The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-09-29
CHAPTER XXI.
IF HE WERE DEAD.

glad to be home again, but rather in
clined to be disappointed that his wife
had not come to greet him.
II believe she is in her own room, sir.
Shall | send Mrs. Mason to tell her you
would be glad to see her?'
"No, will go myself, thank you. Just
take my hat and gloves"
eyes, sir"
"Miss Irwin is gone, supposeT
"Mr. Irwin took her away about half
an hour ago, sir"
''She stayed all night, of courseT'
eyes, sir"
Mr.. Roper was not inclined to grumble
at his rivals absence, for it struck him
that he should have had to expect few
smiles and fewer caresses if she had been
there. However, he said no word of his
thoughts as he flew upstairs.
Euphemia was not in her room-at
least, he thought not, and was turning
away, when she came slowly towards
him, with face all frozen, and white,
and awful-a face that had all the still
pallor of death, without its serenitt.
"Ah," she said, in far off, concentra-
ted voice; "you are come home, Paulp'
Mr.. Roper caught both her hands and
drew her towards him, with wonder and
dismay, both, in his voice.
"Euphemia, my darling, are you asleep
or ill? am not Paul, but George Roper,
your husband"
Sha IonrbaI Erbt1,
"What mistake! I must have been
dreaming. Where is the child%'
"Mr Irwin took her home half an
hour back, the butler tells me-"
At this name the mist cleared from
Euphema's brow for moment, and she
began to tremb convulsively.
dts very cold, Feorge; we ought to
have had fires"
"What, in June?
as it June7 1t feels like winter. 1t
must be an age since we were married."
"Only five months"
"Oh, no." she said hurriet1'y; "eght
years at Easter, you mean, because Mabel
was born the following Christmas. 1t
seems so odd you should forget" she add
cd, petulantly, "when it has been the la
Dor Of my life to do so, and l can't
can't"
Mr.. Roper carried her to sofa, and
laid her on it. He thought he knew what
was the matter. Euphemia had one of
her terrible headaches, and the excite
ment of little Mabel's presence, and the
necessity of amusing her, had bewildered
her brain 50 completely, that she had
adopted the strange delusion that the
little one was really hers.
He was going to ring the bell, and or
der servant to 60 immediately for the
doctor, when she, watching him cunning
ly out of her half-closed eyes, guessed his
intention, and said, in an imperious tone,
'Leave that bell alone. / know what
you think; but l am not mad. My head
aches, and 50 would yours if you had
had to bear SO much talking az l have.
Some people have no consideration. If
could 60 to sleep for half an hour should
wake up all right; and I've got until nine
o'clock, you know"
"What do you mean, Euphemia? We
dine at eight, as usual, suppose?'
"You do, yes; but | am going to sup
with some old friends"
1t was clearly no use arguing with her;
and, more over, it was wiser not. Mr..
Roper, therefore, made feint of leaving
the room; but concealing himself
amongst the curtains of the bed, he
crept back presently to keep watch at
her side. '..
In few minutes she began to breathe
heavily, as if asleep, and in raising her
arm above her head to settle herself into
an easier posture, something fell to the
ground.
Mr.. Roper picked it up, and found it
to be an empty phial, labeled CLAUDIA
num-"
ooh, thenw he said to himself, with a
feeling of relief, "that is the cause of
her strange conduct and language. She
has been taking laudanum to relieve her
head, and not understanding its effects,
has thoroughly overdosed herself. This
is most grateful exchange for my for
mer fears, and can easily prevent any
repetition Of this scene by insisting upon
her seeing physician, and taking his
prescriptions instead Of doctoring herself.
Poor child" he added softly to himself,
as he looked down upon her pale profile
with compassionate tenderness; ~ am
afraid she is anything but strong, and
will need all my love and care. But as
it is my greatest pleasure to give both, l
only complain for her sake"
He thrust the bottle into his pocket,
and then went to the door to stop Jennie,
whom he heard approaching. But at
eight, when the dinner-bell rang, and
Jennie came again, she allowed her to- re-
place him for the present, while he went
below to snatch a hurried meal.
He had been travelling all day, and
really required some refreshment, other
wise he would not have left his wife's
side. But, TO his utter surprise, he had
scarcely tasted his soup before Euphemia
came in, flushed and smiling, and:perfect-
ly composed.
She glanced once at the clock, and then
said quietly, with her usual grace and
sweetness, 81 hope l have not kept yoti
waiting, George. I had no idea it was SO
late"
"Has your sleep refreshed you, my