The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1881-05-24
A wIrEs CHARM.


A pout upon the red lips of Gerald
Snclair's young wife-unmistakably q
pout-for though a wife Of almost two
years, her fond. indulgent husband had
for the first time said nay TO an openly
expressed wish.
The fancy ball OF the season. q grand
and fashionable assemblage, was to
take place during his absence. and he
had said that he should prefer she did
not attend.
She was only twenty. Let this much
be said in extenuation Of the two great
tears that rose TO the brown yes and
slowly trickled down the pretty face,
splashing on TO the dainty morning
dress, which. clinging TO the dainty
form. revealed so perfectly its graceful
outlines.
Certainly. Niobe had no reason to
feel ashamed of this one of her children.
But Gerald Sinclair had only stopped,
and kissed away the glistening drops.
in a half-hurried manner, perhaps to
hide his awakening
Never mind, little wife. I'll mako
It up TO you another time
Then he was gone; but she sat still.
turning and returning her wedding
ring. with eyes bent upon it. 1t was q
curious ring-a solid band, set with five
large diamonds.
II had been her charm, her talisman.
not to be taken from her finger until
soul and body had parted; but this
morning it had lost its charm. II IL
failed to scatter the clouds. 1t failed 70
bring back the sunshine.
Even when the hour came round for
1erald's homecoming, he missed his
Usual warm welcome; but he thought
hat he might trust his wife's heart, and
said nothing. The next day he started
IN his journey.
You're not going, my dearp' ex-
claimed Mrs. Martin, bursting in upon
ier friend on the morning Of the ball.
.'And why notP"
..Gerald Is away" replied Mrs. Sim
clair, with some little show of wifely
dignity, as though tho fact were in itself
sufficient explanation.
"And why need that make any differ
snccp" pursued Mrs. Martin, o bewitch-
ng little widow some few -years her
friends senior. II will share my es-
cort with you-Count Belzonil'
Sophie Sinclair looked up amazed.
She knew that the man mentioned had
bat lately gained entree into society.
aud knew also that her husband dis
liked and distrusted him.
Oncco or twice she had seen his eye
fixed admiringly upon herself, and had
fc.t somewhat ms the bird might feel be-
meath the basilisk glare of the serpent.
well. why don't you answerP' con-
Timed Mrs. Martin. ''Will you goP"
NO. no, she replied. trying TO speak
Nith firm decision. .'Besidcs. l do not
tain; that Gerald admires the count"
Prejudice. my dear-all prejudice.
The count is one of the most charming
and agreeable men | know. Indeed. ]
think ] should be canonized for my will
lingness to share his attentions. espe-
cially as have heard him say all man.
ncr of pretty things about you"
Nonsense, Ellenln retorted Mrs. Sim
clair.
But she felt the ground slipping be-
meath her feet as she spoke.
After all, Gerald had not said posi-
lively no! Had he thought it necessary,
after he had openly expressed his dis
appreciation of her goingp
He had not known that she would be
so sorely tempted. Besides, she would
wear a mask. No would know her;
and when she told Gerald, he would
forgive her. a sudden thought came
to her.
a win 60" she said at last. after
continued urging, and looking at the
picture in all its brightest lights. ION
one condition, and that is, no one is to
know me-not even the count. Say
that you have persuaded a friend to ac-
company you. who wishes to remain
unknown. l will come to your house.
where he will find me, and thus gain no
clue
, So it was decided; but, spite of her
exquisite costume of n fairy as she con
cealed it and herself beneath q largo
domino. as the clock on her mantle
chimed ten, it seemed to Sophie that
every stroke said, Stay! staye'
She was almost tempted to obey it,
but she had promised Ellen; and, after
all, she had heard that it was well for
young wives 10 assert themselves.
An hour later, and. on the Count Bel.
zoni's arm, she entered upon the bril-
liant scene. So far, he had not even
seemed curious TO ascertain her identi-
~. She experienced at this d singular
sense of relief.
The ball was at its height as the clock
rang out the hour of midnight; but for
The first time in her life light and gay
ETY. were distasteful. A hundred times
the wished herself at home.
II will tell Gerald. l have already
been punished" she whispered to her.
self, as she stood for q moment alone in
> quiet
'You look more like a nun than o
iairy-rather like one who had foro-
sworn the vanities of the world. than a
siren to tempt mento their destruction"
said a voice close TO her. ''though to the
after / know no one more fitted"
.'Sir!' she exclaimed. Indignantly.
recognizing, as she spoke, the count
Handing At her elbow. I
"Ah. you thought I did not know you.
I should penetrate any disguiss' you
wore. Besides. you have forgotten to
remove q badge Of recognition"
She followed with her eyes his down.
ward glance, and saw that it rested on
| her hand. unoloyed. as in better accord