The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1884-05-07
A NIFE'S CHARM,

A pout upon the red lips of Ger
aid Sinclair's young wife-unmis-
takably a psut-for though wife OF
almost two years, her fond, indul-
gent 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 pre-
fer she would not attend.
She was only 90. Let this much
he said in extenuation of the TIVE
great tears that rose to the brown
eyes and slowly tricklsd down the
pretty face, splashing on to the dain-
ty morning dress, which, clinging to
the dainty form. revealed so perfect
ly its graceful outlines.
Certainly, Niobe had no reason to
be ashamed of this one of her chill
dren. Blu. Gerald Sinclair had only
stopped and kissed away the glisten-
ing drops, in half-hurried manner,
perhaps to hide his awakening re-
morse.
Never mind, little wife. I'll make
it up to you another time"
Then he was gone but she sat
still, turning and returning her
ring, with eyes bent upon
it. 1t was a curious ring-a solid
band, set with five large diamonds.
1t had been her charm, her tails
man, not to be taken from her finger
until soul and body had parted but
this morning it had lest its charm.
If it failed to scatter the clouds, it
failed to bring back the sunshine.
Even when the hour came round
for Gsrald's home coming, he missed
his usual warm welcome, but he
thought he might trust his wife.s
heart and said 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 Mrs.
with some little show of
wifely dignity, as though the fact
were in itself sufficient explanation,
And why need that make any
difference ?" pursued Mrs. Martin, a
bewitching little widow some few
wears her friends senior. 81 will
share my escort with you-Count
Belzoniw
Sophie Sinclair looked up amazed.
She knew that the man mentioned
had but lately gained an entree into
society, and knew also that her hus.
band disliked and distrusted him.
Once or twice she had seen hi:
eye fixed admiringly upon herself
ard had felt somewhat as the bird
might feel beneath the basilisk glare
of the serpent.
well, why don't you answer2'
continued Mrs. Martin. "Will yor
go ?"
NO, no." she replied trying to
speak with firm decision. Besides
| do not think that Gerald admire.
the count"
Prejudice, my dear, all prejudice
The count is one of the most charm
ing and agreeable men | know. In
deed, think l should be canonizst
for my willingness to share his at
tentions, especially as l have hearc
him say all manner of pretty thing
about you"
Nonsense, Ellen" rstorted Mrs
Sinclair.
But she felt the ground slipping
beneath her feet as she spoke
After all Gerald had not said pos
Itively no! Had he thought it neses
sary after he had openly expressed
his disapprobation of her going?
He had not known that she woulC
be so sorely tempted. Besides sh
would wear a mask. No one woult
know her; and when she told Ger
aid ne would forgive her. A suddsl
thought came to her.
IL will go, she said at last, afte
continued urging. and looking at tn
picture in all its brightest lights
ION the condition, and that is, NJ
one is to know me-not even tn
count. Say that you have persuad
ed a friend to accompany you, VIII,
wishes to remain unknown. / vii
come to your house, where he vii
find me, and thus gain no clue.
So it was decided but, in spite @
her exquisite costume of a fairy q
she concealed it and herself bensatl
large domino, as the clock on he
mantel chimsd ten, it seemed +
Sophie that every stroke said "Stay
stay J"
She was almost tempted to ODE
it, but she had promised Ellen an
after all, she had heard that it wa
well for young wives to assert them
selves.
An hour later and, on Count Be
zoni's arm, she entered upon tn
brilliant scene. So far he had nc
even seemed curious to ascertain hi
identity. She experienced at this
singular sense of relief.
The ball was at its height as th
clock rang out the hour of midnigh
but for the first time in her life ligf
and gayety were distasteful. A hui
dred times she wished herself ,
home.
Il will tell Gerald. / have alread
been punished" she whispered
herself, as she stood for q momel
alone in a quiet corner.
you look more like a nun ths