Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-01-31
Galfs and Skftbts.
ssrRANGERs YEk,

cred head, bending studiously over the
documents before him. The room.a study,
is richly and handsomely furnished. The
fire is blazing cheerfully, but the solitary
occupant Of the apartment looks sad and
weary enough
He lifts his head presently and looks
across the table 1t is not happy face by
any means. At this moment Jasper
Gascoigne has the appearance of a broken
hearted man. He has laid aside the sml-
ing mask that society demands. and the
eyes gazing so steadily across the table.
but seeing nothing. are filled with a pain
that the outer world little guesses is far
more natural than the everyday careless
expression that he wears before his fellow
men.
After little while he pushes away the
ptpers. and rising, stands leaning against
the chimney piece. looking down at the
leaping Jets Of flame. ii. is tall and come
~ enough, for all the WEAKNESS of his
face. The clustering brown hair is thick
and curling. but the eyes and mouth are
pitiful in their set sadness. The windows
Of the soul tell their own story of trouble
and sorrow. There is no need for him TO
blot out the trouble by smile; no eye
sees him as the lines deepen in his fore
head and his set mouth hardens.
The handle Of the door turns; and in
second. even before the door fully opens,
the expression Of Jasper Gascoigne's face
changes. 1t is grave still, but the pain
has given place to look of careful indif-
ference as he glances up at his wife enter
ing the room.
"Going out ?'' he asks. and wheels the
armchair around to the fire.
you forget this is the night of Lady
Gordon's ball. she answers, speaking az
carelessly as he had done himself
True; had forgotten"
She has crossed :he room and husband
and wife stand for moment side by side.
"Are you not coming?' she asks, with
ever so light an accent Of surprise in her
even tones as she looks up ut him.
mo am busy tonight"
Her eyes follow his to the litter of pa
pers. She shrugs her white shoulders
disdainfully.
You needn't mind those tonight UNI
Jess you choose"
Pardon me-" he says, an odd look
coming into his face.
A silence falls between them. He goes
back to his chair and bends once more
over his work. She stands on the hearth
rug. her eyes looking into the fire. The
light shines on her white silk dress and
flashes on the diamonds on her neck. her
arms. her hair.
Everything about Mlly Gascoigne
speaks of wealth The very lace on her
dress represents small fortune in itself;
yet the expression of her face is hardly
less miserable than her husbands was II
few moments before. A fair, sweet face
il is, small and oval the fair hair catches
every CLEAN OF light and keeps it there in
its glossy coils. and the eyes. large. bright
and brown. would mpert beauty to any
ccuntenance.
Jasper - she speaks without turning
round
well P" He looked up at her. standing
fair and lovely, in the radiance of fire and
lamp light.
won't you come tonight? ' she asked,
her eyes still fixed on the fire.
do you want me ?'' he inquiries and
his voice is calm enough, but Il sudden
yearning leaps into his eyes.
She does not see it. nor the hard ex-
precision that replaces the momentary
tenderness at her answer.
ut would look better TO have you with
me- she SAYS. trifiing with her fan as she
speaks.
..You are not casually so particular
about appearances. laughs Jasper Gas
coigne and her lips twitch at the laugh
and tore.
1T does not Natter she says coolly.
Two lines of song come into her mind
Amer years of life together,
After touch Of welded hands
girl with a childish voice had sung it
the other evening. and for one second her
husbands eyes had met hers. She is
thinking OF that look and that song now,
rs she stands not yard from his chair. as
cold and silent rs himself
man-servant opens the door the ear
riage is ready. Mrs. Gascoigpe gathers
up her fan and gloves; her handk erchief
Autters to the carpet. Mr.. Gascoigne
picks up the scrap Of lace and gossamer,
and she takes it.
Mrs. Beverly is coming with me. g"
she vouchsafes. Il promised to call for
her."
Jasper Gascoigne puts the white fleccy
wrap carefully round his wife's shoulders
and leads her out to the carriage.
IL hope YOU will enjoy YOURSELF" he
says. looking in at the window for sec
ond
II dare say" is the cold. Indifferent
answer.
He stands back without another word.
and the carriage rolls away. Bare-headed
in the chill night air he stands till it is
out of sight. and then returns slowly
across the hall to his study.
For fully twenty minutes he sits grave
and thoughtful. his head leaning YEARLY
on his hand; then. with sigh that is akin
to a sob. he once more takes up his work.
The Gascoignes' carriage rolls swiftly
through the lighted streets. Milly. lean
ing back. looks straight in front of her.
her lips tightly pressed together. She is
too proud to allow even to herself that
they are quivering because her husband
is not at her side tonight. that he is cold
and indifferent. that II has all been bitter.
sad mistake. They have been married
seven years-seven long years-snd they
are "strangers yet."
Wan. sad faces branded with the stamp
of want and misery grow sadder rs they
catch sight of the carriage rolling past
and see for one brief instant a being so
far above them lying back in silk and
laces. . creature who has never known
,,,hos - l. H., .oll .oI L,,ux-.