Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-17

to neglect the advantages to be gained by
having sonin-law-a man of character, posi-
tion and substance If Philip sank to being
mere clerk the fellow would be an annoyance
no more, but as he prospered and in proportion
as he made his way, gained the respect OF his
fellow men, and enlarged his means, so would
his difficulties with Schoield increase. The
fellow would be nuisance to him continually.
If Schoheld made himself amenable to the law,
then his own connection with the daughter OF
man in prison or a convict, would be q re-
proach and scandal. II the scoundrel were
at large. he would be an annoyance from which
he never could hope to shake himself free.
The letters from his wife did not please him.
Clearly Janet was not so ill as had been repre-
sented to him. NOT so i'll as to require her sister
there, especially as she had three nieces with
her. He was uncomfortable without his wife
he was uncomfortable because his future was
vague, and he associated the annoyance this
caused him with her absence, uneonsciously, to
her account. He did not consider what his own
conduct had been, and how he had almost
driven her from the house and from her child,
and he found fault with her for deserting him
and the babe so readily on frivolous cause.
No doubt Salome was enjoying herself; she
was so full of admiration over the scenery, the
flowers so struck with the variety of life she
met with. What did she think of his situation
without certain prospects? A nice party they
formed at Andermatt-five Iadies-and Janet
was well enough to enjoy excursions. The ef-
forts Salome made to interest him annoyed
him. He did not want to be interested; he re-
sented her taking interest in what she saw.
And then, what about this stranger, this
American lady, travelling by herself, with her
pretty becoming dresses, who had attached her
self to the party? Who was she? What were
her belongings? What her character? Salome
had no right to form friendship, hardly an
acquaintance, without first consulting him.
1t was very doubtful whether a lady, young
and beautiful, who travelled alone, was a desir-
able person to know; it was by no means un-
likely that Salome would find 1t out when too
late that she had associated herself, and
drawn the three Labarte girls into acquaint-
anceship with woman who ought to be kept at
distance. Ladies travelling alone should in
variably be regarded with suspicion. Ladies
never ought be ealoEe-unmarried ones, he added
hastily, remembering that he had allowed his
own wife to make the journey to Andermatt
unprotected Unmarried ladies belong to fam
lilies, and travel with their mothers or aunts
or some female relation; if quite young they
go about in hocks with their governess Single
ladies! He shook his head. Salome really was
inconsiderate. She acted on impulse, without
thought. If she had been forced into CONVEX
sation with this person she should have main-
tanned her distance, and next day have con-
tented herself with a bow, and the day after
have been short-sighted and not observed her
at all. That was how he had behaved to male
acQuaintances whom he did not think worth
cultivating as friends. Acquaintance can
always be dropped. The hand can be rigid
when grasped Tor a shake, or can be twisting
an umbrella, or be behind the back, or in a
pocket.
Salome should have considered in making
fr;a p1ut tbaft tIar or fharc fo Io 80
besides herself and that he radically disap-
proved of association with persons unattached.
In the last of the three letters he had re-
ceived from his wife whole side had been
taken up with description of the single lady; it
was obvious that this person. whoever she was,
had set herself to gain influence over Salome
while Salome, inexperienced, was unable to re-
sist, and the purpose of the stranger she did
pressions used by his wife concerning this fas-
cinating stranger. He entertained a growing
aversion for her. He was quite sure that she
was not proper person for Salome to associ-
ate with.
He took up the letter. and, putting his hands
behind his back, paced the room. He was
thoroughly out of humor with himself and with
his wife, and as 1t never occurred to him that
he should vent his dissatisfaction on himself he
poure it out on Salome.
A tap at the door. and following the tap in
came Jeremiah.
Look hereP' exclaimed the old man, as he
entered. Here is pretty kettle of fish. When
is Salome returning?'
81 do not KNOW" answered Philip, stif1y
Have you heard from her?'
II have"
''And she says nothing about returning3'
mot word, She seems to be enjoying the
Alpine air and scenery-and making friends"
There was tone of bitterness in these last
words.
"But-she must return" said jeremiah.
.There is an upset of the whole bag of tricks
What do you suppose has happened?"
Il have not the least idea"