Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-04-20
Jealous Jack.
BY WILLIAM G.. PATTEN.

on are not 20 NJ out to-hS gnu, arc
you. Jack?"
There was a bcseeching. half-re-
proachful ring to Mamie's voice
For few moments Jack, who was
standing in front of the mirror. ar
ranging his cravat did not reply. FL
nally. he said;
"Only for little while. dear. will
return by twelve"
by twelve Oh, jack"
Her voice broke in a half-soD. Jack
scowled ut his own reflection, but said
nothing.
Il wish YOU wouldn't 60 tonight"
she ventured.
"But YOU see | must he declared.
Il have promised Charley Bates
Charley Bates! But where arc you
going with him' Jack, you know that
he has bad name. People say that
he does not treat his wife well and that
he sometimes ilirts With other women.
Please don't 90 with him"
'Oh bother what people say! Ii a
young MARI eel man looks at woman
other than his wife, he makes food for
the gossipS. As for me, l don't think
much OF this beng tied hand and
foot"
Having expressed himself thus, Jack
proceeded to quietly don his great coat
and hat.
There is masquerade over the
river he said, us he paused by the
door. Charley and | may look in. "
Jack was Il little cruel IN saying this.
for lac had no intention OF gong TO the
masquerade. He merely wished to
plague his little wife.
Mamie eyes flashed now.
why do YOU never take me TO a
ball?" she exclaimed. You never take
me anywhere now
"Oh. someone must mind the baby. y
said Jack. carclessly. Goodbye, "
and without kissing her, Jack went
OUT
As he thought over what he had
said, Jack was not a'little ashamed of
himself for attempting to tease his
sweet little wife. He realized that it
was hard enough for her TO rema n at
home and mind the baby without feel
ing that he was at the scene of the gay
masquerade. But with his old friend
and college chum. Jack soon forgot his
remorSeful thoughts.
1t was much later than he intended
that 1t should be when he reached home
that night. He found the door locked,
but let himself in with key.
A great surprise was in store for
Jack, for he found the house deserted.
His calls for Mamie failed TO elicit a
response other than that echoed back
by the empty rooms.
Jack quickly arr we'd at a conclusion
''Shc has gone 10 the ball" he NUT.
tered. thinking that she would find
him there. she has left the baby at one
of the neighbor's, and gone to the mas
querade.
A few moments later Jack was in
the street, hurrying toward the hall
where the masquerade was 10 take
place. He reached the hall and found
it a scene of brilliant gaiety. The floor
was covered with merry dancers. and
the lively STRAINS of music floated
through the open windows out upon
the cool. night air.
From a secluded spot Jack watched
the forms Of the masqueraders as they
swept by. Eagerly he scanned every
female figure. Soon Il muttered excla-
nation burs: from his lips.
There she is" he muttered, as his
eyes followed the graceful figure of n
female attired in the star gemmed, SOM
bre robes of night. IL believe that
would know that form among ten
thousand.
In no pleasant humor he watched
her as she glided gracefully over the
floor. Her partner was tall. slender
fellow. dressed in costume intended
to represent an Italian brigaud. To
Jack it seemed that she bestowed many
coy looks upon her graceful partner,
and he could almost catch her low
tones as she spoke softly to him.
With feverish haste, Jack hurried
away; but he soon returned en- nlaSque.
A waltz was in progress, and Jack
soon discovered the familiar form at
tired in sombre star-gemmed robes.
And again her partner was the Italian
brgand. Jacks teeth came together
with click.
Hang that fellow" he breathed.
fercely. "Who is he anyway? and
what does she mean by allowing him
to pay such marked attentions TO
her?'
Jack was growing jealous. With
growing impotence he waited until the
waltz was over. and then at once
sought out the dark rObed female.
With simple inclination of her head
she consented to favor him with the
next dance. They were soon on the
floor.
At every opportunity. Jack ventured
some remark and endeavored 90 draw
his companion into conversation, but
he could only draw forth low, indis-
tinct murmurs. More than once Jack
fancied that his companions ewes were
fastened on the form Of the Italian bril-
gand. Gradually Jack grew more angry
and jealous.
At the close of tho dance he succeed.