The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-02-03
A WIPES CHARM.

A pout upon the red lips of Gerald
Sinclair's young Enthusiastically a
poLt--for though wife of almost two
years, her fond, indulgent husband had
for the first time said nay to nm openly
expressed wish
The fancy ball of the season, n grand
and fashionable aSScmblage, 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 eyes and
slowly tricklcd down the pretty face,
splashing on TO the DAINTY morning
dress, which, clinging to the dainty
form, revealed so perfectly lis 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 remorse.
e "Noycr mind, little wife. III make
II up 10 you another time.
Intil llt Nd0 Bbll', bAll Nllt H.tt SUN,
turning and returning her wedding
ring, with eyes bent upon IT, Ii was
curious ring solid band, set with five
large diamonds.
II had been her charm, her talisman,
not to he taken from her finger until
soul and body had parted; but this
morning il had lost IFS charm, If il
failed To scatter the clouds, il failed 10
bring back the sunshine,
Even when the hour came round for
Gerald's homecoming, he missed his
usual warm welcome; but he thought
that he might trust hiS wifc's heart, and
said nothing. The next day he started
on his Journey.
You're mol going my dear?' cX-
claimed Mrs. Martin, bursting in upon
her friend on the morning OF the ball.
"And why notP'
Gerald is away replied Mrs. Sin
clair. with some little show of wifely
dignity, as though the fact were in Itself
sufficient explanation.
''And why need that make any differ
ence" pursued Mrs. Martin a bewilch-
ing little widow some few years her
friends senior, 81 will share my cs-
cort with you-Count Bezoni."
Sophie Sinclair looked up amazed.
She knew that the man mentioned had
but lately gained eatyee into society,
and knew also that her husband dis
liked and disii1istcd him.
Once or twice she had seen his eye
fixed admrngly upon herself, and had
felt somewhat rs the bird might feel be-
meath the basilisk glare of the serpent
swell, why don't YOU answer" con-
tinued Mrs. Martin. "Will you goP"
'.No, no." she replied, trying to speak
with firm decision, Besides, | do not
think 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 he canonized for my will
lingncss to share his attentions, espe-
cially us have heard him say all man
ner of pretty things about you"
"Nonsense, Elem retored Mrs Sin
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 going?
He had not known that she would be
so sorely tempted Besides, she would
wear % mask. No one would know her:
and when she told Gerald, he would
forgive her A sudden thought came
TO her.
II will 90" she said AT last, after
continued urging, and looking ut the
picture in all its brightest lights, son
one condition, and that is, no one is to
know mc--not even the count. Say
that you have persuaded n friend to ac-
company you, who wishes to remain
unknown. | win come to your house,
where he will find me, and thus gain no
clue
So il was decided; but, spite of her
exquisite costume of Il fairy rs she con
ccaled il and herself beneath a large
domino, as the clock on her mantle
chimed Ten, il seemed to Sophie that
every stroke said, "Stay! stayH'
She was almost tempted to obey il,
but she had promised Ellen; and, after
all. she had heard that it vas well for
NOUllE WIVES W uNNNlN illtlilSNlN'Ns
An hour later and, on the Count Bel
zons arm, she entered upon the bril-
liant scene. So far, he had not even
seemed curious to ascertain her denti-
ty She experienced at this n singular
sense Of relief,
The ball was AT It's height as the clock
rang out the hour of midnight; but for
the first time in her life light and gay
ETY. were distasleful a hundred times
she wished herself at home.
III will tell Gerald. | have already
been punished, she whispered TO her
self, as she stood for n moment alone in
quiet corner.
you look more like nun than u
fairy-ra,her like one who had fore
sworn the vanitics Of the world than a
siren to tempt men 10 their destruction"
said voice close to her. Though TO the
latter know no one more fitted"
"Sir!n she exclaimed, Indignantly,
recognizing, rs she spoke, the count
standing at her elbow.
"Ah, you thought Ibid not know you.
/ should npuptrntp any uiSpuisp vnu