Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1884-07-05
A Wile'S Charm

A " - II - l.
\ pout upon the red lips Of Gerald
Slcar's young wifc--unmistal1ably n
rout for though n wife of almost two
years, her fond indulgcnt husband had
for the first time said nay to an openly
oppressed wish.
HE fancy ball Of the season, grand
and fashionable asscmblage, was to take
place during his absence, and he had
sall that he should prefer she would not
attend
She was only 90 Let this much be
sAi ii cxtenuation Of the two great tears
that rose to the brown eyes and slowly
uicklcd down the pretty face, spashing
OF to the dainty morning dress, which,
cnglng to the dainty 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
ahaf-hurried manner, perhaps to hide
MS aWhkclllnP TemOrSe.
"Neycr 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, It was a curl
Gus rng-a solid band, set with five
hrge diamonds.
1t had been her charm, her talism IN,
not to tie taken from her finger until
son and body had parted; but this
morning it had lost its charm. If it
failed to scatter the clouds, it failed to
br'ng back the sunshine.
Even when the hour came round for
deralds homecoming, he missed his
usual warm welcome; but he thought
that he might trust his wife's heart and
sad nothing. The next 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.
And why not?'
"Gerald is away" replied Mis-. Sin
c,ar, with some little show of wifely dig
nify, as though the fact were in itself
sufficient explanation.
And why need that make any differ
epce?' pursued Mrs. Martin, bewitch-
rAg little widow, some years her friends
senior. Il will share my escort with
You Count Belzom T.
sophie Sinclair looked mp amazed
She knew the man mentioned had but
lately gained entree into society, and
Knew also that her husband disliked and
dlstrustcd him.
once or twice she had seen his eve
hNed admiringly upon herself and had
l'it sopewhat as the bird might feel
"'heam the basilisk glare of the SCR
reit
Well, why don't you answer" con
"n"ed Mrs Martin. sWill You go?'
No. no, she replied, trying to speak
Win firm decision. Besides, j do Not
'1ihh that Gerald almircs the Count
l'rtJndlce my dear. all prejudice
''4tt - tic lusfSt CNtI mug Hiit
'erecahie man know. Indeed, think
fhon.d be canonized for my willingness:
= share his attentions, especially as
haNe heard him say all manner of prctt,
,hlngs about you.'
Nonsense, Ellen" retorted Mrs. Sin
cair.
But she felt the ground slipping be
heaih her feet as she spoke.
After al Gerald had not said positiv, !
90 Had he thought 1t nee, ssary aft,
lie had openly expressed his dlsarpro
haflun e her going?
He hai not known that she would t
sosoreiy tempted Besides she woui
"ear mask. No one would know he
AID Whsn she told Gerald he would 70
give her. \ sudden thought came
her.
| Will Co." she said at last, after COZ
tAued urging, and looking at the pi
'ufr IL all its brightest lights, ION OF
coalition, and that is that no one is
Know me-not even the Count. Say th
son have persuaded friend 10 accor
pany you, Who wishes to remain u
inown. / will come to your hous