The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1888-05-19
BEHIND THE ROSES.

said George Atwuod nngrily.
And | say shall" answered
Florence Atwood, in IL voice that, for
anger, surpassed her husbands.
The stalwart, handsome young
man Of six and twenty glared at his
better half, and his better half, al
though six years his junior, returned
the glance Of her natural protector
with interest.
Neither spoke again for few mo-
ments, but stood facing each other,
as husband and wife sometimes do.
A pretty scene, truly, for a young
couple who had not yet celebrated
the first anniversary of their we'd
ding day.
With IL mighty effort George At
wood mastered his temper, and
when he spoke again his tones were
cold and even.
"Florence, warn youl if you go
to Mrs. Grey's to night you will re-
gret itW
"Then, let me regret it; for go l
shall !"
George Atwood seized his hat and
let the room without another word.
"Georgel do not leave the house
in such passion" said Miss Strick-
ney, following the young husband
out into the hail.
Miss Strickney was Florence At
woods spinster cousin, and had
been witness TO the scene of anger.
"I'm not in passion now, Mary.
at would be well if you never
were.
You know Florence is a spoiled
child. Why don't you reason with
her quietly, Georgel"
Haven't l reasoned with her un-
til | am tired. She knows | dislike
August Marsh. | dislike his bland
manner, his fascinating smile, his
smooth face and cleaning white
teeth, that remind one of-well, ne
matter what. She knows | hate his
attention TO her. He will be at Mrs
Grey's tonight, and if she goes ther'
l will never forgive herl" anC
George Atwood stroled away witt
the air of man who means wha
he said.
"Mary, will you come with me t.
Mrs Grey's to night?"
"My dear, 1 hope you will put al
notion of going to Mrs. Grey's on
of your head; Take care Florence
how you trihe with your husband
he is bitterly opposed to your going
and | will not accompany you"
"What absurd nonsense. Why
George will get bravely over all tina
before he comes home. He ha
warned me, though, that ifI go t
Mrs. Grey's l will regret it. Wha
an idea. Well, I've made up m,
mind to go. So if you will not 6
with me, Cousin Mary, I'll go alone.
Miss Strickney knew that he
willful cousin would do as she salt
so, of course, she must accompan
her, for she knew it would max
matters much worse to allo'
Florence to go alone.
Mrs. Grey's brilliantly illuminate
parlors were filled with "fair wome
and brave men," and fairest anon
the fair was Florence Atwood, he
beauty enhanced by the glow o
= her cheek, brought there by som
{ remark of Mr.. August Marsh's, VIII
was leaning over her chair in yer
lover-like manner.
1t was growing late, and Mis-
Strickney asked Florence to G
home. But Florence refused to g,
, she begged her cousin to remain, ft
in her secret heart she thought ever
moment would bring her husband.
> eyes, George will surely come
b thought Florence; "and l do wis
,. August Marsh would go away.
L would be dreadful if George cam
1 and found him by my sidel"
With this thought Florence turn
ed her eyes toward the door opp
site, and there, with his face whit
and rigid as if his features were I
Il rest forever, stood her husband.
For one moment their eyes me
and then he disappeared from IL
doorway.
"Mary, l want to go home" sal
, Florence as she gained Miss Stricl
y ney's side.
"Why, what ails you child
e You're looking like II ghost"
"Did you see George?" FlorenC
whispered.
= "No, was he here?"
"Yes; l just caught sight of hi
u standing in the doorway Il few mi
G. utes ago, and, obr' said Florenc
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