Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-02-16
A WIFE'S REVENGE.

On Madison avenue, Baltimore, there is
living n married couple who, for The past
five years, have existed surrounded by the
Although the husband is actively engaged
in business, making money thereby rapidly,
and possess many companionable and social
characteristics, although the wife is re-
fined maturely beautiful woman, with the
usual hereditary trait of conversational
ability so common to her sex developed in
her case to an extraordinary degree ; 81
though three attractive and lovely children
complete the domestic roll call Of this par
ticular family, yet for the past five years
not one solitary word has been exchanged
between this husband and wife. They each
day partake at the same table and at the
same hour OF three solemn, silent-as far as
they are cuncerned-meals. The children,
Of course, chatter some, but the father and
mother sit dun like monumental statues in
snow storm. Each night they occupy the
same room, but not one word ever escapes
their lips A recital of the cause for this
most remarkable state Of daily affairs,
especially as far us the lady is concerned,
certainly purtrays q most extraordinary and
romantic life drama.
Ten years ago the lady who now success
fully enacts the role OF the "Silent Wife
was beautiful society belle Of Baltimore
Among her sutors at that time were two
persistent young men, both armed with cul
tlre, education, wealth, and energy One
of those she loved, and ultimately formally
accepted him, and they became publicly
betrolhed. The other, as may be safely sur
missed, then took back seat in the arena
Of life for the time being; but he die not
mourn in obscurity and despair for a very
lengthy period. In an evil hour, by the
most subtle arts, he succeeded in convinc-
ing the lady that the gentleman to when
she was engaged was perfdious liberlinc
aud had betrayed il certain young lady with
an explanation was demanded by the lady,
the accused returned an indignant reply,
and the result WAS All open rupture.
The rejected suitor now had the oppor-
tunity which he had sought for, and again
laid a most vigorous siege to the citadel Of
this bellies heart. In a moment OF despera
tion and pquc, tho young lady accepted
this once rejected young man and hastily
married him. Five years after the marriage
this lady, accompanied by her husband,
went to fancy dress ball given under the
auspices of charitable organization
in which she was deeply interest
ed. During all these years of her
supposed happy married life she had
never seen nor exchanged words in any way
with the gentleman to whom she had once
been betrothed and who, in true reality, was
the only man she ever loved.
During the height of the festivities she
was invited TO dance by what seemingly
was stranger. Her husband at the time
was temporarily absent She feeling strange
ly and irresistibly attracted toward the
masked gentleman who asked her for the
honor OF IL waltz, although he was appar
emily Il stranger, reluctantly consented
During the dance she became fully conscious
of the most singular and unaccountable i'm
pressions. AT its conclusion the supposed
stranger drew her apart from the throng,
| and in quiet and obscure corner unmask-
ed, showing the even yet dear, familiar fea-
| lures of the gentleman whom she had loved
| for many years.
He had known her even masked as she
WAS, aud sought this opportunity to convince
her of how terribly she had been deceived
| five years before. Then and there, in that
scene of festivities, surrounded by gayly and
| Enthusiastically dressed crowds Of laughing
people, amid the sweet sounds of music in
an atmosphere perfumed only with merri-
mcut and c0ntentment, the elimination OF a
sickcning life sorrow was unfolded. In a
very few moments this gentleman drew from
the pockets of his rich and handsomely de-
corated costume documents and papers the
import of which at once convinced the lady
that five years before she had been the vic
tim of most terrible deception that this
gentleman was guiltess of the Infamous
social crimes with which he had been charg-
ed, and that her own husband prior to mar
rage, had lied TO her and had deceived
her in the most cruel and heartless fashion
This lady is woman of the most decided
and energetic character. She at once part.
ed forever from the gentleman before her
who eagerly pleaded that he might be per-
mitted to sec her, if it was only once more
Thus she parted with the only man she ever
loved, with feelings in her heart which nc
tongue could describe Then she sent fol
her husband, and both at once lex the bal
room. That night she talked with him for
the last time in this world The first thing
the next morning she went in her carriage
to the Office of prominent notary public
and legally made most solemn oath thai
she would never again speak to her hus
band.
In an interview with a reporter she sait
she only lived with her husband on hel
cbildrcn's account, but proposed to keei
nm the pantomine until death took one o.
the other from the scene Correspondence
Cincinnati Enquirer.
D,o,pr ,Sn Pos1TIyE.-"BensOn Can