Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1882-06-22
A MODERN NEMESIS

MI. ClaVert0n married his pretty VII
with his eyes open, knowing that sh
was a notorious fiirt, and was more thai
half engaged to her cousin, Dick Alton
Of the artillery. His friends called hin
an old fool, and his enemies said he de
served his fate, for nobody doubted tha
marriage would prove an equivoca
blessing to him. But Mr.. Clavertor
showed himself equal to the situation
for in the earliest days of the honey
moon he succeeded in impressing upor
his wife that. though nearly double hel
age, he was not to be trified with, and
intended to be master of his own house
Whether Mrs. .Claverten tool this whole
some lesson to heart, or whether she was
prompted by laudable aspirations, it is
certain that she became more sober and
discreet in her conduct, and to all out.
ward appearance, developed into de-
voted and attentive wife.
But unfortunately things were not as
they seemed in the Claverton menage
Mr.. Claverton regarded his wife with
suspicious jealousy, and showed dis
position to be somewhat harsh and ex-
acting. He was one of those men who
will lock up grievance in their bOsoms
and brood over it in secret until it is
magnified into undue Importance. II
any one paid his wife the slightest at.
tention, he chafed and fretted himself
into fever, though he probably said
nothing to her on the subject. But
gradually he began to keep strict
watch upon her. to look askance at her
private correspondence, or to be inquisi-
tive when she went up to town for a
days shopping or to pay visit. He had
thought lightly enough of the rumOrs of
his wife's love of admiration in the hal
cyon days of his courtship and honey
moon; but as soon as they were fairly
launched into matrimony this feminine
weakness troubled him very much in
deed, and caused him to be haunted by
dismal forebodings as to what it might
lead to.
Mrs. Claverton, on her part, showed
symptoms of rebellion at the restraints
which her husband put upon her. She
was not strong-minded woman, and
generally yielded to his wishes. But on
several occasions she openly resented
her husbands distrustful conduct, and
Mr.. Claverton instinctiveiy felt that a
serious quarrel might arise any day. He
thought the momentous occasion had ar
rived when he intimated to her that her
cousin, Dick Alton, came to the house
too frequently, and requested her to
ask him to discontinue his visits. But
though he had nerved himself for the
ordeal, Mr. Claverton was spared do
mestic fracas upon this subject. His
wife did not attempt to argue the point,
but yielded with sort of sullen sur
fancied he perceived a marked change
in his wife's manner; she had fits of alb
and went about her duties
listlessly; and it dawned upon the affiict-
ed husband that his own image had by
no means effaced that of the old and
constant admirer.
One evening Mr.. Claverton, who was
a Government official of some standing,
was detained late at the Office, and find
ing he could not reach his suburban
home in time for dinner, he turned into
his club to take his meal there. A group
of young fellows were talking in front
Of the fire in the smoking-room as he en-
tered, and the hateful name of his wife
handsome cousin cropped up and attract
his attention.
"Whatl Dick Altenp exclaimed one
in accents of surprise. "Who saw
him ?"
"Braithwaite. He spoke to him just
now at the station"
"Who has he gone off with" resumed |
,he questioner, in incredulous tones.
"With"
Mr.. Claverton strained his ears to |
latch the reply; but, unfortunately, his |
,ager attitude was remarked by pru-
lent member of the party, who nudged |
,he speaker, and the name WAS uttered |
n whisper. Mr.. Claverton felt en-
at having betrayed curiosity, |
he more especially as he really did not
,are the least who Dick Alton had gone |
,ff with. He had heard, however, quite |
sufficient to put him in good humor
'or the rest of the evening; for 1t was
evident that his wife's lover had COM
himself with somebody and
would, therefore, probably disappear
rom the scene. The keen satisfaction
which he experienced at this welcome
Intelligence gave him an excellent ap-
petite for dinner, and sent him home at
, decently early hour In an amiable and
frame of mind.
But he received rude shock when he
reached his house and learned that his
wife had gone out just before dinner
lime and had not yet returned. The SER
wants informed him that their mistress,
upon receipt of telegram, had ordered
he brougham and driven to the station,