Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1886-03-19


looked about in vain for the unknown
something which would satisfy it.
Once, as she and her husband were
driving home together from some bril-.
liant tefe, remembering some remarks
concerning him which had reached
her ear, she glanced toward him.
A wonderfully handsome man., 4
woman high in rank had said, and
his wife was compelled to coRfrm the
verdict.
Wonderfully hand ONE, indeed. but
how white he looked, ard wan, weary
expression was in his eyes and about
his mouth.
carl, are YOU not well - she said,
and laid her gIoved hand on his arm.
He shivered at her touch, and drew
himself hastily away.
At that moment the carriage stop
ped, and the footman threw open the
door. For the first time he permitted
the man TO assist his wife to alight,
he following her up the stairs and
disappearing within his rooms.
She mounted the steps slowly, and
when within her own apartments she
ftood still.
"iIe has learned to hate me-" she
said to herseli-'to hate me. and /
The rest of the sentence was left
unfinished.
There was great excitement in the
town. The men belonging TO Carl
Sigmund's factories had struck for
higher wages, a,d he had refused
their demands.
1t was principa! of right with
bin. He was both just and generous
in his price. paid them. and he deter
mined not to be coerced into step
mis- Judgment told him was but the
frs; toward proving his workmen, not
himself. might hold the mastery,
The immense buildings were closed;
the heavy looms were still !; the drink
ing places throughout the city were
constantly lilled with groups Of sui
len men, who had already lost what
the advance would gain them in Il
year.
Days merged into weeks, and sui
leuuess found voice. and voice merged
into threats, and the threats directed
themselves against ore man, the mas
ter Of the works
lite all very we'll for him to ride in
his carriage while We starrs, they
said. "Iet him ook TO himself Hun
gry men are desperate"
At Iast these threats reached his
car For the first time since that
memorable day. almo.t u year before,
he presented himself at bis wife's
apartments.
As voice, in answer to his knock,
hade him enter, lie opened the door.
By a strange coincidence, she was
standing in the selfsame spot, but
deep crimson flush mounted tn her
forehead, and betrayed her surpriss al
this most unlocked for visit.
she stepped forward TO meet him
but paused. He vas the elm, pos
stS>cU one III the Two.
Il would apologize for mv intru
SION he said. "but that when | make
known it. obj ct YOU will understand
lis necessity. hear this morning
that the men are banding themselves
into rioters Ny houses will be the
first point OF attack. | deem it best
that you should send your jewels and
to the bank, and seek some
place Of safety with any OF ,our
friends whom YOU may prefer.
And you
Il shall remain here"
But there is danger"
True; but no man Hitherto, |
think. has suspected me Of cowardice.
and rs my post i, here, here gill re
main. shall take all measures for
MY safety, then meet whatever comes.
In case OF the worst and doubtless at
this juncture my life is threatened i
have left all my aE.irs in sh pc, and
need ouiy y a>shre yor, madame, that
my Wife's future has be. my first
care
Thanks, e murmurt,l, and bent
her head.
He could not see the tear that gls
tened on the lashss sweeping the love
ly cheek.
Il have thought of the Countess
hs continued She,
am sure. Will b. delight t. welcome
you. Will You choose her house,
No"
Nv whose, then -
Il shall remain here"
"Madame, it is impossible"
"And why: You .tay, \ aife's
place is beside her husband"
He smiled bitterly
This is scsrcely y the time, MADAME,
to remember yourvows. Forget them.
| pray you, in this as in all else.
must insist upon your choosing some
other shelter
She shook her head.
81 cannot she murmured, IN a
voice SO low that he could scarcely
catch the words.
~ GU cannot! Is there some rea-
son, then, do not know? -
"Perh'ps, but one | may rot con
trss. Respect it, however, | beseech
you, and let it remaii.'
Il could scarcely hope, madame, to
be esteemed worthy of your confidence,
neither can | use force in compelling
you to leave this house, but | must
exercise husbands right in demand,
ing your obedience. The danger is
too obvious to permit you to share it.
"Be it so, then. Within an hour
my apartments will be vacant"
Shall | escort you to your friends
hnn.o ~