The Sully County watchman. (Clifton, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1894, 1888-11-17
II am only speaking the truth. Ger

Oiu, OF lauu me OH ueScTI lslaIu. III
habited only by seagulls and scream
ing eagles9"
"Do not speak so, Geraldine; this is
no jesting matter"
She poutcd at his stern tone, and.
almost for the first time in their mar
ried life, a slight, but very percepti-
BILE cloud darkened over the domestic
horizon. Jonas Cleve thought that
Geraldine was Hippant, and Geraldine
thought her husband unreasonable and
cross.
How lovely the young danseuse
looked the next night, when she glided
upon the stage in dress of green and
silver. with silver wings seeming to
float over her head! How light her
movements were. and instinct with the
poetry of motion! Even Jonas. accus-
toned as he was to the beautiful sight.
felt his heart throb with rapid beats.
A burst Of applause rose up from
the audience, with one accord, as she
curtsied low at the end of her brilliant
pas seui, and among the shower of
flowers which fell all around her on
the stage, a wreath of white roscbuds
tied with snowy ribbon was the pret-
tiest of all.
A pretty little actress. who stood
leaning against the wing waiting for
her part to begin, ran forward and
placed it, like crown, on Geraldine's
sunny hair, apd at the moment sec
ond burst Of applause rose from the
crowded house.
Ten minutes later, when Jonas came
behind the scenes to escort his wife
home-for Geraldine only danced the
one pas to-night-he glanced care
lessly at the floral trophies that were
heaped in basket, ready to be car
ried to the little second floor lodging
where Mrs. Cleve frightened her
rooms with the favorite blossoms.
"Who threw that wreath?' he asked,
with sudden impulse Of curiosity, as
he saw it lying on the top.
Geraldine did not answer; she was
busy tying on her veil. Jonas picked
it up and examined the card fastened
to it.
Duncan Middleworth."
As quick as lightning the young hus-
band tore the wreath in twain. threw
it on the floor. and set his heel on it.
Jonas" Geraldine cried, half
angry. half frightened.
II told you would have no more of
such nonsense" he said in voice al
most suffocated with rage. "lf you
ever accept so much as bud that
comes from his hand again--"
well. what thenp" she said def
antly.
But his whole voice and manner had
changed;
Are you ready to 20 homer" he
asked quietly. Because it is growing
late"
But Geraldine could not forget the
white heat OF anger that had blazed in
his brief glance.
"It's too absurd" she thought. 81
will not give way to his unreasoning
jealousy"
Mr.. Duncan Middleworth sat in
proscenium box the next evening. and
TOSSED an exquisite basket of japon-
icas at Geraldine Cleve's feet when the
moment of ovation came.
She stopped herself to pick it up,
with an arch gratified smile, and a
slight motion of her head towards the
box; and as she turned away she met
her husbands stern reproachful eye.
Her first impulse was to drop the
basket again, her second TO brave it
| out.
What have I donep" she asked her
self half Indignantly; and as she went
off the stage she carried the flower
basket in her hand.
Jonas Cleve. however, did not make
his appearance as usual in her dressing
room when she WAS ready to depart.
but, instead, an old one eyed carpeu-
ter, who served about the theatre,
stood waiting.
where's Mr.. Cleve. Griffith"
"He said l was to see you home,
ma am"
"But where is hep"
please, ma am. / don't know"
Geraldine asked no more questions.
but she bit her scarlet lip until the
blood came.
He is angry about the flower
basket" she thought. well, let him
sulk!'
But Jonas was not at home when
she reached their modest lodgings.
and Geraldine was surprised at the
sudden sinking OF her own heart.
He will be home soon," she COM
AoEtcu nCiscA p1 saytHS.
As she took the basket of iaponicas
out of its tissue paper wrappings,
something glittered in the gas light.
1t was a diamond ring; fastened to the
handle.
This will never do" said Gerai-
dine. half glad that her husband was
not there TO see he shining gaud. II
must send it ba.x tomorrow. Jonas
was right after all. will receive no
more flowers from Duncan Middle
worth"
And then she sat down. all in her
silvery and tissue robes, TO wait pa
tiently for her husbands return.
But he did not come. The clock
| struck twelve-one--two--a still no
familiar footsteps sounded on the
stairs.
And then an awful doubt crept into
her mind. She had set his Will and
wishes at defiance! Had he left her
forever?
1t was only during an instant that
che harhnraa ha nnccthsfiSv h,,t th,t