Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1888-07-27
JESSIE'S TEST.

napkin with slow, precise carefulness,
and then followed her pretty little
hostess from the dining-room back TO
the parlor, where the soft astral lamp
glowed like silver moon, and the il
Illuminated stove made red shadows on
the brown rep easy-chair in which
Miss Jenkinson ensconced herself.
Il really don't know what to do
about it, Miss Jerusha. If | once
thought Rich was guilty of such indis-
cretions as you declare he is, ] do be-
lieve should-die.'
Jessie Wintringham winked away
suspicious brightness from her pretty
brown lashes. and looked eagerly at
her guests sarcastic countenance.
Il dare say there are a great many
people who would say was very oil
cious. my dear, because | tell you what
| think Of that goodloOking husband
of yours. But feel have your in
terest at heart: and if no one else had
the courage and charity to point out
TO young wife of half II year the go
ings-on of her husband-why, my dear
Mrs. Wintringham, I'll still stand by
YOU. and take your part.
Her solemn words made little Shiv-
ers of vague terror thrill all over Jes-
sic
Il dare say you are very kind in
deed, Miss Jerusha, only can't believe
that Rich is such a flirt as you say
always paying such exclusive atten-
ton to ladies when he is away from
home
"You must think just what you
please, my dear. Only, | suppose if
you were to see for yourself, you would
believe the evidence of your own
eyes
Jessie's slightly flushed cheeks be
trayed the painful interest she felt
"Of course, if were to see
Miss Jerusha arose triumphantly.
Then all you have to do is to take
my advice, and the next time Mr.. Win
tringham has such cery important bus
mess to New York do you go by the
same train, with your waterproof and
a thick veil to disguise you. | must go
now, think, my dear. I'll have to
stop at poor Mrs. Delacorn' and hear
if she has heard from that runaway
daughter others. Thanks for the ear
ly cup of tea you made so nicely-and
don't forget what told you, Mrs.
Wintringhau.'
And the abominable old gossip went
her way, leaving the arrows of the dis
trust she had sown ranking painfully
in poor, loving, jealous Jessie's heart
She perfectly adored her handsome
husband; and as always such passion
ate affection is accompanied by Jeal-
ousy, this otherwise sensible little wo-
man found it no difficult matter to en-
tertaiu the doubts her guest expressed.
Rich was so handsome, so stylish, so
gallant-why should not ladies enjoy
his attentions? And sitting by the
cozv fire, waiting until her husband
should come in for his dinner, Jessie
almost decided to play the spy upon
him at the earliest moment.
Then. when she heard his latch-key
in the door. and his quick, firm tread
in the hall. and saw his handsome,
cheerful face as he took her cheeks in
his hands TO kiss her, she felt ashamed
and confused.
Tin afraid shall have 10 hurry you,
dear" he said linking her arm through
his, and leading the way to the din
ing-room. where the bright light made
a genial glow on silver, crystal, and
snow-white china.
Hurry me-Rich. how"
Il have TO take the seven-thirty
train. very Unexpectedly. for the city.
on important business that cannot be
delayed. shall be home tomorrow
night expect. Jessie will you have
another piece OF the black meat?''
Mrs. Wintringham toyed with her
chicken. her rappetite entirely destroy
ed by the news Rich announced.
lon important business. Yes. that
was what Miss Jeukinson had said.
And the night train, too. 1t flashed
hotIy across Jessies mind that her
husband was going TO the theatre,
and. if what Miss Jerusha had said
was true-not alone,
That second decided her; and as Mr.
Wintringham arose from the dining
room table. he little knew the thoughts
that were thronging in his pretty lit
tie wife's head
Don't be lonesome, darling, will
you? Or shall stop and tell Florrie
to come up tonight
Jessie laughed-a little forcedly.
You over anxious fellow. What do
want with sister Florrie? shall not
be lonely at all.
Brave little woman: kiss me good
night, then, DEAR"
He was so kind and thoughtful; and
Jessie's fond, foolish heart almost mis-
gave her as she watched him of.
1T is downright wicked to distrust
him, but then it is just the elegant,
fascinating men who are so agreeable
to other women besides their wives
at least, Miss Jerusha says so, and she
is old enough TO know
She watched the ivory hands of the