The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1882-12-16
III have scen the day



should have liked to see on the face o
my wife when talking with anothe,
man; though, having provided Jacl
with his first pony, and piloted him
across the country at the early age Of
seven, am looked upon rs an old fogy
who is not entitled to express any direct
opinion. Perhaps my ideas are rather
old.fashoned wholesomely SO.
Jack did not notice what was going
on. He loved his wife too dearly ever
to dream of such infamy. 1t was de-
lightful experience to him to listen to
the balcony scene and to follow the hap
less fortunes of the star-crosscd lovers,
although he could not help wishing that
the "Romeo" would be little less in
telectual and triile more impressive
with the lovely Juliet" Practically,
his wife and Dunkirque were alone
Jack told me all this long afterward
without attaching any importance to
it, and linked the fragments together.
Half an hour later stepped in. Jack
whispered to me not to speak and Twas
greeted by Mrs. Sartorys with the usual
polite Indifference Il woman reserves for
her husband. In short, it was not ten
minutes before | had seen enough of tho
situation, and concluded to step outside
for Il lounge in the corridor. The CLAM
or of the scene had failed to touch my
faded senses. | could not help seeing u
grimy STAGE carpenter up IN the flies,
and this naturally did away with all IL
fusion. What an awful bore if the man
had dropped his old widc-awakc upon
the passionate lovers.
The door opened q was leaning
against the next boX); out came Mrs.
Sartorys and Dunkirquc. she shivering
in the hot atmosphero-and tri.lc
pale. Her eyes wore frightened look;
and-yes she certainly did seem inclined
to cry.
1--WE shall be just in time for the last
train" she neryously whispered. Il
told Jack that you should see to my
carriage, and hc-he-is going to his
club
$50 much the better" said Dun
kirque, hurricdly. I'VE shall not be
missed until VIC are across the Chan
nell"
hate scenes; but it was necessary to-
do something. A little fellow whom l
had handled on my knee and loved like
q son must not be duped in this shame
full way.
Dunkirque hurried past me; but |
reached the staircase before Mrs. Sar-
torys reappeared, hooded and cloakcd.
God knows | never acted so promptly
before in my life, and yet | have been
in one or two tight places. There was
But never mind. Let the "old man
garrulous" continue his story.
When Colonel Dunkirqun's carriage
was called the coachman drove up with
his fur tippet nearly over his ears. The
night was cold, and Mrs. Sartorys trem-
bled, half-turned for II moment, then
stepped in. She had crossed the Rub-
con-and was lost!
wonder if she thought at that mo-
ment of the little hands that were folded
before her night and morn, rs the little
sleepy eyes were raised to hers, and
Jacks children lisped out their usual
prayer: GOD. bless papa and mamma,
and make us all good. Amen" do
not believe she could have thought of
them, or else she never would have been
there.
"Viaduct Station!'' called out the
colonel, flinging the fellow one of his
few remaining half-crowns-it was the
last desperate flight of tho butterfly in
the sunshine. Afterward he would have
time to repent or to die in a gutter UNI
shrven. In the madness of the moment
he did not care which.
The horses dashed forward into the
darkness, pulling well up to their col
lars, but-they did not go to the Via
duct Station!
Half IN hour later, when they drew
up, the colonel jumped out to assist Mrs.
Sartorys to alight. She was trembling
still, and half inclined to return. Al
ready the dark shadows OF the weary
years to come were heightened out be-
fore her And the man whose love she
was about to betray! Well, it was now
too late to reccdc. God knows she was
sorry most women arc-when they are
found ont.
"Soldr Kissed the colonel, in his
rage kicking poor crossing-swceper
who had rushed up to open the carriage
door.
al was only a-openin' the door"
whined the old mcndicant.
Course YOU" foamed the colonel,
"you are always opening doors when
you're not wanted. What's the mean
ing of this? But it is not too late"
mot So fast Dunkirque," | said,
swinging down from the box, the fur
tippet still upon my shoulders. "Wait
moment. Mrs Sartorys"- the
benefit of the servants-"I have won my
wager The colonel betted would never
drive him anywhere without his know
ing it. Let me take you into the
house"
Mrs. Sartorys took my arm, and led
her up the the steps. She did not speak,
but smiled strangely and touched my
hand. Then returned to Dunkirque.
You are an Internal scoundrcl!" l.
said, taking him ION one side. If you
choose to make scene I'll knock you
down, old rs am. No, shall not give
you satisfaction. Before you are oil, let
me warn YOU to beware of Scotland
Yard That bill of Lavingston's has
been placed in their hands, and the for
gerry traced to you"
Al