Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1879-07-09

ptOuHoCu hnpphhCoos AN~n"o w e
man, as he held the hand soon TO be his
own, no one could doubt his love for the
fair one who stood before him.
They had spoken of many subjects
when he said, suddenly:
mir. Palmer has told me your gener-
Gus wishes, Miriam. with regard 10
money. cannot consent to this. In
time, may prove how entirely disre-
gardcd wealth when my offer was made
to you. Il is true we must have waited
longer before l could offer you home.
but will win my way to fortune yet.'
He lifted his young, noble head as he
spoke, tossing the dark curls from such
a frank, manly face, so full OF brave,
bright resolutions, that Miriam wonder
ed in ! er heart how any one could look
into his eyes and suspect him OF mer'
cenary desires.
She said nothing IN answer to his im~
petuous speech, only smiled AID nestled
her hand in his. She was not a caress-
ing woman rather coy in her sweet
maiden dignity: but where she gave
love and confidence, she gave them fully
and freely,
The DAYS of betrothal sped rapidly
During the day Wilton stood oyer his
desk, lingering over massive ledsers
and dreaming OF future happiness, and
Miriam selected her house. furnished it,
and kept dressmakers, seamstresses and
mllrners busy. She had no objection
to her step-father's wish to have house
asd furniture settled upon herself; but
was resolute about the remainder ofher
large fortune being subject to the con-
troll of her future husband.
Busy days were followed by happy
evenings. The young people were IA
yorites in society, and friends would in
.ist upon social festivities to celebrate
the betrothal. The quiet home evenings
were pleasant beyond these. when two
loving hearts learned to read each 9TH
er /: while Wilton loved more deeply
every day, HE worth and manllness
made her future look brighter every day.
But the days of the betrothal were
short. A gay wedding, n happy tour
and the young people came home to set
tie in the handsome new house as quiet
married folks.
Two years of happiness followed
Wilton was rapidly rising in the esteem
of business men-having purchased his
position as junior partner in the firm OF
MYERS & Co., at Miriam's earnest re-
quest. But, although attentive 20 his
business. he was no mere drudge seek
ing money as the end and aim OF his
life.
Miriam found him ever willing escort
to party, ball or opera, and the home
evenings were given to music, or reads
ing, or such bright intellectual Inter-
course as had its power OF mutual at
traction before their marriage.
There were sage people who shook
their heads over the young wlie's OK
trayagance but Wilton seemed most
happy when she was gratifying some
new whim or DESIRE. aud she had never
known the need of economy. Money
had always been at her command, and
there was no restraint upon her expend'
itures. For fine dress she cared but
little, though she was tasteful. and her
costumes were always rich and appro-
pirate; but she was generous and be-
nevolent, loved TO collect trihes OF ex
suislte around her. patronizing rising
artists. and found no difficulty in ex-
haustinq her liberal income year after
year.
Itwas during the third year OF her
married life Miriam began to find
cloud upon the former bright happiness
Of her life. Wilton was changed. In
these three words the LOVING heart OF
the young wife summed up all her FORE
boding. He had been the sunlight OF
her life, loving, tender and thoughtful {;
but it became evident that some absorb.
Ing interest was gradually winning him
more and more from her side.
Evening after evening he left her, on
some pretext or another, oftentimeS
staying away from her until long after
midnight. HIS sleep became restless
and broken and some absorbing care
kept his face pale, his eyes clouded, his
manner grave. There was no unkind-
ness to complain Of. Miriam met ever
tender caress, a loving word /; but she
went alone if she sought society; she
missed the pleasant home intercourse {;
and a strange, dull fear crept into her
heart. Wilton was becoming misery.
He denied her nothing, but sometimes
would sigh heavily il she challenged his
admiration of some new dress or orna-
mcnt, and it was evident he curtalled
his personal expenses to merest neces -
sites. Too proud TO complain, Miriam,
suffering silently, prayed that She might
never learn to despise her husband as a
mere money-making machine. AT first
she cndeavored TO win his confidence,
but he kindly evaded her inquiries, and
abe made no further efforts.
But her home grew distasteful. miss
Ing the companionship that had made
the hours pass so sweetly. She had
never felt household. cares, trusting
everything to an experienced house
keeper. She had no children to awak'