Middletown transcript., 1881-04-22
THE TALIsATAN.

A pOuG upon Ln6 red lips OL UCIdlO
Sinclair's young wife-unmistakably q
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, a grand
and fashionable assemblage, was to
take place during his absence, and be
had said that he should prefer she did
not attend.
She was only twenty. Let this much
be said in extenua:ion of the two great
tears that rose to the brown eyes and
slowly trickled down the pretty face,
splashing on the dainty morning dress,
which, clinging to the dainty form, re-
vealed so perfectly in graceful out
lines
Certainly, Niboe 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 half hurried manner, per-
haps to hide his awakening remorse.
''Never mind, little wife, III make
it up to you another time.''
Then he was gone but she sat still,
turning and turning her wedding ring,
with eyes bent upon it. 1t was curl
Gus ring-a solid band, set with five
large diamonds.
1t 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. If it
failed to scatter the clouds, it failed to
bring back the sunshine.
Even when the hour came around
for Gerald's homecoming, he missed
his usual warm welcome; but he
thought that he might trust his wife's
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. Sin
clair, with some little show of wifely
dignity, as though the fact were in it.
self sufficient explanation.
''And why need that make any diff
ference ?" 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, also, that her husband disliked
and distrusted him.
Once or twice she had seen his eyes
fixed admiringly upon herself, and had
felt somewhat as the bird might feel
beneath the basilisk glare of the SER
pent. F.
''Well, why don't you answer p
continued Mrs. Martin. evil you
go ?"
''No, no." she replied, trying to
speak with firm decision. Besides 1
do not think that Gerald admires the
Count
"Prejudices. The Count is one of
the most charming and agreeable men |
l know Indeed, I think l should be :
for my willingness to share
his attentions, especially as l have 5
heard him say all manner Of pretty I
things about you.'' 9
''Nonsence, Ellen - retorted Mrs.
But she felt the ground slipping be- |
meath her feet as she spoke.
After all Gerald had not said posi-
lively nol Had he thought it nee :
after he had openly expressed
his disapprobation of her going !
He had not known that she would be
sorely tempted. Besides, she would
wear mask. No one would know Z
her and when she told Gerald he would
forgive her. A sudden thought came !
to her.
II will CO." she said at last, after
continued urging, and looking at the
picture in all its brightest lights, son .
one condition, that is, no one is to
know me-not even the count. Say +
that you have persuaded friend to
accompany you who whistles to remain
unknown. will come to your house
where he will find me and thus gain no Z
clue. y
So it was decided, but in spite of her =
exquisite costume as fairy as she con {
,ealed it and herself beneath large
lomino, as the clock on her mantle =
;himed ten, it seemed to Sophie every \
stroke said, "Stay stayl''
She was almost temped to obey it, 2
1ut she had promised Ellen, and, after II
I'll, she had heard that it was well for U
,oung wives to assert themselves. =
An hour later, and, on the Count i
Belonzi's arm, she entered upon the !,
brilliant scene. So far, he had not G
wen seemed curious to ascertain her g
IDENTIFY. She experienced at this a a
singular sense of relief. h
The ball was at its height as the clock Y
,ang out the hour Of midnight but for v
he first time in her life, light and n
sayety were distasteful. A hundred Ii
lines she wished herself at home. Il
Il will tell Gerald. 1 have already h
oeen punished" she whispered to her 1
elf, as she stood for moment alone in c
quiet corner. @
'You look more like nun than r
airy-rather like one who had fore D
worn the vanities of the world than p
iren to tempt men to their destruction d
aid voice close to her, s'though to A
he latter knew no one more fitted" h