The true northerner., 1886-09-30
CHAPTER ".
ANOTHER WEDDING.

One evening at Mrs. Bells, as Philip
Annersley entered the conservatory, he en-
countered Maude. spirit he could not
resist came over him; he seized her dress.
"Maude | cannot bear this; if l have
sinneu, | have suffered also; do not make
my punishment greater than can bear"
She withdrew her dress haughtily.
"Mr. Annersley forgets himself"
"Oh, is not forgiveness virtue as well
as justice? Forgive me, for l love you so;
love you SOL l offer you my life long
devotion; my life shall be one long atone
ment."
"How dare you say this to the woman
you have wronged so deeply? You alone
have made me what l am-you must bear
the consequence of your own cruelty"
Il will proclaim to the world the connec-
tion between us, he exclaimed, maddened
by her tone.
"Do so, and l will at once procure a
judicial separation for desertion."
He turned from her; he looked like
death. His hand, which had touched her
in his passion, was icy cold; he groaned
aloud.
As he staggered toward the door, she
crossed the room, and, placing her hand
upon his arm, said, Il will marry you
again on one condition"
He turned to her eagerly.
at shall be marriage in name only. |
will bear your name; before the world
will be your wife. In private We will be
as we are now-strangers.
u consent; it is all l can do" he added
bitterly, as he left the room.
And Maude, with heightened color, and
smile upon her lip, surpassed herself
that evening in brilliancy and beauty.
The brilliant wedding and magnificent
establishment were nine days wonder
in the fashionable world. Then Mrs.
Philip Annersley took her place
as one of the queens of society
At her house was gathered all the wit
talent, and beauty of the day; and not one
of the many who mingled in the numerous
festivities but came nearer to her than he
who seemed before the world her happy
husband.
He strove by the most careful and delicate
attentions to win her love; her slightest
wish was law TO him; but he might as
well have lavished his care upon a marble
statue.
Through suffering, Philip Annersley was
becoming each day nobler and better
worthier of true womans love. His selfish
ness had passed away all that was beau
tiful in his character shone forth with purer
luster.
Another year rolled by.
Mrs. Annersley sat in her boudoir, care
lessly turning the leaves of new novel.
A knock came at the door.
"Come in," she said. expecting to see
her maid enter but, for the first time, her
husband entered the room.
As Maude rose. with n slight look of as
tonishment, he said. coloring slightly:
60, 4 -,
trusion. 1t is the last time | hope TO tres
pass upon your kindness. With your
permission, will sit.
Certainly" said Maude, recovering her
, self, and carelessly sitting upon the piano
stool.
She half turned toward him, while
her hand toyed with the music, as
! il anxious for him TO go. Never had
she looked so lovely rs this morning
in her simple white dress, without single
ornament her hair gathered in careless
knot, one tiny slippered foot peeping out
from under her dress.
He looked at her sadly; then he said alb
rupuy, Il leave for Italy next week.
have some arrangements to complete be-
fore leaving, about which / wish TO consult
you"
II cannot make the necessary prepara-
tions in so short a time, she sal !, with as
tonishment 81 cannot possibly go before
next month
II beg your pardon; do not expect you
to accompany me" he said, gently. Il
would defeat the very purpose for which
CO."
"And what purpose2" she questioned.
Because" he said, rising. Il feel toe
bitterly the mistake / have made; be-
cause l love you too truly and passion.
ately TO be contented with this mode ol
life; because 1 cannot bear to see Others