Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-04-30
Jessie's Test.

Miss Jerusha Jenkinson folded her napkin
with slow, precise carefulness and then fol-
lowed her pretty little hostess from the din.
ing-room back to the parlor, where the soft
astral lamp glowed like a silver moon, and
the illuminated stove made red shadows on
the brown-red easy chair in which Miss
Jenkinson ensconced herself.
I" really don't know what TO do about it,
Miss Jerusha. If | once thought Rich was
guilty of such indiscretions as you declare
he is, do believe | should-diel !"
Jessie Wintrinham winked away sus-
picious brightness from her pretty curling
brown lashes, and looked eagerly at her
guests sarcastic countenance.
al dare say there are great many people
who would say was very ofiicious, my dear,
because | tell you what think of that good
looking husband of yours. But feel
have your interest at heart, and if no one
else has the courage and charity to point out
to wife of half year the goings on of her
husband-why, my dear Mrs. Wintrinham,
I'll stand by you and take your part"
Her solemn words made little shivers Of
vague terror thrill all over Jessie.
al dare say" answered poor Jessie, "you
are kind indeed, Miss Jerusha, only can't
believe that Rich is such firt as you say
always paying such exclusive attention to
ladies when he is away from home"
"You must think just what you please,
my dear, only | suppose if you were to see
for yourself, you would believe the evidence
of your own eyes,"
Jessie's slightly flushed cheeks betrayed
the painful interest she felt.
"Of course, if we're to see"-
Miss Jerusha arose triumphantly.
Ill 4 A.. A.I--
advice, and the next time Mr.. Wintrinham
has such very important business in New
York, you go by the same train, with your
waterproof and thick veil to disguise you.
l must go now think, my dear. I'll have
to stop at poor Mrs. Delacon's and hear if
she has heard from that runaway daughter
of hers. Thanks for the early cup of tea
you made SO nicely-and don't forget what
abominable old gossip went her way, leav-
ranking very painfully in poor loving, jeal-
Gus Jessie's heart.
She perfectly adored her handsome young
husband, and as always such passionate af-
fection is accompanied by jealousy, this
otherwise sensible little woman found it no
difficult matter to entertain the doubt her
guest expressed. Rich was so handsome SO
stylish, so gallant-why should not ladies
enjoy his attentions And sitting by the
cosy fire, waiting until her husband should
come home for his dinner, Jessie almost de
cided to play the spy upon him at the earli.
est moment
Then, when she heard his latch-key in the
door and his quick, firm tread in the hall
and saw his handsome, cheerful face as he
took her cheeks in his hands to kiss her. she
felt ashamed and confused.
81 am afraid | shall have to hurry you,
dear" he said, linking her arm through his
and leading the way to the dining-room
where the bright light made genial glow
on silver, crystal and snow-white china.
"Hurry me, Rich-how ?"
al have to take the 7.30 train very un
expectedly for the city on impertant business
that cannot be delayed. / shall be at home
tomorrow night, expect. Jessie, won't
you have another piece of the black meat p
Mrs. Wintrinham toyed with her chicken
her appetite entirely destroyed by the news
her husband announced.
"On important business" Yes, that was
what Miss Jenkinson had said. And the
night train, too 1t flashed across Jessie's
mind that her husband was going down to
| the theatre and-if what Miss Jerusha said
was true-not alone.
That second decided her; and as Mr.
| Wintrinham arose from the dinner table he
little knew the thoughts that were throng
ing in his pretty little wife's head.
"Don't be lonesome, darling, will you
or shall stop and tell Florrie to come up
and stay with you tonight ?"
Jessie laughed little forcedly.
"You over-anxious fellow What do !
want of sister Florrie | shall not be lonely
at ALL"
"Brave little woman Kiss me goodnight
| then, dear"
He was so kind and thoughtful, and Jes
sizes fond, foolish heart almost misgave her
as she watched him start.
at is downright wicked to distrust him
but then, it is just these elegant, fascinating
men who are so agreeable to other women
beside their wives-at least Miss Jerusha
says so, and she's old enough to know"
Jessie watched the ivory hands of the
cuckoo clock fastening toward half-past
seven, and then started up, exclaiming
"Well, shall do it-this once, anyhow
And she went to her room with sparkling
eyes and glowing cheeks.
"Is this seat engaged, sir :"
1t was low, sweet voice that addressed
Mr.. Richmond Wintrinham as the half-past
seven tain steamed on, after calling at the
tsrw;nms 0 consuming '"o o''''y WY
Mr.. Wintripbam aross cour,sorslv o,.noad
at the small aracsSnI fours seGug, j.; s,ahIeo hI,.
waterproof and double veil. N'
"Take the seat by the window madam.
She glided in, and Mr.. Wintrinham sat
long glance from n nair of ewes pnde,
the veil.
How bandaoma ba ia and ha hasn,, ,bs
least idea who | am"
For of course it was Jessie who had taken
| ,h, ST y, ~, -. .t.,;s III. Dst