The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-07-24

reading the stern grhNly III MS, "Wnut u
thi, love that YOU say can make ms hap
py!"
ems in his eyes. 81
"When II comes child, your heart will
answer that question"
Then he draws q step nearer, and lays
his hands upon my shoulders for y space
in which one might have counted ten. We
are silent; for once quail before the sx-
preston In his face, and my eyes fall be.
meath his.
"Maggie," he says suddenly, In q hard
unnatural voice, "did YOU marry me be-
cause could give you this and this?"--
lifting one hand and touching the thick,
gold band around my neck, and the gold
iocket-his present-that Is rising and
falling with every hurried palpitating
breath that breaks from me to keep back
the storm Of crying that is coming on.
"You have no right 10 say that?" l ex-
claimed, with passionate, fearful vehem-
ence, steadying my voice and lifting de-
iant, rcproachful eyes to his. Ifyou had
been as poor--poor as a church mousse
bringing out the udicrous smile with
gasp--"it would have made no difference
with me. Do you think like being rich
Il who would be ten thousand times
happier il was Maggie Alison and with
them all? Listen, Humphrey--you SHALL
you must hear meH-for he has opened
his lips to speak and taken his other hand
from my shoulder. "Don't you under
stand" cry vehemently. "Couldn't you
see how poor we were-how miserably,
wretchedly poor, with SO many 20 feed,
cothe and educate? Can't you understand
what a difference even one would make?
did not mind the poverty, save for them.
couldn't die, so | married; and the re-
suit is the same--there is one less at home,
and Jack can be sent to school. That is
why married you, Humphrey. and not to
be rich, DO you understand"
81 understand"
His grave hurt voice contrasts strangely
with my gasping fearful explanation.
"You could not die; so you married."
he repeats slowly. care the two so near
lyakin, my wile!"
"The effect is the same-one less at
home," answered quickly, feeling as l
never felt before what an awfully solemn
thing marriage is. "Humphrey"
The sudden cry breaks from me--he has
bowed his head and covered his face with
his hands. Have my words hurt him!
When he looks up his face is white, and
his eyes appear to be full of unshed tears.
| can only sigh and look miserably at him.
| 1t will be terrible il we are always to 90
on like this. / wonder vaguely il all men
are like Humphrey Carstars have
cried more since my marriage than | have
| done since was a child, and gone through
more scenes; and the more explain the
more sore and reproachiul my husband
seems to become.
With an attempt, as children call it, OF
"making friends" slip one of my hands
| in his, and feel 1t clasped closely immedi-
ately.
"IIumphrcy, they must not know we
| have been qlarfclling"
| "Heavcn knows that have no wish to
| QUARREL he says moodily; and then, look
| ing down at my upturncd face he smiles.
| "You poor little soul--and are you to wait
seven years to yet used to your husband"
| At this moment like him, and the smile
that answers his, is natural.
"You will be tired of me before that,
Humphrey
For answer, he stoops and kisses me,
and our little storm has blown over for
the present
At the foot Of the garden tiny stream
babbes along under thick. clustered over
hanging shrubs. Humphrey laughingly
dips his handkerchief into the shining
water and washes the tear-stains OF my
cheeks.
..No one must see the trace Of ears on
| nv wife's face" he says. at is an unkind,
uncharitable world, Madgie; and, if we
have our share of troubles, let us keep
| them TO ourselves"
agree with him thoroughly; and, when
| appear ready for church, there IS not
shadow in my eyes, not trace OF recent
tears to be seen. A hat made up of dark
| green velvet and feathers is on my head.
have everything Oh to match, and feel
that am going thoroughly well aud fash
ionably dressed.
| 81 don't look as If had been crying do
II" whisper to Humphrey, as we emerge
upon the road; and | take his arman At
tcntion on my part which he seems to ex-
pcct.
He looks down and scans my features
Il don't think ever saw you look so
well" he answers.
The familiar tnkle Of the little country
church bell Is sounding in the calm, still
air. The welknown tune brings half-sad,
half sweet rccOlIcctons Of church-goings
in other times How well know the bare,
dreary little church, with its scant collec-
ton of worshippers.
feel that all eycsare on me to-day-th2t
many heads turn rs | come up the aisle,
with my husband following, carrying our
prayer-books, and taking especial care no,
step upon my train. The last time l was
here was knceling at the altar white.
faced and resolute, yowing to love, honor
and obey Humphrey Carstalrs. wonder
If he is thinking of that day. | cannot see
his face, for have got past Dora and
Lena, and sit by Bee, and Humphrey is at
the end Of the seat by himself. In the
middle Of the service it strikes me that
ought perhaps to have sat by him; but
never thought Of it, and came naturally
to my old place between Bee and Lena
Helen, Jack, Isabel, and Rcgy are sitting
behind.
The curatc's family form aSarse part Of
the congregation. Mr.. Thorn, the Rector
has no Family and we children think il
hard that papa should do 40 much OF thu
parish-work and have so little pay and sc
many TO keep. But we are all straight