McCook weekly tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 188?-1886, 1884-06-05
A WIFE'S CHARM.
ENrom the Philadelphia Call.

From the Philadelphia Call.
A pout upon the red lips of Gerald
Sinclair's young wife-unmistakably q
pout-for, though 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, a grand and fashionable assem-
blage, was to take place during his alb
sence, and he had said that he should
perfer she would not attend. She was
only twenty. Let this much be said in
7extenuation of the two great tears that
rose to the brown eyes and slowly
trickled down the pretty face, splash
ing on the dainty morning dress, which,
-clinging to the daily form, revealed so
perfectly its graceful outlines.
Certainly Niobe had no reason to feel
ashamed of this one of her children.
But Gerald Sinclair had only stopped
and kissed away the glistening drops in
3 half hurried manner, perhaps to hide
his awakening remorse. s'NeVer mind,
little wife; I'll make it up to you an
other time.' Then he was gone; but
she sat still, turning and returningsher
wedding ring, with eyes bent upon it.
1t was curious ring-a solid band set
with five large diamonds.
1t had been her charm, her talisman,
not to be taken from her finger until
soul and body had parted; but this
morning it had lost its charm. If it
failed to scatter the clouds, it failed to
bring back the sunshine. Even when
the hour came round for Gerald s home
coming he missed his usual welcome :;
but he thought he might trust to his
wife's heart, and said nothing. The
nexG day: he started on his journey
"You're not going, my dear?' ex-
claimed Mrs. Martin, bursting in upon
her friend on the morning of the ball.
Sand why not? Gerald is away" re-
piled Mrs. Sinclair, with some little
show of wifely dignity, as though the
fact were in itself sufficient explana-
ton.
ssAnd why need that make any diff
ferenceP" pursued Mrs. Martin, a be-
witching little widow some few years
her friends senior. 81 will share my
escort with you-Count Belzoni."
Sophie Sinclair looked up amazed.
She knew that the man mentioned had
but lately gained entree into society,
and knew also that her husband dis.
liked and distrusted him. Once OF
twice she had seen his eye fixed admir-.
ingly upon herself, and had felt some.
what as the bird might feel beneath
the basilisk glare of the serpent.
ssWell, why don't you answer?" con.
tinued Mrs. Martin. evil you go?'
-ssNo, no. she replied, trying to speak
with firm decision. "Besides, do not
think that Gerald admires the count. =
'sPrejudiee, my dear, all prejudice
men I know. Indeed, l think l should
be canonized for my willingness to
share his attentions, especially as
have heard him say all manner of pref
ty things about you.''
ssNonsense, Ellen" retorted Mrs
Sinclair. But she felt the ground slip
ping beneath her feet as she spoke.
After all, Gerald had not said posi-
tivelyno! Had he thought it necessary
after he had openly expressed his dis
appreciation of her going?
He had not known that she would be
so sorely tempted. Besides, she would
wear mask. No one would know her
and when she told Gerald he would for
give her, suddens thought came ovel
her.
81 will co." she said at last, after
continued urging, and looking at the
picture in all its brightest lights, 'or
one condition, and that is that no one
is to know me-not even the Count
Say that you have persuaded a friend
TO accompany you, who wishes to re-
main unknown. 1 will come to your
house, where he will find me, and thu:
gain no clew."
So it was decided; but in spite of hel
exquisite costume of fairy, as she con.
cealed it and herself beneath large
domino, as the clock on her mantle
,chimed 10 it seemed to Sophie that
every stroke said: "Stay! Stay!"
She was almost tempted to obey it,
but she had promised Ellen; and, after
all she heard that it was well for young
wives to assert themselves.
An hour later and, on the Count Bel
zoni's arm, she entered upon the bril-
liant scene. So far he had not seemed
curious to ascertain her identity. Shit
experienced at this singular sense O.
relief.
The ball was at its height as the clocl
rang out the ho-.r of midnight, but fol
the first time in her life light ant
oayety were distateful. A hundred
times she wished herself at home.
81 will tell Gerald. l have already
been punished" she whispered to her
self. as she stood for moment alone il
aquiet corner.
sYou look more like 8 nun than
fa;ry--rather like one that has forsworl