Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1884-03-06
4 WIFE'S MISTAKE.


AS free from suspicion as hers proved AN
uncorruptcd and Iucorruptihle heart.
1t was her co-tom IN til" long winter
evenings, when her husband, deeply en-
gagged in his busines, ailaits, vas ab-ent,
to prepare for hi return delicious little
supper, and then, quietly awaiting his
return. tn dream over his lat words Of
love; for Clara wa- foolsh little bl, nde,
and certainly loved well if not wisely.
One et ening she was surprised by u
visit from maiden aunt, who was noted
for gossip, and had heretofore / cen vrIy
sparing o.! her visits to this house of
welded bliss. Alse! what untold miser-
les have reru. ted from the venom OF the
human tongue. Clara's aunt OH this
occasion looked portentously dismal,
and after few commonplace remarks
she launched at once inIo the subject.
matter OF her discourse.
MY dear said che, Il suppose YOU
are totally unaware of what 10 going Oh
in the theatrical world? You have not
heard of the extraordinary beauty of
Mademoiselle Vera, the leading star at
the theatre ?"
Aunt, you know my husbands time
is so occupied. dearley love the thea
ter, but love him better, and can't
enjoy myself when he Is tolliug Tor
me-"
"But did you never think it strange"
said Aunt Liza, "thst Mr.. johnson, who
is 10 immensely rich, should b. forced
to work 20 hard Why another woman
would be mad with suspicion"
''Oh, Aunt Liza" said the sensitive
girl, IS her eyes filled with tear, "i
could not suspect the husband have
married and loved"
We'll, there are women and women
and sou are one OF the most trusting
little dears ever met trust you will
never nave any cause Ia repent OF your
fidelity
Clara sat by the window at her house
in Windsor. gazing at the star-embosscd
heaven, with vague feeling OF unea.i.
ness (which she found il impossible
10 reason away. There had been cascs
where loving and faithful wives were
deceived by those whom they chcri,hcd
rs the incarnation of goodness. Sac had
read many novel, with fearful eyes,
wherein those who seemed best and no
blest proved base and vile. She knew,
in her short experience of life, that
men were Iured away by influences that
they strlyed in vain to resist. All these
Thoughts came to her, and with them a
firm resolve to question her husband
that very evening.
The hours passed away, seeming cen.
turies to the poor young wife who was
thus rudely awakened from her dream
of bliss by the venom of a woman 3
tongue. At last, IS the clock struck
eleven, Clara heard the welcome step
on the footpath, and was soon in her
husbands arms. For an instant doubt
and suspense were at an end. Gazing
into that noble face, reading truth and
love in those proud black eyes, it seem.
ed impossible that such a one could
harbor deceit or create misery.
Mr.. Johnson consumed his supper
with great relish. lie was satisfied with
the loving gaze of his wife, and spoke
but little but astonishment was in
store for him.
Herbert" said Clara suddenly,
n,ryou,ly twining her hands, what is
this business that detains you in the
evening? Oh, do tell me Let there he
no more secrets between us, or shall
+, die !"
Mr.. johnson pushed his plate from
him and regarded her attentiyely.
"My darling" he asked, simply, ''who
has Deen mere
+No one-that Is, Aunt Liza, replied
Clara, wondering. EF
.sAh n said Mr. johnson.
But, Herbert, you have not answer.
ed me you treat mo with contempt"
''Oh, no' my dear ~ said Mr. Johnson.
quietly; mot you. Come, love, You
are overcome by nervousness and
groundless suspicious promise you
will be more at home hereafter, and
give to my lit.le rosebud ofA wife that
love which her angelic disposition 80
Justly deserves"
There was something in his quiet,
selfpossessed manner that set Clara's