Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-06-02
If MY FIRST WIFE
By G.. MANyILLE FEM,


There was an embrace, and the lady burst into
tears.
"Lesbla has not beaming eye!" cried Frank
Reston, barrister, who had Just leaped down
from the dog-cart after cold drive from the
station at RamfOrd to his brOther-in-law's hand
some place, the Coppices, Calkston, where that
new relative had settled after his return from
Australia, where he had been sent-the younger
son of good old country familr-to sse what
he could do as what is euphoniously termed q
squattcr He had sqnatted to some advantage,
the Fates having been kind; and, after making
a moderate fortune. he had suddenly doubled it
by marrying the widow Of q colonial Inagnate
At the lady's desre-her viii being para
mount-they were on their way to England,
when one night they were awakened BY an
awful crash. and, rushing on deck. they found
all in confusion. Some vessel had run into
them during fog. cut the great Austral liner
down below the waters edge and during the
next halt hour there was q light for life.
John Audas behaved admirably When the
rush was made 1Or the boats he knocked down
halt a dozen towards one after the other, and
by sheer strength helped the captain to send off
women passengers. merely stipulatinz that his
shriekng. elderly wife should he one Then he
Helped with the next. and got that OF safely
before being Oyerpowered. for q mad rush
ensued. the other boats were filed ANYHOW and
at last the captain, second mate, half dozen
men and the brave young passenger were left
alone upon the deck OF the sinking ship with
just time enough to lash few spars together.
throw them overheard. and trust themselves to
this frall support before the vessel went down.
From this raft they were picked up exhausted
half dead. by passing Ship having seen no
more OF the boats, ali Of which were lost, pre-
sumaby, in the gale which came on before many
hours had passed; and thus 1t was that John
Audas found himself a widower, at thfrty-flve
and far from inconsolable for report said his ex-
lstence with the reiict OF the colonial magnate
had been of the kind to which some people give
very unpleasant term.
So little indeed was the handsome Young col
Onist affected by his loss that, after settling
down at the COppices. where he revelled in the
life OF q country gentleman, q year had hardly
passed before he was q surtOr for the hand Of
Lesbia Reston, the daughter OF the old vicar of
Calkston; and the belle of the country ball.
Matters followed one another in the most pro-
sale way John Audas was beyond reproach for
son-in-law his woing was downright and hon.
est; and the lady found the bluff, sun-browned
wel-informed fellow-afbeit he was far from
clever-quite q contrast and relief after the in
sipid locals" Of the neighborhood: so the result
was that, after rather a short intimacy. John
Audas proposed, was accepted. Frank RestOn
came from the Temple to be present at his sis
ter's wedding. and now that, six months later.
he had run down to spend q few DAYS at the
Coppices, to have little shooting. he found her
thin, pale, careworn, and ready at word to
burst into tears.
why, little Lesby," he cried with all his old
petting ways, "wfat is It? Surely Jack Is not
behaving badly to you?"
NO. Oh. no! 1t is nothing, Frank am a
little hysterical."
But it is somethlng!" he exclaimed. ell
have 1t out with John"
MY dear Frank, you'll make me wretched If
you say word"
.'oh, well, If yen take that tone, Of course
win not, /" said her brother; 'but came down
here for rest and to have bit Of enjoyment,
and find you in tears"
dear. There. it's all gone now. It's the
weather, think"
''Where's John?'
"Either in the stables or down the garden,
dear. I'll send for him.
"Oh, I'll go and look him I'D suppose he'll
be glad to see me?'
"Why, OF course, dear. He has been talking
about nothing else since he heard you were COM
Ing. and making no end of plans.''
''Ah. that's right, said Frank Reston, smiling
And I'm so glad you've come, Frank, dear.
You see, I'm afraid I'm not much of company for
dear Iohn-not such good company as-as
think his first wife was"
Is now"
''Ill try very hard to take an interest in his
M
afraid he gets out of patience
I'll tell Won what 1t is, J4esby," said Frank
RestOn, bluntiy: ''if you two people can't be
happy In this glorious place, with every luxury
about you, and only to speak to have whatever
yOn please. you deserye-yeu deserve-there,
don't know what you don't deserved"
Yes dear, We do" said the lady meekly
"Ah, here comes dear John III run away; don't
tell him I've been CRYING
''Stuf Is It likely?"
md
that have been murmuring. 1t would make
him SO unhappy"
AS she spoke she ran OF, and Frank Reston
crossed the hall TO meet his stalwart brother-in-
law. who looked the beau ideal of country gen.
tieman, and striking contrast to the pale care
worn student, fresh from his gloomy chambers
In town.
'Ah, Frank, my dear boy, l am glad to see
you. Why, you pale. bleached book worm
here, come out In the open air, and let's get
some color IN your cheeks. Come and have q
look ut the dogs"
They went and had look at the splendid set
tiers and retrievers in their kennels, and as Res
ton admired them
''Ah," said Audas. eff my first wife had been
alive, how she would have idolized those
"Better have idollzed you" said Reston
bluntly.
eyes, OF course" said Audas. in nowise ap-
peased. Wen have grand ride or two while
you are here. Come over to the stables. I've
got mare that Will suit you to T. There"
he said, as he patted first one and then another
satin-skinned beauty, as it turned its head
around with rattle OF the head-stalI for the ex-
pected bit OF sweet carrot or cake, "they're
right, aren't they2 All, II my first wife had been
alive, she would have loved few gallops over
some Of the wolds."
"Humph! would shei" said Reston,
eyes; she was splendid woman on horse
back. Well. come in now and dress, and let's
get to dinner"
well, shan't be sorry to have It," said the
London guest; and with his brother-in-law q
hand affectiOnately resting upon his shoulder
they went in, and In due time dined.
But somehow that was not 80 pleasant q
meal az 1t might have been and the acute bar
rister was not long in finding that the grit that
showed itself In the cooking, the acidity in the
wine, and the jar in the conversation was all
due to one thing, which found voice In the words.
''Ah II my first wife" etc.
"Jack loves her." said Frank Reston to him.
self, as he lay in bed that night, "she worships
him, and they are not happy. Jack Audas is
good fellow, but not over-wlse. Lesby is the
most amiable little darling that ever breathed.
and yet they don't seem ~ they should be.
Hang his first wife! Humph well, no: she's de-
ceased. What q fool the man il to poison his
cup OF happiness like thisl By love, what q
good thing 1t would be II Lesby had n danger