The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1884-01-04

theme. He had to endure extravapan
comments on them. Friends told hin
that Lady Talbot had never been SO
brilliant and so bewitching as since his
return. He was congratulated on hi.
Influence over her.
In the meantime she kept strickly al
the distance he himself had arranged
four years ago. 1t was evident that il
he approached any nearer his beautiful
but long neglected wife, he must hum.
BILE himself TO do so. Why should he
not In Lord Talbot's mind the reason
against it had dwindled down to one.
1t was his valet. This man had known
all his masters matrimonial troubles,
and in his own way had sympathized
with them He was bitterly averse to
Lord Talbots making any conces-
sions to my lady. One night, however,
he received a profound shock.
Simmons said Lord Talbot, very
decidedly, ''go and ask Lady Talbot if
she will do me the honor to receive a
visit from me-"
My lady would be delighted. She
was in an exquisite costume, and con-
descended to exhibit for his pleasure
all her most bewildering moods. 1t
was with great reluctance he left her
after two hours visit. The next night
he stayed still longer. My lady
had no other engagements, and he
quite forgot the one he had made to
be present at the Marquis of Stairs
wineparty
The following week my lady receiv-
ed every morning basket of wonder
ful flowers, and little note with them
containing hope that she was in good
health.
One morning she was compelled to
say that she was not very well, and
Lord Talbot was so concerned that he
sent Simmons to ask if he might be
permitted to eat breakfast with her.
My lady was graciously willing, and
Lord Richard was quite excited by the
permission. He changed his morning
gown and cravat several times, quite
regardless of Simmons peculiar face,
and, with many misgivings as to his
appearance, sat down opposite the
lovely little lady in pale blue satin and
cashmere and white lace.
1t was charming breakfast, and
during it the infatuated husband could
not help saying great many sweet
and fattering things. Kate parried
them very prettily. at is WE'LL" she
said, "that no one hears us. If we
were not married they would think we
were making love-"
"And if we are married, Kate, why
not make love now, dear 2" We had
no opportunity before we were mar
ried.'
"Ah, Richard, in fashionable life we
should make ourselves ridiculous. Ev-
cry one says our behavior is ire
oroachable. should have dearly lik-
ed 1t when only shy, awkward coun-
,ry girl; but now, my lord, we would |
De laughed at
.'Then, Kate, let us be laughed at.
!, for one, am longing for it-dying for
t. If time should run back and fetch
he age of gold, why not love? Let
IS go back four whole years and a
lalf. Will you, Kate-dearest and
weetest Kate ?"
"We should have to run away to the
ountry, Richard, and, now think of
t, have not been to Esher since we
love"
When such conversation as this
vas prolonged for five hours, it was
title wondered that my lords valet and
ny lady's maid received orders to pack
alses and trunks, or that next day
lsher Hall was in happy tumult of
reparation. Love comes better late
han never, and Lady Kate always
old herself that she never could have
cen so happy in those sweet old gar
ems with her lover as she was with
er husband. Probably they were
9th as perfectly satisfied as it is posi-
lie tor human love to be for, greatly
the amusement of the fashionable
'orld, they not only spent the whole
'mmer alone in their country home,
ut actually, when they came back to
ondon, had the courage to appear in
lie very height OF the season in the
'me box at the opera.
''Really, Kate" SAID Miss Selma, 81
ever was so astonished. This gentle
ian on your left"
SIS always at my right now, dear.
Ie will never be in the opposition
gain"
'How delightful !"
"For us? Oh, yes. Charming.