The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1884-05-03
A wIFE's CHARM.

A pout upon the red lips of Gerald
Sinclair's young wife-unmistakably
pout-for though a wife of almost two
years, her fond, indulgent husband had
for the first time said nay to an openly
expressed wish.
The fancy ball Of the season, grand
and fashionable assemblage, was to take
place during his absence, and he had said
that he should perfer she would not
attend.
She was only 30. Let this much be
said in extenuation of the two great
tears that rose to the brown eyes and
slowly trickled down the pretty face,
splashing on to the dainty morning
dress, which, clinging to the dainty
form, revealed so perfectly its graceful
outlines.
Certainly, Niobe had no reason to
feel ashamed of this one Of her chill.
dren. But Gerald Sinclair had only
stopped and kissed away the glistening
drops, in a half-hurried manner, per-
haps to hide his awakening remorse.
"Never mind, little wife. I'll make
it up to you another time"
Then he was gone; but she sat still,
turning and returning her wedding
ring, with eyes bent upon it. 1t was a
curious ring-a solid band, set with five
large diamonds.
1t had been her charm, her talisman,
not to be taken from her finger unit
soul and body had parted; but this
morning it had lost its charm. If il
failed to scatter the clouds, it failed Il
bring back the sunshine.
Even when the hour came round fol
Gerald's home. coming, he missed hi
usual warm welcome; but he though
that he might trust his wife's heart anC
said nothing. The next day he started
on his journey.
"You're not going, my dearp" ex
claimed Mrs. Martin, bursting in upol
her friend ON the morning of the ball
And why notP"
"Gerald Is away" replied Mrs. Sin
clair, with some little show of wifel
1ignity, as though the fact were In itsel
. sufficient explanation.
"And why need that make any differ
ence?" pursued Mrs. Martin, bewitch
ing little widow some few years he
l friends senior. 81 will share my ei
cort with you Count Belzonil''
e Sophie Sinclair looked up amazed
: She knew that the man mentioned ha
but lately gained an entree into society
= and knew also that her husband di
liked and distrusted him.
Once or twice she had seen his ey
fixed admiringly upon herself, and ha
felt somewhat as the bird might fet
beneath the basilisk glare of the SCI
pent.
swell, why don't you answerp" cor
tinued Mrs. Martin. "Will you gop''
''No, no, she replied trying to spea
with firm decision. ''Besides, do nc
think that Gerald admires the COUNT
prejudice, my dear, all prejudic,
The count is one of the most charmin
and agreeable men 1 know. Indeed,
think l should be canonized for m
willingness to share his attentions
especially as 1 have heard him say a
manner of pretty things about you"
Nonsense, Ellen" retorted Mr.
Sinclair.
But she felt the ground slipping b,
meath her feet as she spoke.
After all Gerald had not said pos
lively mol Had he thought it necessar
after he had openly expressed his di
appreciation of her goingP
He had not known that she would
so sorely tempted. Besides she woul
wear mask. No one would know he
and when she told Gerald he would fo
give her. A sudden thought came
her.
= Il will co." she said at last, aft,
continued urging, and looking at IL
II picture in all its brightest lights, sc
W the condition, and that is that no one
to know me-not even the count. 81
that you have persuaded friend to a
: company you, who wishes to rema
l unknown. will come to your hous
10 where he will find me, and thus gain l
II clue.
So it was decided; but, in spite of h
e exquisite costume Of fairy as she co
cealed it and herself beneath a lar,
domino, as the clock of her mant
chimed ten, it seemed to Sophie th
every stroke said: "Stayl stayl"
d She was almost tempted to obey
bat she had promised Ellen; and, aft
all, she had heard that it was well (
young wives to assert themselves.
= An hour later and, on the Count B,
zoni's arm, she entered upon the br
liant scene. So far he had not ev
seemed curious to ascertain her ide
tity. She experienced at this 81
A. gular sense of relief.
The ball was at Its height as the clio
rang out the hour of midnight, but
the first time in her life light and gay
ty were distasteful. A hundred tin
she wish herself at home.
81 will tell Gerald. l have alrea
II been punished" she whispered to h
self. as she stood for moment alone
quiet corner.
"You look more like anun than ia