Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-06-03
The TaIlsman.

A pout upon the red lips of Gerald
Sinclair's young wife-unmistakabiy a
pout-for though wife of almost two
years, the 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 pre- fer 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 trickled down the pretty face,
splasbing on the dainty morning dress,
which. clinging to the dainty form, re-
vealed SO perfectly its graceful out
lines.
Certainly, Niobe had no reason to
feel ashamed Of this one of her chill.
dren. But Gerald Sinclair had Only
stopped to kiss away the glistening
drops, in a half hurried manner, per-
hsps to hide his awakening remorse.
Never mind. little wife, Ill make
it up to you another time."
Then he was gone; but she still sat
turning her wedding ring, with eyes
bent upon it. It was q curious ring-a
solid band set with five large diamonds.
It had been her charm, her talisman,
not to be taken from her finger until
sonl ard body had parted; but this
morning it bad lost Its charm. If it
failed to scatter the clouds, it failed to
bring back the sunshine.
Even when the hour came around for
Gerald's home coming, he missed his
usual warm welcome; but he thought
that lie might tIist his wife's heart, and
SAID nthing. The next day he started
on bis journey.
you're not going, my dear?" ex-
claimed Mrs. Martin, bursting in upon
her friend on the morning of the ball.
"And why not?"
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
eDce?" pursued Mrs. Martin, a be-
witching little widow some few years
her friends senior. 81 will share my
escort with you Count Belonzi!"
Sophie Sinclair looked amazed. She
knew that the man mentioned had but
lately gained entree into society, and
knew, alse, that her husband disliked
and distrustea him.
Once or twice she had seen his eve
fixed admiringly upon herself, and had
felt somewhat as the bird might feel
beneath the basilisk glare of the SER
pent.
"Well. why don't you answer? "
continued Mrs. Martin. "Will Won
go?"
mo, no" she replied, trying to speak
with firm decision. Besides do not
think that Gerald admires the count. -
"Prejudices. The count is one of the
most charming and agreeable men l
know. Indeed, think should be can.
enlzed for my willingness to share his
attentions. especially as 1 have beard
nim say all manner of pretty things
about you"
Nonsense, Ellen!" retorted Mrs
Sinclair.
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 disap
probation of her going?
He had not known that she would be
sorely tempted. Besides she woold
wear mask. No one would know her
and when she told Gerald he would
forgive her. A sudden thought came
to her.
Il will CO." she said at last, after
continued urging, and looking at the
picture IN ell its brightest lights, "on
one condition. and that is, no one is to
know me--not even the count. Say
that you have persuaded q friend to
accompany You who wishes to remain
unknown. l will come to your house,
%nefe he will find me, and thus gain no
SO 1t Was decided; Int spite of her
eAan'site costume of fairy, as she con-
cealtd 1t and herself beneath a large
domino, as the clock on the mantel
chimed ten. it seemed to Sophie every
stroke said, "Stsy! stayl"