Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1884-05-07
From the Philadelphia CALL
A WIFE'S CHARM

A pout upon the red lips of Gerald
Sinclair's young wife-unmistakabl 8
pout-for, though wife of almost two
years, her fond, lndulgent 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 twenty. Let this much
be sale In eXtenuation of the two great
tears that rose to the brown eyes and
slowly trickled down the pretty face,
splashing onto the dainty morning dress,
which, clinging to the dainty form, re-
vealed so perfectly it's 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 remorse.
'sNever mind, little wife; I'll make it
up to you another time"
Then he was gone; but she sat still,
turning and returning her wedding ring,
with eyes bent upon it. It was a curl
Gus ring-a solid band set with five
large diamonds.
1t had been her charm, her talisman,
not to be taken from her finger until
soul and body had parted; but this
morning il 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
Gerald'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.
'Your'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. Sinclair,
with some little show of wifely dignity.
as though the fact were in itself sufi-
cient explanation.
s'And why need that make any differ
ence?" pursued Mrs. Martin, bewitch.
ing little widow some few years her
friends senior. 81 will share my escort
with you-Count Belzoni.'
Sophie Sinclair looked up amazed.
She knew that the man mentioned had
but lately gained entree into society, and
knew also that her husband disliked and
distrusted him.
Once or twice she had seen his eve fixed
admiringly upon herself, and had felt
somewhat as the bird might feel beneath
the basilisk glare of the serpent.
''Well, why don't you answer?' con-
tinued Mrs. Marian. evil you go?"
mo, no." she replied, trying to speak
with firm deci sion. 'sBesides. I do not
think that Gerald admires the Count
Prejudice my dear, all prejudice.
The Count is one of the most charming
men I know. Indeed, I think should
be canonized for nay Willingness to share
his attentions, especially as I have
heard him say ali manner of pretty
things about you" &c 4tEJ :
Nonsense Ellen" retorted Mrs.
Sinclair. go g.
But shefeIt the ground slipping be-
meath her. feet as she spoke. ..
After all, Gerald had lot said posi-
lively no! Had he thought it necessary
after he had openly expressed his dis
appreciation of her going?
He had not known that she would be
SO sorely tempted. Besides, she would
wear mask. No one would know her.
and when she told Gerald he would for
give her. A sudden thought came over
her. . -
81 will CO." she said at last, after
continued urging, and looking at the
picture in all its brightest lights, con
one condition, and that is that no one
is to know me-not even the Count.
Say that you have persuaded friend to
accompany you, who wishes to remain
unknown. Twill come to your house,
where he will find me, and thus gain no
clew." gT7 CrrrRGg[s1 q gs
So it was decided; but, in spite of her
exquisite costume OF a fairy, as she con-
cealed it and herself beneath large
domino, as the clock on her mantel
chimed 10 1t seemed to Sophie that every
stroke said: 'fStay! stay!"
She was almost tempted to obey it,
but she had promised Ellen; and, after
all she had heard that it was well for
young wives to assert themselves.
An hour later and, on the Count Bel
zoni's arm, she entered upon the brill.
liant scene. So far he had not seemed
curious to ascertain her identity. She
experienced at this a singular sense of
relief.
The ball was at it's height as the clock