The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-12-08

Certainly it seemed like it. for, in spite of her confession, when Lord Talbot sent the next morning to request ar interview, Kate regretted that she had prior en- gagement, but hoped to meet Lord Tal- bot al the Duchess of Chfford's that night.
 My lord bit his lips angrily, but never theless he had been so struck with his wifes brilliant beauty that he determined to keep the engagement
 She dld not meet him with sobs this time. The centre of an admiring ;hrong. she spoke to him with an ease and non- chalance that would have indicated 10 a stranger the most usual and common place of acquaintanceship. He tried to i draw her into a confidential mood, but she said smilingly, My lord, the world supposes GUS to have already oongratu- lated each other; we need not unde- ceive it."
 He was dreadfully piqued and the pique kept the cause of It continually in his mind. Indeed, unless he left London, ne could hardly avoid constant meetings which were constant aggravations. My lady went everywhere. Her beauty, her wit, her splendid toilets, her fine man. ners. were the universal theme. He had to endure extravagant comments on them. Friends told him that Lady Tal- bot had never been so brilliant and so bewitching as since his return. He was congratulated on his influence over her.
 In the meantime she kept strictly at the distance he himself had arranged tour years ago It was evident that if he approached any nearer his beautiful but l long neglected wife, he must humble himself to do so. Why should he not! 1 I Lord 'falbot's mind the reasons against u had dwindled down to one. It was his valet. This man had kn avn all his mas- tcr's matrimonial troubles and in his own sympathized with them. He was bitterly averse to Lord Talbots making any con- sessions to my lady. One night, how ever. he received profound shock.
 Simmons" said Lord Talbot, very decidedly, 20 and ask Lady Talbot If she will do me the honor to receive a visit from me-
 My lady would be delighted. She was in an exquisite costume, and condo scended to exhibit for his pleasure all her most bewildering moods. It was with reluctance he left her alter two hours visit, The next night he stayed still longer. My lady had no other engage ment and he had quite forgot the one he had made to be present at the Marquis of Stairs wine party.
 The following week my lady received every morning d basket of wonderful flowers, and little note with them con- taining hope that she was in good health.
 Cine morning sh1 was compelled % say that she was not very well, and Lord Ia bot was so concerned that he sent Sim mons to ask If he might be permitted to eat breakfast with her. My lady was graciously willing, and Lord Richard was excited by the permission. He changed his morning gown and oravat several times, quite regardless of simmons pecu- liar face, and with many misgivings as to his appearance, sat down opposite the lovely little lady in pale blue satin and cashmere and white lace.
 1 IL was charming breakfast, and dur ing 1t the infatuated husband could no, help saying great many sweet and flat ! tcrIng things. Kate parried them very I pretty. IL Is well" she said. that no one hears Is. If we were not married they would think we were making love"
 And fl we are married, Kate, why n)t make love now. dear. We had no opportunity before we were married.'
 An. Richard. in fashionable life we should make ourselves ridiculous. Every one says our behavior Is irreproachable. should have dearly liked it when only ! Shy au lunrJ cannfrxr vi ri h,,t ,,.u, mn, lord, we would be laughed att
 :" Then. Kate. let us be laughed at. l, for one, am longing for it-dying for il. If time should run back and fetch the age of gold. why not love! Let us go back, four whole years and half Will you. Kate dearest and sweetest Kate: ~
 We should have to run away to the country, Richard. and now think of Il, have not been to Esther since we-were married love"
 When such a conversation as this was prolonged for five hours. II was little wondered that my lords valet and my lady's maid received orders to pack va- lises and trunks. or that the next day Esther Hall was in happy tumult of preparation.
 Love comes better late than never. and Lady Kate always told herself that she never could have been so happy in those sweet old gardens with her lover as she was with her husband. Probably they were both as perfectly satisfied as it is possible for human love to be, for. greatly to the amazemcnt of the fashionable world. they not only spent the whole summer alone in their country home. but actually. when they came back to Lon don had the courage to appear, in the very height of the season, in the same box at the opera.
 Really, kate says Miss Selma, l never was so astonished. The gentle man on your left"
 "ls always at my righ, now, dear. He will never be in the opposition again"
 = II low delightful .''
 For us? Oh. yes. Charming"