Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-10-18
Uncle Archie's Wife.
CHAPTER V.

IerudpS ne grew COuscious VI my
plying scrutiny at last; for he moved
more into the shadow, and said, with
restless and uneasy haste
ut was very good of you two to be
here to-day! Your presence was a
great comfort to me-"
"Then / am heartily glad we came"'
mother cried, evidently trying to pre-
vent the apology which she felt was
on his lips. "Dear Archie, have you
not been always good TO us? Why
should we show ourselves ungrateful
and unkindp"
He WINGED. as though the words,
spoken quite simply and good-natur-
edly though they were, hurt him a
little, and went on in an eager nerv-
Gus way
"You have not been quite-quite
graciously received; but Estelle is a
stranger among strangers. You will
make allowance for any popularity OF
manner, remembering that she per-
haps feels, as do, little on her de-
fence"
There was no resisting this appeal,
though | secretly thought that there
had been much more of defiance than
defence in Mrs. Gerrard's tone.
brushed back the soft gray hair from
uncle Archie's wrinkled forehead. and
kissed him atfectionately as | said
"Of course everything is strange
and uncomfortable at present, uncle
Archie; but we shall settle down and
be the best friends possible presently,
II only because we all love you,"
He smiled very family and sadly,
thought, and patted my hand.
"You are a dear girl, Irene" he be-
gan; but interrupted him gaily.
'Of course; but am a very curious
one. too; so please give me news in
stead of compliments. Is my aunt
very handsomeP'
thought her beauty would be the
safest subject to dilate upon; for she
had the air of beauty, even though
her face was yelled; but the subject
was scarcely such success as l had
expected. Uncle Archie looked more
puzzled than pleased, and there was
nc sign OF the triumph of bridegroom
ir his tone as he answered, after a
moments hesitation
IL think she is. my dear-her fea-
lures and complexion are excellent;
but, beauty is so much a matter OF
opinion, perhaps l had better let you
judge Estelle for yourself"
could not help glancing at mother
with feeling OF horror and dismay
and read all my own trouble reelected
in her kind and gentle face. Already
uncle Archie's marriage, from a point
of view with which our own interests
had nothing TO do, was seeming TO us
both grave mistake, and even more
than a mistake-a mystery. If the
husband of three or four weeks stand
ing had not even a good word for the
beauty of his bride, what had been the
fascinating spell that caused him to
change the purpose OF lifetime and
run all risks of ridicule by posing as a
reckless lover at his age?
1t was a painfully puzzling question,
and one which time alone could
answer. was glad 10 hear mother
take up the conversation where / had
dropped it; for sheer bewilderment
was making me blunder stupidity at
every word spoke.
'Esteller" she repeated softly.
"What pretty name!-all we know
of her yet, by-the-way. Is Mrs. Ger
rard foreigner, ArchieP There is
something French, / think. in her
grace and her accent, or rather her
intonation, Is there not?'
Uncle Archie pushed back the hair
from his forehead, and looked at us
both with bewildered stare.
something FrenchP Yes, of
course-she is OF French decent" he
said. in half-dazed way. 'Irene-
Gertrude, surely ! told you who she is
and how /"
"You told us nothing. You need
tell us nothing, Archie; did not
mean to cross-examine you"
Mother spoke with certain amount
of spirit and decision, really and fully
meaning what she said; for she was
shocked at the idea of seeming TO pry
into matters that her brother-in-law
had right to keep secret IL he chose.
81 know know-and remember
now" uncle Archie said impatiently;
.'but you must hear the story some
time, and as we'll no W az any other.
Gertrude. you have heard Walter
speak of Violet MAXWELL"
Mother nodded assent, and | looked
at my uncle's face wonderingly. half
divining. with the quick instinct of
sympathy, what was to come.
"Well-" He hesitated, toyed ner-
vously with paper-cntter on the Ia
BILE before him, and saw n dark red
flush, the rare expression OF emotion
in an old man, steal over his face and
mount 70 the roots of his gray hair.
"Estelle Is. or was, Violet Estelle Egg
erton-yiolet Maxwell's child"