The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1889-03-19
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A Little Romance in One Chapter,
with Moral.

1t was face more child-lke than wo-
manly that turned from the mirror with
an impatient little gesture, saying
"What is the good OF it? He don't
care"
The beautiful face clouded, the sweet
lips quivered and settled into little pout
for few moments, as she stood at the
window watching for somebody's coming.
Another moment and quick step was
heard in the hall, and soon after William
Upton, Bessie's husband, entered. The
little wife raised her eyes, not expectant,
but little hopeful, to his. She knew she
was looking prettily. Would he tell her
so, or notice it? Nay, not even by a
smile showing his pleasure, but the same
greeting as ever:
"Order up dinner, Bessie"
She turned and left the room, her quiz
ering lip revealing the wounded spirit,
while hen husband, already absorbed in
his paper, failed to notice the sad look in
her eyes
"Oh, if he would only say sometimes
such things rs he used TO say" was her
plaintivc thought as she closed the door be-
hind her $" would give even years of
my life To- hear them. If he loved me as
he shoud-as do him, more and more
the longer We live-he would show it.
would tell me SO. What would it cost
him TO say those words nv heart is per
ishing tor-w0rls 50 little to him. 50
mighty 10 me? No matter whether |
look i'll or we'll no comments The same
way when | arrange anything to please
him. He has grown Indifferent, to say
the least And, q heaven, dare not
think what may follow! F."
She had prepared a dish for dinner that
Will was particularly fond of, but no
word Of praise fell from his lips, and the
meal was eaten i'll comparative silence,
he occupied by thoughts Of business, she
waiting hopefully for some kind word.
His dinner finished, Willie was hurry
ing off when Bessie said "You won't
forget the opera tonight, WHIP"
500, no-b ali ready; shall be back
in time
She looked as if She wanted to say
something more, and William asked
What i it, Brss? Speak quickly. I
must be otf"
Nothing" She said.
He hurried of A sigh escaped Bes-
sizes lips, and turning from the door She
cxciaimcl How different In by
gone days, 50 very different | wanted
to ask ban 70 bring me some flowers to
wear tonight. But he does not care how
look; and why should L."
William pton became every dav more
absorbed IN ymaking and Bessie
grew so miserable in the belief that she
had lost ier hus bands love, that in mere
desperation, she plunged into whirlpool
Of gayety aud fashionable dissipation.
Young, beautiful, accomplished, She Won
admiration always Looks and words
deniefs~by her husband were avished
b?pntlfplly by other men.
On one occasion Williams thoughts
wtreldraWn 'front.' counting house long
enough to express his admiration in a
very decided manner Of a beautiful wo-
man, the widow Of an old friend His
remarks were heard by one who
made good haste to use them-one
whose devotion to Bessie was known by
evert one save her husband Skllfully
this man used his weapon, prcking her
deeply, wounding so surely'th the sore
and bleeding heart was ready to flee to
any one offering sympathy 5ad'~la
She listened, orphaned and childess !;
no aged ones with wise counsel to direct
her; no carcssing baby's arms to twiiie
around and hold her firm against tempta-
tiotl. Words for W hich she had been
starving were. poured into her ear.
Taught TO believe her husband false to
her, she promised to flee from him to one
who vowed such devotion. 1>ft|i'
=" Tomorrow night, Bessie, my beauti.
full bird, your cage door shall be opened
and You shall be free. You will come
with me then?"
saTomorrow! God pity me! Yes,
tomorrow I will be free!" she said:
yet darted back, with fierce look, pale
and trembling, from the arms, that would