Daily Republican., 1879-11-14

"Fred Holt and his wife ~
And while she was striving to hide
from any eyes the tortures she endur-
cd, James Rutherford was stOrming
up and down his library, holding the
second Of Harvey Fosters communica-
tions in his hand. In the same awk-
ward hand writing, the same facts were
stated, the same hour and place to
verify the writer's words.
But the peppery old bachelor made
no secret OF his wrath. To have lis
tened to him, one would have suppos-
ed that making mincemeat of his dis
obedient nephew was the least he in
tended.
1t was with chuckle Of satisfaction
that Harvey Foster, secretly hidden In
a narrow courtway, watched tall,
stately figure leave carriage at the
head of Ralph street, and walk to the
door OF No. %.
In the quiet of the street heard
clear voice ask the servant who opened
the door
bOfs MID ilDib itNc hVit'
"Yes, ma am; second floor.
"Is her husba at homs!"
"Yes, ma'am you will find them
both there.
Then Maud Chester entered the house
just as a short painting man dashed ur
the step, and, not pausing to make any
inquiry, also entered.
In the passage, Maud Chester, turn
ing, as rapid steps followed her, faced
James Rutherford.
"You here!" he said. "You have
heard, too, then, of the trick this un.
grateful hound has played upon both of
uss"
81 have heard" she answered, in a
cold voice, that your nephew's wife
lives in this house. wish to ascertain
II it is true.
"We will coon see we will soon see
Second floor. Here we are. Now, then.
And the old gentleman's raps proved
the excitement under which he was la
boring.
A very pale, sweet woman opened
the door, her eyes showing that she
had been weeping very recently.
"Does Mr.. Holman live here 7" the
old gentleman asked.
"That is my name, sir"
"Can ! soc your husband :"
The soft eyes, full Of deep trouble,
were lifted inquiringly to his face.
SIS it on business, sir ?"
every important business" was the
rather dry response.
because the doctor said to-day he
must not have any mental excitement.
He is so very much worse to day IL
am afraid he is dying!" And sobs
broke out again.
"DyingG"
"Dying An Accident ?"
"No, sir; 1t is fever from over
work."
"Fever-over-work? ?"
"Josie-Josie I"
II ever Fred. Holt spoke, he spoke
then from an inner room, and the little
wife, seeming to forget her strange Wis
itors, answered, quickly:
"I'n coming, Fred"
She went at once to the room from
which the voice came, and again the
two, listening intsntly, heard Fred. Is
husky voice.
"Bring the last cordial, Josie. Ten
drops. ! am sure he knew me; but he
Ia faint"
A moment later, the same CHEEKY
voice spoke again.
"Drink this, old fellow. Sse!-|
see here is Josie Don't you know
Josie p
Then another voics-Oh SO very faint!
said
"Josie-little wife,"
A moment of utter silence followed,
and then Josie said
There is q gentleman and lady in
the other room, Fred, who wants to see
Frank. Will you see thsmi"
And Fred, appearing in compliance
with this request, found his uncle vi.
gorously tanning Maud Chester with q
newspaper to bring her out Of a faint
ing ft.
Before he could frame question, his
uncle said, quickly
sect some water !"
He obsyed. Then, when Maud's
blue eyes opened with . bswildered
stare, the old gentleman continued
1--WE were sent here to see your do
mestic felicity, and we seem to be mis-
informed"
"My domestic felicity |" cried Fred.
"Read that" said his uncle, handing
the anonymous note. And Fred COM
piled.
"Humph yes," he said. $50 you
came to see Mrs. Fred Holt. Well, that
lady has made me happy man." and
his eyes flashed merrily upon Maud.
But will introduce you to my cousins
wife, Mr.. Frank Holt.
Maud" he continued, with gentle
gravity, "since you have come here, 1t
will be an act of Christian charity tol
remain, for'-and his voice sank very
low-"we are afraid the poor little wo-
man will be widow before the morn
ing"
"Poor fellow |" said James Ruthford.
"What is the trouble :" II
"Over.work. He thought he could
increase his small salary by making
fine engravings in the evening, and he
broke down. never knew Of his mar
till last week, when he wrote me
q painful note, begging me to care for
his wife, II he died. came here at
once, and was fortunate enough to win
poor little Josie's sisterly confidence
and effsction. Maud, II the great trou-