Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-05-17
THE TALISMAN.
4 STORY FoR NoUNG WIVES WITH An
SENr HUsBANp>.

\ pOut upon the rcd lips OF Gerald Sin.
Glars Young wife-unmistakably a pou,
for though a wife Of almost two years,
the fond. indulgent husband had for the
frs: time said nay 10 an openly expressed
wish.
The fancy ball Of the season, 4 grand
and fashionable aSScmblage, was 70 take
place during his absance, and be had said
that he should prefer she did not attend.
She was only twenty. Let this much
be said in ex;enua,ion of the two grca,
tears that rose 10 the brown eyes and
slowly trickled down the pretty face,
splashing on to the dainty morning dress,
which clinging TO the dainty form revealed
so perfectly It's graceful outlines.
Certainly, Niobe had no reason to feel
ashamed of this one other children. But
Gerald Sinclair had only stopped to kiss
away the glis,ening drops, in a half-hur-
RED manner, perhaps TO hide his awaken
ing remorse.
Never mind, little wife. III make it
up 10 YOU another time.
Then he was gone but she sat still,
turning and returning her wedding ring,
with eyes bent upon it. twas curious
ring-a solid band, set with FIVE large
diamonds.
Il had been her charm, her talisman,
not to be taken from her finger until soul
and body parted but this morning 1t had
lost It's charm. If it failed TO scatter the
clouds, j, failed to bring back the sun
shine.
Even when the hour came round for
Geralds homecoming he missed his usu-
al warm welcome but he thought that
he might ;rus, his wifes heart and said
nothing. The next day he started on
his 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. Sinclair,
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 bewitch-
ing little widow some few years her
friends senior II will share my escort
with you-Count Belzoui.
Sophie Sinclair looked amazed. She
knew that the man mentioned had bnt
lately gained eRtree into society, and
knew also that her husband disliked and
distrusted him.
Once or twice she had seen his eye
fixed admiringly upon herself, and had
felt somewhat as the bird might feel be-
meath the basilisk glare of the serpent.
well. why don't you answer con-
,inued Mrs. Martin. "Will you go::"
"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 be cannonized for my viii
lingness TO share his attention, especially
as | have heard him say all manner OF
pretty things about you.
"Nonsence, Ellen : retorted Mr.. Sim
clair.
But she felt the ground slipping be-
meath her feet as she spoke.
After all, Gerald had not said positive
" no! Had he thought it necessary
after he openly expressed his disapproba'
ton OF her going:
He had not known that she would be
so sorely tempted. Besides, she would
wear a mask. No one would know her
and if she told Gerald, he would forgive
her. A sudden thought came TO her.
IL will 90. she said a. last. after con-
tinued urging, and looking at the picture
in all lis brightest lights, ION one condi'
,ion. and that is. no one is TO know me
no, even the Count. Say that you have
persuaded friend to accompany you
who wishes to remain unknown. | vii
come to your house, where you will fnc
me, and thus gaiu no clue
So it was decided, but spite of her ex'
ouisite costume of fairy as she con
cealed it and herself beneath a larg'
domino. as the clock on the mantle STRUCK
g., :, sssmed 10 Sophie that every stroke