The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1879-10-28

dried and Mrs. Matner went out Tor walk
ats no harm to look at that dress agar
even if can't buy it," she said.
In Myra's dainty portemonnaie there wa
money enough to purchase number O
nice little parcels, even though the price O
the expensive dress was denied her. 81
the morning slipped away, and lunchior
time found her chatting away with JUL,
MAXWELL, and quite willing to accompany
that friend upon scond tour in the after
noon.
1t was after five o'clock when the little
matron reached her pretty home. Hel
first shock was catching a glimpse OF
Ernest's maiden aunt, Miss Cordelia Lowry
her especial aversion and dread, seated
upon a sofa.
"Old horror" she muttered, II wish she
was at home. want to make 1t up with
Ernest. ! don't like the dress half as
much as did yesterday"
The second shock met her upon opening
the door of her bedroom.
Open boxes, closets, drawers, an air of
general confusion everywhere, and the
small trunk Ernest always took upon his
short business trips missed altogether,
Clearly her husband had packed up and
gone, leaving Aunt Cordelia as usual, to
keep Myra Company.
But where was he!
Upon the dressing table was note
directed to herself, and Mrs. Mather tore it
open.
No loving address to herself merely
this:
Have waited for your return as long as
possible, and write this to explain my alb
sence. told you six months ago of Mr..
Agnew's offer to me, if | would accept the
position Of travelling salesman to the house
double my present salary, and liberal
commission. | declined il then, because
you said the money would never compen-
safe you for the constant separation. To
day the offer is renewed. After our con-
versation this morning, | think your old
objection will hardly have any weight; 50 |
have accepted and leave in an hour. | will
write you every month, inclosing remittan-
ces. l leave the accompanying banknote
for the dress you desire. have sent for
Aunt Cordelia, as usual, to stay with you.
ERNEST MATHERs.'
Not a loving word, not regret for the
long separation.
Myra realized then how considerate and
loving her husband had been.
Great tears rolled down ker checks as
she bitterly reproached herself
II had made him. believe that don't
care for anything but money" she thought
1t was not an easy task TO go TO dinner
and meet Aunt Cordclia, but it must be
done.
The days passed very YEARLY.
Aunt Corielia preached daily sermons
to Myra about extravaganza, and various
other feminine weaknesses TO the poor little
woman, who wished she was as homely and
lll-clad as the tormenter herself.
And Myra grew to hate the words in the
long months of her enforced companion.
ship. For Ernest did not return. Spring.
summer, autumn, passed away, and Deem
Der was opening, but still he did not come.
Every month formal letter reached Myra,
inclosing a check for her expenses, of such
liberal value as proved Ernest was making
money; but each one informed
her that her husband was just leaving the
place from which he wrote, and made no
mention Of his next destination.
Heart sick, penitent and OH so lonely,
the little wife. spent only what was neces-
sary for the house, and fairly loathed the
sight Of the money that was accomplishing
in her hands.
Letter after letter she wrote and destroyed,
rot knowing where to direct them.
She was growing so pale and worn that
Aunt Cordelias most hateful speeches went
often unanswered.
She was sitting in the drawing-room
one cold December morning when Mr.. Ag-
new, Ernest's employer, came in.
Il am sorry to disturb you, Mrs. Mather,"
he said; but wish to enquire if you have
heard from Ernest this week
Not since the first she replied.
"lle wrote us on the fifth that he
would remain in Cumberland until the first
OF the year, and was TO send some papers
on the seventh. These have not come, and
we are embarrassed for want Of them. |
telegrYEed yesterday, but have no reply.
iiO"S'Oi' il you Ha'c HOt IcdIN Hc 10 ~,
he is probably better
"lll.' she faltered
"Well, l judged from his last letter that
he had not fully recovered from the fever
that he had had, although he resumed his
business
"Ill! A fever Sick at a hotel, and she
not near!'
All the love in the little woman's heart
rose in protest. She astonshed Aunt
Cordelia by dashing into that lady's room,
crying:
Take care of the house! I'm going to
Cumberland" and dashed out again as
abruptly.
The afternoon found her seated in an
express train, pushing to Ernest as fast as
steam could carry her.
In a wide, pleasant room, Ernest Mather
lay upon his bed dangerously i'll.
He had been for months trying to quiet
his sick, restless heart by oyerworking his
body.
He made money fast, supplying Myra
with liberal hand and yet saving consid-
cradle. For whatl Bitterly he thought
that when he was very rich man he would