretty evening dress of dark blue
silk, and shining ornaments upon her
snowy neck and arms.
:'Welcome home. dear" she said,
with heavenly smile. ut is the sec
ond anniversary of our wedding day.
Won't you spend this evening with me,
dear?"
His oaiy answer was a cold embrace
and sudden kiss. Her eyes were dim
as he sped up stairs to his own room to
prepare for dinner.
"Brute, fool that have been ~ he
thought to himself.
And after dinner, on the plea OF smok-
ing one cigar, be went into Bond street,
and returned with pretty gold watch
and chain as a present for his wife.
They sang the old songs together that
evening" they talked long time over
the dying fire. All, it was not too late
He loved her still, and she had saved
him and their happy home.
The lesson was not lost upon her
From that day she has never grown
careless-never ceased to strive to keeT
her husbands as she once tried to win
| her lovers love-