The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1888-02-02

SHE DID REGRET HI.
say you shall not go there" said
George Atwood, angrily.
And say I shall" answered Florence
Atwood, in voice that, for anger, sur
passed her husbands.
The stalwart, handsome young man of
six and twenty glared at bis better half,
and his better half, although six wears
his junior, returned the glance of her
natural protector with interest.
Neither spoke again for q few moments.
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 wedding dav.
With mighty effort George Atwood
mastered his temper, and when he spoke
again his tones were cold and even.
Florence, / warn you I if you 90 to
Mrs: Grey's tonight you will regret it /"
Then, let me regret it; for go shall !"
George Atwood seized his hat and left
the room without another word.
"George! do not leave the house in
such passion" said Miss Stricknev. fol-
lowing the young husband out into the
hall.
Miss Strickney was Florence Atwood's
spinster cousin, and had been q witness to
the scene of anger.
pm not in passion now, Mary"
1t would be we'll if you never were.
You know Florence is . spoiled child.
Why don't you reason with her quietly,
George?
Haven't l reasoned with her until
am tired. She knows / dislike August
M2r-h- dislike his bsand manner, his
fascinating smile, his smooth face and
cleaning white teeth, that remind one of
well, no matter what. She knows l
hate his attentions to her. He will be at
Mrs. Grey's tonight, and if she goes
there l will never forgive her!'' and
George Atwood strobe away with the
air of man who meant what he said.
Mary, will you come with me to Mrs.
Grey's to-night?"
"My dear, hope You will put all no
tion of going to Mrs. Grey's out of your
head. Tske care, Florence, how you
trife with your husband; he is bitterly
opposed to your going, and will not &C.
company you"
"What absurd nonsense Why, George
will get bravely over all that before he
comes home. He has warned me, though,
that if go to Mrs. Grey's will regret it.
What an idea Well, I've made up nv
mind TO 60. So if you will not 90 with
me, Cousin Mary, I'll 60 alone.
Miss Strickney knew that her wiltul
cousin would do as she said SO, of course
she must accompany her, for she knew it
Florence to go alone.
Mrs. Grey's brilliantly illumined parlors
were filled with " fair women and brave
men," and fairest among the fair was
Florence Atwood, her beauty enhanced
by the glow on her cheek, brought there
by some remark of Mr.. August Marsh's,
who was leaning over her chair in q very
lover-like manner.
1t was growing late, and Miss Strickney
asked Florence to go home. But Flor
ence refused TO go; she begged her cou-
sin to remain, for in her secret heart she
thought every moment would bring her
husband.
Eyes, George will surely come"
gust Marsh would 60 away. 1t would be
dreadful if George came and found him
at my side n
With this thought Florence turned her
eyes toward the door opposite, and there,
with his face - white and rigid as if his
features were at rest forever stood her
husband.
For one moment their eyes met, and
then he disappeared from the doorway.
Mary, I want to go home" said Flor
ence as she gained Miss Strickney's side.
why, what ails you, childa You're
looking like . ghost"
"Did you see George ?" Florence whis-
pered.
"No; was he here p
Eyes; just caught sight Of him
standing in the doorway ., few minutes
ago. and, oh I" said Florence, with .
shiyer, / am 90 sorry came here. His
face was 90 deathly white. ! shall never
forget the way he looked ss me- tonight"
Florence Atwood entered her own
apartments. Her maid, half asleep in the
armchair, was waiting for her.
Has Mr.. Atwood been here?" asked
Florence.
"Yes, madam; Mr.. Atwood was here
about fifteen minutes ago"
Just then Florence noticed . sealed
envelope on her bureau.
"Miss Strickney has just entered her
room; tell her wish 70 see her, Jane,
and you need not return. shall not
want you tonight.
Florence picked up the envelope. It
was directed to herself, in her husbands
handwriting.
Pale and trembling, with . terrible
foreboding of what was 70 come, she tore
il open and read its contents.
AZ Florence finished reading the letter,
Miss Strickney entered.
.Oh. Maryl my huaband-hs's gene I"
and Florspos Atwood fl forward in >
deadly bwoon.