River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1881-06-02
TWICE EAYESDROPPER.

TWICE An EAyESDROPPER.
1t was Elsa Travers' wedding-day-
lust such a day as Elsa had always long
ed might smile upon her wedding. A
bright October day, with the suns rays
fairly dancing, as they lent to the clear
air something of the past summer
warmth. Everything had passed off
beautifully, too. The church had been
thrOnged, but all were unanimous in
voice Of praise-praise Of the bride,
the groom, the surroundings, the toll
cts. True, one or two said the bride
appeared almost child--far, far too
Young to assume the responsibilities of
of married life. But, then, with what
adjoining eyes she looked upon the tall,
handsome man at her side, who seemed
so quiet, so calm and unmOved during
the utterance of the sacred words.
A wonderfully handsome couple, the
world said, and a wonderfully brilliant
and well-sorted marriage; and as to Elsa
herself, it all seemed a dream. She
was so happy; SO happy that, in looking
back over the short vista of her eight
cen years-years when she had known
neither care nor sorrOw-that she had
never tasted the full, o'erflowing meas
ure of happiness before. She wanted
to be alone-alone with her great Joy,
for little while, that she might wor-
ship with it, as ut an altar.
II was relief when the moment
came that she could slip away from the
Cree of cOngratulating friends to make
then,acessary change in her dress for the
-, tO
her owr room (her traveling-dress had
been la out in the room below, and
take ole last look within the walls
where her happy girlhood had been
spent. Adjoining it was the chamber
appropriated to her husband. Her
husband? How strange and unreal it
seemed, that henceforth Pierce Curtin's
life and hers were to be irrevocable
blended together.
''She's pretty child, Pierce. Be
good to her, old fellow"
1t was his best man who spoke-his
oldest and dearest friend, he had told
her.
"A pretty child, indeedr' She indig-
nantlv drew nearer to listen to the re-
ply, smiling even mid her annoyance,
in anticipation of the loving disclaimer
which would follow.
eyes, a pretty child. You have
summed it all up in these three words,
Harry. | realized it to full an hour ago.
ANY but child would have discovered
the empty heart | have to offer any
wOman-nay, not only empty, but
scared and SCARED. Ah Maude Carl
toni | wonder what you will say when
you read of my marriage, few days
hence, and learn that mems hearts do
not lightly break, but casting off one
allegiance, bend to another.
Hush, Plerce Don't talk like that;
yet | feared, some such motive in
fiuenced you when you wrote me of
your intended mar iage. | knew it
when | looked upon your bride, and
wondered, Pierce-forgIve me!'-that
you dared unite this young life with
yours, when you could give her moth
ing in return"
Nothing? Nay, she loves me; she
does not believe me demonstrative,
therefore does not look for it. 1t is
well. Doubtless we shall be model pair.
Who believes in love in marriage now
adays?'
What was the sound that hushed the
answer on Harry Reeds lips, and made
both men look at each other with
white, startled faces? 1t was such a
sound as one might imagine might be
the death-throe of breaking heart.
Pierce Curtin darted forward and
threw open the door of communication
into the room adjoining, but 1t was
empty The hall, too, was deserted.
With a reassuring smile at his own
folly, he came back.
II fancied | heard something" he
said.
Meanwhile, down the stairs had glided
Young. graceful figure, whose white
satin robes trailed far behind her, but
whose face was whittier than her dress
white with that indescribable pallor
which tells us that the currents about
the heart are coursing unanimously.
As though she would drive them
back, she held one little hand tight
pressed above them. Her eyes were
large and dark; one scarlet drop OF
blood upon her lip told where the white
teeth had pressed.
Like some hunted thing, she flew
into the room where her maid awaited
her. With eager fingers she helped to
tear off the costly robe, the cleaning
Jewels, and put on that prepared for
her. Then she shut them all out who
assisted her, saying that she wanted for
little time 10 be alone.
What had happened? What had
she learned That there was neither
truth nor loyalty in man; that she had
served as mode of revenge upon an
other woman; that her youth and IN
experience had made her dupe and
plavthing; that the heart of her hus-
band was not hers, but had belonged so
wholly to another that he did not even
hesitate-in stabbing her-to plunge the
dagger through his rife to reach her.
What was she to do? Should she
decline 10 go with him? Should she
make their names target for the
world? A knock sounded on the door
Elsa = her mother called; "come,
darling-the carriage is waiting.
Marveling at her own calm, she
turned the key in the lock and came
out.
~ pretty child" So they had called
her. scarce an hour ago. Surely 4
strange title for this pale, imperial
woman, whose calm wrapped her about
as mantle, and who quietly slipped
her gloved hand within her fathers
arm, that he might lead her to the car
riage.
There were a few farewells, laugh
ing shower of good wishes, followed by
the throwing of a satin slipper, and then
she and her husband were alone to-
getEer.
With the old grace, he encircled her
waist with his arm, tenderness, born
perhaps of selfreproach, in the gesture
with which he drew her to him.
But, with great scorn blazing N
her eyes. she drew herself away from
his touch.
Elsa - he exclaimed, in tone OF
genuine surprise.