The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-12-08

ohoeiSsooo SAeh Oshci uSoaJ aoua JSes~ ago.
 " But il is not four years since you mar ried."
 '' us, four y>ars-yesterday."
 And my lord has been away"
 Three years, eight months and eigh- teen days, so far as know"
 We'll, this is a most extraordinary thing. and very, very bad, must say.'
 It might easily have been much sad der. am going to tell you the exact truth, and rely upon your honor and discretion to keep the secret inviolable." i"
 My dear Kate, 1 would not name it for the world"
 Listen, then. One izht when l was scarcely Y years old, my father sent for me to his study. had known for months he was dying. He was the only creature that had to love, and loved him very tendesly, must mention this also, for it partly explains my conduct that the idea of disobeying him in an, thing had never presented itself to me as a possibility. This night found with him his lifelong friend. the late Lord Talbot, and the pre- sent lord my husband. l was shy, shrinking girl, without any knowledge of dress or society, and very timid and em- barrassed Tn my manners. Then my father told me that II was necessary for the good of both houses that Richard and should marry, that Richard had con- sented, and that mus, meet few friends in our private chapel at / o'clock in the morning week later. of course these things were told me in a very gentle manner, and my dear father, with many loving kisses, begged me as a last favor to him 10 make To objection"
 And what did Lord Richard say:'
 "l glanced up at him. He stood near l window looking out over our fine old park, and when he fel, my glance he coloted deeply and bowed. Lord Tal- bot said rather angrily, Richard, Miss Esther waits for you to speak Then Lord Richard turned towards me and said something, but in such a low voio c that did not catch its meaning. My son says you do him Il great honor and pleasure, exclaimed Lord Talbot. and he kissed me and led me toward the un- willing bridegroom.
 Of course, ought b have hated him, Selina, but did not. On the contrary. n. haps li would have been far better for me iff had not, Richard read my heart in my face, and despised his easy conquest As for me, suffered in that weak and tortufing suspense of school girl in love- dressed myself in the best of my plain, unbecoming, childish toilet, and watched wearily every day for visit from my promised husband but saw no more of him until our wedding morning. By this time some very rich clothing had arrived for me, and also London maid, and 1 think, even then. my appearance was iair enough 10 have somewhat conciliated Richard Talbot. But he scarcely looked at me. The ceremony was scrupulously and coldly performed. my father, aunt and governess being present on my side, and on Richards his father and his three maiden sisters.
 Il never saw my father alive again He died the following week. and the mookery of our wedding festivities a, Talbot castle was suspended in defeIence to my srici. Then we came to London. and my lord selected for his own use the left wing ot the h c, and politely placed a, my disposal all the remaining apart men,s. 1 considered this an intmation that l was not expected to intrude upon his quarters and l scrupulously avoided every approach 10 them. 1 knew from the hrs, that attempts 10 win him would be useless, and indeed. felt too sorrow- tul and humiliated io uy. During the few weeks that we remained under the same roof we seldom met. and 1 am afraid did no, make these rare intervals al all pleasant. felt wronged and miser- able, and my san face and heavy eyes were ~nly reproaeh to him
 Oh what a monster. Kate.
 Not quite that. selma There wee many excuses tor him. One day saw paragraph in the 7in;sS saying iha, Lord Richard Talbot intended to accompany scientific exploration party whose desti- nation was Central Asia. instantly sent and asked my husband tor an interview had intended dressing myself with care for the meeting. and making one last effort to win the kindly regard. al least, of one whom 1 could not hep loving. Bu, some unfortunate fatality always at tended our meeting, and never could do myself justice Tn his presence. He am swered my request at once. suppose he did so out of respect and kindness but the consequence was. he found me m an unbecomlng dishabille. and with my face and eyes red and swollen with weep ing.
 "l iel, mort6ed a, promp, a,,ento on 50 mal-apropos, and my manner. instead ot being winning and consolidating. was cold. unprepossessing. did not rise from the sofa on which had been sob ping, and he made no attempt to si, down beside me or to comfort me.
 | pointed to the paragraph and asked if it was true
 "' Yes, Lady Talbot he said little sadly and proudly; l shall relieve you of ny presence in a few days. intended i Writwell to call on you to-day with a draft of the provisions have made for your comfort
 "l could make no answer had thought of many good things to say. bu, now in his presence was almost fretful ! I