Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-08-27
Gales aud Sketehes.
THE PICTURE OF THAT TEAR.
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Every word that fell from Mrs. Macken-
zie's lips cut into Jeans heart like silver
blade. There was a bitter smile on her
mouth as she took from the box the splen-
did golden satin dress on which she had
lavished 80 much pains. She unfolded and
shook 1t. "Oh, how exquisite! how beau
tiful p exclaimed Mrs. Mackenzie. clap
ping her hands together with almost
childish delight. How it shines! and
those beads-how effective!''
sit is Mummie's work, " remarked Mary,
opening wide her blue eyes.
Yes, your mother is very clever" an
swered Mrs. Mackenzie. putting the child
into big armchair, and giving her box
of bonbons. Eat these sweets, dear,
while am being dressed"
Jeans head was on fire, while the rest
OF her body was ice. Like mere autom-
atom she helped Mrs. Mackenzie to dress.
Was she really herself. or only disem-
bodied spirit assisting at the funeral OF all
her happiness? How she managed to lace
up that satin body she could not tell. She
felt like somnambulist as she moved
slowly round Mrs. Mackenzie; her Mary
his child watching the proceedings
with interest. She heard her childs voice.
like one in a dream, saying:
''Oh. you look like a sunbeam. shining
all overl''
That's pretty speech. hope, littl
Mary. that shall always be that to m
husband"
Her husband, and she nothing but a
poor waif, having to work night and day
TO keep body and soul together. She had
loved him passionately, had trusted him,
and he had ruined her. He was now hon.
ored. wealthy. Socially his name stood
/ high; why should she be trampled upon
All these burning thoughts rushed wildly
through her fevered brain. She had
sacrificed all for his sake, and this was
the outcome-remorse for her own wrong
doing and a deadly hatred of the man who
had tempted her. And now what irony OF
fate, making dress for his rich young
wife! al never had such superb garment.
it is really magnificent" remarked Mrs.
Mackenzie. 1t does you much credit, and
it could not have been an easy job. My
husband designed it, and he is hard to
please. am sure he will be delighted"
and, looking at Jean Logan, she continued,
You are thin and pale. | am afraid, as
your little Mary says.you work too much. !"
| JEAN SiSntu Dut Llduc uO AuSWcT.
Certainly life is sometimes very hard.
but whatever your trouble may be, you
must be proud to have so charming lit
tie girl; it is compensation for a great
deal, and she will soon be able to help
you; won't you MaryP'
Eyes, can hem and sew buttons on
answered the child, whose mouth was full
of sweets.
Mrs. Mackenzie went to her jewel case
and took out a diamond necklace. which
she clasped round her throat.
GLOW you twinkle, just like fairy
queenn' remarked Mary, gazing at her
with marked admiration.
Mrs. Mackenzie looked up at Jean Lo-
gan, evidently expecting her to say some
thing.
"Oh. how white and i'll you are. poor
thing! You must have glass of port and
piece of cake. | am so sorry not to
have thought of this before. Bring up
some port" she said to the servant.
Now sit down here, Mrs. Logan" lead
ing her to a couch in dark corner of the
room, land rest Yourself"
| The servant brought up some refresh
ments; Mrs. Mackenzie filled up the glass
and put it to Jeans lips, who swallowed
it eagerly.
Now this will revive you, Mrs. Logan.
Keep quiet here; | must call up my hus-
band''
Another ihud of Jeans heart, as Mrs.
Mackenzie said this.
"Malcolm, Malcolm, come and see me!
Come and see the daffodil dress" she
called out from the top of the staircase.
Coming. my darling" was the an
swer in burly, pleasant voice.
| The sound of that voice sent thrill
through Jeans whole being; the past
rose wildly before her; that voice had
spoken words of love to her, words that
had changed the whole tenor of her life
He was coming! The suspense was al
most beyond bearing; it was torturing
Al last she heard the door open, and as
through fog she saw the broad ,shouldered
form of Malcolm Mackenzie moving
toward his wife; she saw him kiss her !;
there was love and happiness in his face !;
she heard him say. just as he had often
said to her before;
"Oh! really, Wanda, YOU are a living
picture. positively UNANIMOUSLY beautiful !;
vision of loveliness. | am indeed proud
of you. my darling; never saw you
look as you do tonight He walked
round her. stroking down the satin folds
What feast of colors! 1t suits you ad-
mirably Yes, indeed. | must paint you
in this daffodil satin you're perfect pic
ture," He kissed her again II have
got something tor YOU" taking out of a
leather case a diamond butterfly. which
he fastened in the thick tresses of her am
Der hair. This is in memory of our
second marriage anniversary, my sweet
Wanda"
"You spoil me, Malcolm" she an
swered. looking affectonately at him :;
''you are fairy prince. But now, in
deed. you have gazed at me long enough;
want you to look at this dear little girl
Come here. Mary" she called to the
child. who had been standing close to her
mother IN dark part of the room.
Mary advanced shyly and slowly tow
ard Mrs. Mackenzie.
"Oh. this is indeed lovely child What
hair! like golden corn; and such deep
blue eyes !" remarked Mr.. Mackenzie.
putting his hand under the child's chin
but how did you come here. my bairnie !?
What is your name?"
MARY Bessie Logan" answered the
child, looking up wistfully into Mr.. Mac
kenzie's face.
MARY Bessie Logan" gasped out Mr.
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