Milford chronicle., 1883-02-23

4
maintained her early friendship in ways
that were hearty and entirely honorable
so the troubled husband, instead of re
senting her suggestion, merely answered
"You know well, Marion, that
couldn't be mean enough to make a too
Of any woman"
you've no occasion to do so; all you
need do is to pretend sudden and VIC
lent regard for me-.
''You ?"
Certainly. With whom could you be
safer? You know I'd box your ears
soundly if you were to say single word
in earnest"
''But what will people say? %
Oh, they'll be spiteful enough to say
you mean it all. "
Never mind what they believe about
me; mean, what will they say o
you?"
"Leave that to me. Now, do as
tell you, and begin at once. If you
can't say anything, try to look some
thing, and see how jealous I will make
your wife before the evening is over. -
Bryce laughed and made some care
less remark. Miss Albrough listened
with an expression of adorning interest.
They conversed about music, but the
lady's manner would have persuaded
almost any one that tender condolences
were being exchanged. Her example
was contagious, and Bryce soon found
himself exchanging eloquent glances
with her during an nterminable four
hand piece for the piano. The actions
Of the couple did not long escape Mrs.
Bryce's notice, for several ladies' who
/ had no cavaliers took pains to whisper
to her from time to time. But Mrs.
Bryce. though astonished, WAS merely
amused, in a stupid way, although she
took occasion to whisper to her husband,
later in the evening, that it did not seem
10 her entirely necessary that so healthy
a woman as Marion Albrough should
have leaned so heavily on him during
the promenade.
Before the entertainment ended Miss
Albrough had made Bryce promise that
any notes she might write him should
be left where his wife could see them.
Bryce kept his promise, though some Of
the notes, harmless enough in their
purport. were somewhat startling in
their familiarity. In spite of ALL
however, Bryce informed Miss Albrough,
when next they met, that his wife was
not in the least jealous.
"You must give her time, Gerald, =
was the reply; "don't be impatient, and
do be persistent. You've no idea what
fun it is to me.
Bryce was right in saying that his wife
had not begun to be jealous, but he did
not know that she was pretending ieal-
ousy in sentimental way, to Masten.
and was hearing many expressions Of IN
dignation in return. What troubled
Nj. Bryce most, however, was that Mas
ten did not improve an opportunity that
was almost an invitation to make love;
his entire mind seemed occupied by
disapproval of Bryce's conduct and Miss
Albrough's notes, all Of which Mrs.
Bryce showed him.
When the pretended Irritation was
again visible publicly, Mrs. Bryce began
to be annoyed by whisperings intended
for her ear. which she could not wonder
at, for the couple did certainly seem to-
tally absorbed in one another; they even
noticed the seni-scclusion Of deep win
dow with heavy curtains.
'Isn't it dreadful?" whispered Mrs.
Bryce to Masten.
'Infernal r exclaimed Masten, with
so much vehemence that Mrs. Bryce
wondered whether, after all, her adj
mirer was only the gentleman he pre-
tended to be, instead Of the lover she
had fondly imagined him.
For several weeks Bryce did not miss
a single opportunity to meet Miss Al
brough in society, and although he
warned her that people were already
talking. he was told that people had
talked before, yet never injured her repu- |
tation in the least Before long Bryce /.
had the pleasure of informing his fellow
plotter that her plan was succeeding, for
AIasten did not call as frequently as be-
fore, and did not restrict his attentions
in company to Mrs. Bryce. He said /
that evidently his wife was feeling fright
ened. and Miss Albrough agreed with |
him: he also said that it was strange that
his wife did not call him to account and
again Miss Marion admitted that he was
right.
AT the end Of a month he said, GIVE
an important announcement to make; my
wife has fallen in love with me again.
expect that pique at Masten's entire de-
lertion Of her has brought her to her
senses.
care you sure he has entirely discon-
inued his attentions p asked Miss Al
orough with unusual earnestness.
"Quite sure, " said Bryce.
"Then 1, too, have an important an
louncement to make, Mr.. Masten will
never renew them.
care you sure Of this p
Entirely"
"May / ask your reasons ?"
'1'm willing to tell you one Of them,
aid Miss Marion, with smile that
Bryce first thought quizzical aud then
,,,uulir,o, lsl,11t mind thai ,.nn Lell IA 10