Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1884-05-15
The Sturp Teller.
A WIFE'S CHARM.

A pOut upon the red lips OF Gerald oln-
clair's young wife-unmistakably a 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 assemblage, was to take place
during his absence, and he had said that he
should prefer she would not attend.
She was only 20. Let this much be said
in extenuation of the two great tears that
rose to the brown eyes and slowly trickled
dainty morning dress, which, clinglng 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 half-hurried
manner, perhaps to hide his awakening re-
morse.
"Never mind, little wife. I'll make itup
to you another time"
Then he was gone but she sat still, turn
ing and returning her wedding ring, with
eyes bent upon it. It was curious ring-a
solid band, set with five large diamonds.
It 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 it's charm. If it failed to scatter the
clouds, it failed to bring back the sunshine.
Even when the hour came round for Ger
AIDS homecoming, he missed his usual
warm welcome; but he thought that he
might trust his wife's heart and said moth
ing. The next day he started on his jour-
ney; ,oo. o., ,.o,o; o;,,oa
Mrs. Martin, bursting in upon her friend on
the morning of the ball. "And why not %
"Gerald is away" replied Mrs. Sinclair,
with some little show of wifely dignity, as
though the fact were in itself sufficient ex-
planation.
"And why need that make any differ
ence ?" pursued Mrs. Martin, bewitching
little widow some few years her friends Sc
nior. 81 will share my escort with you
Count Belzonin'
Sophie Sinclair looked up amazed. She
knew that the man mentioned had but late
~ gained an entree into society, ana knew
also that her husband disliked and distrust-
ed him.
Once or twice she had seen his eye fixed
admiringly upon herself, and had felt some
what as the bird might feel beneath the
basilisk glare of the serpent.
"Well, why don't you answer ?" contin-
ued Mrs. Martin. "Will you go?"
"No, no." she replied trying to speak with
firm decision. Besides, do not think that
GeralQ aQulreS Cne count.
"Prejudice, my dear, all prejudice. The
count is one Of the most charming :; and
agreeable men l know. Indeed, think l
should be canonized for my willingness to
share his attentions, especially as 1 have
heard him say all manner of pretty things
about you"
"Nonsense, Ellen," retorted Mrs Sinclair.
But she felt the ground slipping beneath
her feet as she spoke.
After all Gerald had not said positively
no! Had he thought it necessary after he
had openly expressed his disapprobation OF
her going?
so sorely tempted. Besides she would wear
a mask. No one would know her; and
when she told Gerald he would forgive her.
A sudden thought came to her.
81 will co." she said at last, after contin-
ued urging, and looking at the picture in all
its brightest lights, 'on the 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. will come to your house,
where he will find me, and thus gain no
clue.
So it was decided; but, in spite of her ex-
quisite costume of fairy as she concealed
it and herself beneath a large domino, as
ed to Sophie that every stroke said: "Stay
stay!"
She was was almost tempted to obey it,
but she had promised Ellen; and, after all,
she had heard that it was we'll for young
wives to assert themselves.
An hour later and, on the Count Belzon's
arm, she entered upon the brilliant scene.
So far he had not even seemed curious to
ascertain her identity. She experienced at
this singular sense of relief.
The ball was at it's height as the clock
rang out the hour of midnight, but for the
first time in her life light and gayety were
distasteful. A hundred times she wished
herself at home.
~ will tell Gerald. I have already been
punished" she whisped to herself, as she
stood for a moment alone in quiet corner.
"You look more like a nun than fairy
rather like one who had foresworn the
vanity of the world, than siren to tempt
men to their destruction" said voice close
to her, "though to the latter 1 know no one
more fitted"
"Sirw she exclaimed Indignantly, recog:
nizing, as she spoke, the count standing al