The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-07-24
MY MARRIAGE.
ny THE AUTHOR OF "PENELoPE," ETC.
jlContinued From Last sundays Dsliyl

brload shoulders Ms II he had grew TOO last
vhen he was young. He is bending down
Id w and talking to Isabel in the kind tones
IL always uses to children and Isabel
Jeens to have overcome her shyness, and is
fsmiling up into his face The light falls
Yupon his hair, his grave rugged features
and | am wishing, for both our sakes, We
had never met. Ne looks up catches my
eve. and smiles Some mesineric power AL
WAYS seems 10 inform Humphrey when
am looking at him, and sincerely hope my
face tells no tales. am afraid IL does, for
a sorrowful smile comes into his eyes--a
sort of dumb appeal for something can
not understand. l am selfish enough but
l pity my husband from the bottom OF my
soul. II must be terrible thing for MIN
10 have married woman who does not re-
spond to one 1.-THE Of the affection he wastes
SO lavishly upon her.
0Humphrey" l say forcing back the
thoughts that are crowding on too fast, sis
our luggage to come to-night!'
ayes; they promised TO send IL up" he
replies, as usual answering my lightcst
question instantly "Would you like me
to 90 and look after IL, Madgios"
"Oh, no! suppose il will come IL they
promised" answer carelessly.
And then tea is over, and we 90 into the
drawing-room, which is faded and shabby
like the dining-room, each piece Of furni-
ture being a veteran in its way, having
seen hard service for many long years. The
carpet may have had pattern once, but
the tread Of many feet has worn 1t to u neu-
trail tint, and believe it is only mamma
now who still thinks of the pattern as
white lilies on drab ground.
This carpet was once the chief adorn.
ment of the house, when the curate
brought home his bride 30 many long years
ago. 1t is a dear cid room, with wide
square windows, which are open tonight
to let in the warm balmy air.
1t grows dark early now; but the dim
garden Is fragrant and delightful In the
dusky gloom, and the air is heavy with the
odor of stocks and mignonnette.
"Glad to be at home, MadgieW
1t is papa's voice. He comes up to me
as stand at the open window, and lays
one of his thin white hands upon my Shout
der
Eyes, papa" whisper, and lay my
cheek upon his loving hand,
Poor papa! What q weary toiling life
he has had! His thin face has many
weary line printed on 1t, and his eyes
smile but sadly now. All his life he has
faced poverty, and he has worked uncom-
plainingly for many weary years. His
children have grown up around him, and
this worlds goods are denied to him still.
"Heaven knows best" he says neekly, and
goes on his way with a cheerful heart and
his sweet weary face aglow with no earthly
joy If his Master gives him souls for his
hire, he counts himself trcbly blest, and he
will meet his reward in Heaven. In our
hot-headed ignorance we say 1t is shame
our father should be passed over. do not
think he would care were 1t not for the
sake Of nts family. Hc no~~. pushes him.
self forward, never asks for anything
Shy, proud, and retiring, he goes to the
wall, and the pushing ones meet with sue
cess. He stands besides me now In the
cleaning, and he is talking of my future.
"You will be happy little Madgie," he
says. "Humphrey is noble, good man,
and loves you we'll"
eyes," falter, and feel thankful that
the darkness hides my face,
"You are tired, dear Where are your
spirits,"
"Gone for ever" ] could cry out, with
an agony Of regret at the irrevocable step
have taken; but only say quietly, "iou
forget how far have Travelled to-day, pa
pa
And then Jack calls out
"lIcrc are your things, Madgie. oh,
what a heap Of boxesw
q. Aa..- s,,k, l,nl all
and up stairs; and presently Humphrey
comes into the room and walks over TO me.
"Your boxes have come--they are oil
right"
"Humphrey," l whisper, standing on
tip-toe, 'could get out the presents to-
nighty'
.Of course, my darling. Come along,
and will unfastcn the box for YOU"
He is pleased when | show interest in
anything; and | often wish he was not
quite so eager to crafty my lghtest desire
As we 60 up stairs he says suddenly in q
low voice
"Madgie, what were you thinking of to
nightr"
know what he means, but l wilfull,
misunderstood him.
Thinking Of WhcnW
"You know what mean, Madgic," h
says sadly. "shall tell you you
thoughts"
"iou couldn't" | answer, with an a,
tempt at rallery; for | was not thinkin
ut ALL"
"Yes, you were, Madgic; you wer
thinking how happy you were before
came. Am right'--bending his tall ae