Connecticut western news., 1884-04-16
A Wife'S Charm

A " He $ CAaII1l
 pout upon the red lips of Gerald Sinclair's young wife-unmistakably g pout--for though wife of almost two years, her fond, indulgent husband had for the first time said nay to an openly expressed wish.
 The fancy ball of the season, a grand and fashionable assem blaze, was to take place during his absence, and he had said that he should prefer she would not attend
 She was only 20. Let this much be said in attenuation of the two greattears that rose to the brown eyes and slowly trickled down the pretty face, splashing on to the dainty morning dress, which, clinging to the dainty form, revealed so perfectly its 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 aWakenlnB remorSe.
 "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 wedding ring, with eyes bent upon 1t. It was curi- ous ring-a solid band, set with five large diamonds.
 It had been her charm, her talisman, not to be taken from her finger until soul and body had parted; but this morning 1t had lost its charm. If it failed to scatter the clouds, 1t failed to bring back the sunshine.
 Even when the hour came round for Gerald's homecoming, he missed his usual warm welcome; but he thought that 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. Sin clair, with some little show of wifely dig nity, as though the fact were in itself sufficient explanation.
 "And why need that make any differ ence?" pursued Mrs. Martin, bewitch- ing little widow, some years her friends senior. "I will share my escort with you-Count Belzoni p
 Sophie Sinclair looked up amazed. She knew 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 eye fixed admiringly upon herself, and had felt somewhat as the bird might feel beneath the basilisk glare of the ser pent.
 ''Well. why don't you answer ?" con- tinued Mrs. Martin. "Will you go?"
 ''No, no, she replied, trying to speak with firm decision. Besides, do not think that Gerald admires the Count. "
 Prejudice, my dear, all prejudice, The Count is the most charming and agreeable man l know. Indeed, think l should be canonized for my willingness to share his attentions, especially as have heard him say all manner of pretty things about you"
 Nonsense, Ellen" retorted Mrs. Sin. clair.
 But she felt the ground slipping be. heath her feet as she spoke.
 After all Gerald had not said positively no! Had he thought it necessary after he had openly expressed his disappro. bation 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 tC her.
 ''I will go," she said at last, after con- tinued urging, and looking at the pic ture in all its brightest lights, Ion one condition, and that is that no one is tc know me-not even the Count. Say that you have persuaded friend to accom-. pany you, who wishes to remain mn. known. I will come to your bouse where he will find me, and thus gain m clue"
 So it was decided; but, in spite of her exquisite costume of fairy as she con- cealed it and herself beneath a laroe domino, as the clock on her mantel chimed ten, it seemed to Sophie that every stroke said: "Stay stay !"
 She was almost tempted to obey it but she had promised Ellen; and, aftel all, she had heard that 1t was we'll fol young wives to assert themselves.
 An hour later and, on the Count Bel zoni's arm, she entered upon the brillian scene. So far he had not seemed cur; ous to ascertain her identity. She ex perienced at this singular sense O relief
 The ball was at it's height when tn clock rang out the hour of midnight, bll for the first time ill her life light an, gayety were distastoful. A hundre times she wished herself at home.
 "I will tell Gerald. I have alread been punished" she whispered to hel