The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1884-09-27
THE COLONEL'S SECOND WIFE.

THE COLONEL'S SECOND WIFE.
''What! her dOwry ten thousand anC
her age under eighteen You are 6
lucky dog, Hewitt! Of course, it's 8
love matchP"
~ flatter myself, yes, on the lady's
part, at least" and the speaker, a tall
rather handsome man, drew himself up
superciliously; though, in fact, it is
family arrangement ~
'.How is thatP"
"Why, you see, Colonel Harding was
my father, General Hewett's greatest
chum. When dying, he left me and
my future to the formers guardianship;
trust he saw no better nor more
friendly way of carrying out than by an
engagement between myself and his
daughter Kate-the sole inheritor of a
rich aunt's wealth." "
s'Some people fall into pleasant
places, certainly. When is it to beP"
SIN a month. l fancy, since the
colonel has been such dotard as to
take home a second wife, he would
rather have his daughters room than
her company"
POSSIBLY. Deuced~ pretty. woman,
Mrs. Harding-eh Very. sparkling,
self-willed and fast, I'm sure. Will
want tight curb, butt will pull hard.
1 imagine the Colonel will have his
hands full, and need keep his eyes
open. They have been married year,
and within the last month have noted
he is preoccupied, while two wrinkles
have appeared on his forehead. When
will these old fellows" laughed his
friend, "take the lessons Pope has
so graphically read us-December
must wed Mayp Ia, ia! Remember,
I'm booked for the Benedict cere-
mony."
The two gentlemen between whom
the above conversation passed on the
step of West End club now parted
the one addressed as Hewett, known
among his less familiars as Captain
Hewett, proceeding to go by train
to Colonel Harding's villa, at Rich
mond.
Arriving there, in due course, he was
speedily introduced to Mr.. and Mrs.
Harding; after exchanging greetings
with whom he was summoned to see
the colonel in the library. The ladies
were surprised at the haste displayed,
and could not refrain from remarking
on the subject. st.E
"Whatever is that forP" Kate re-
marked, when the officer had gone.
ITO sign your marriage settlement"
smiled Mrs. Harding.
Nonsense! BY the way, mamma,
do you not think papa has looked alter
ed latelyP"
For many days have seen it, Kate, |
| fear something is wrong"
'Then fancy he might confide it to
you instead of the captain"
True! Mrs. Harding's lips percepti-
bly, contracted; then she added: Kate,
forgot to tell my maid about the trim
nings for my dress next Friday. Would
you mind doing SOP" ,c.., &. re
Rising the young girl readily went on
ler mission, when the others entire
manner changed. Her expression be-
came grave, perplexed. She cast aside
ler work, and leaned her head on her
hand.
"Can my husband possibly suspect"
,he murmurod. There is change in
him, Kate sees it, too! Then there must
De cause! Can he have found us outp
# so, everything is ruined-ruinedr'
The paused; then added must be
will"
Hurriedly throwing a shawl of Kate's
hat laid on a sofa near, about her, she
passed through the open glass doors in
o the flower garden.
Going to the side of the villa, eau
iously she crept through a shrubbery of
,laac nd until cha
within sight and hearing of the two in
he library, the window of which was
open. -...,...- ,...---,., e.,,,. -
Charles Hewett was leaning back in
/ chair; the colonel, handsome elder
y military-looking man, sat by the
able, his brows contracted, his features
of pain and anger blended.
lie had evidently been speaking vehe-
nently, and exclaimed, as the listener
;ame within range:
81 wouldn't have believed of her!
If all women, would have staked my
ife on Constancel When you limited
hat you had seen fellow suspiciously
ounging about the villa, 1 thought (
othing about it; but Jackson, the
gardner, declares that it is
rue"
The listener became livid with rage. {
Ter suspicious were well founded.
What do you intend doing?" asked
!aptain Hewett.
Chats my perpleNty; to- accuse her
n the word of an undergardner seems {
and the colonel I'M
asily drummed the table with his fin
ers. /
Something must be done,'' he, said, |
or / shall 60 mad can't support f
lis terrible suspicion, for-I don't mind
it. to you, George, who so 7
ION will be my son-I love Constance