Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1889-02-03
CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.
Il was wet, unpleasant night, and J.
Archibald Bocksby, IS he slowly descended
The wide marble steps of his club. felt the
irflaence CT the weather. There had been
rather a heatsd discussion at this annual
meeting, and Mr.. B)ckabY had not hean
entirely silent.
He woald 20 home and forget t-ese psf
ty annOys nces in the company Of his charm
ing Malvira. He would ask her to sing
for him, play for him, talk TO him. Stree
III ir discussion, week ago. NJ. and mrs.
Bockaby's relations had been rather
strair ell" She had Clearly shown re.
sentiment of what she vas pleased to con-
slider her husbands uDgenerous treatment
while newell, he simply hsd not taken
the trouble to set things iight. He hated
explauations-as ali mea do-and he knew
that eventually peace would reign again
10 hil domestic midst
He suddenly remembered, with g men
tai and vigorous SPY JoveW that this was
the night of Mrs. De Slig by's bal po1dfe.
Malvina wcu'd rot he at home, of co1rse.
II wa3 10 o'clock and she had doubtless
departed, in q el3ry o. blick and gold. to
grace the salons Of nrs. De SnigsSy. What
IN insuffsrsble nuisanct! Bocksby felt
that a quiet home spent evening with
Malv:na would do him world Of good.
Then it occurred to him that he would
60 20 Mrs. De Saig7hy's ball aud surprise
Mslvios. How delighted she would b.!
He would see her in her old black and gold
dress-pcor little thing, how she had re-
balle1 agains. weari5g it-and he would
tell her, IS enthusiastically SIS he could,
that she looked better than any one pres
ent; that be knew she would do 90; that
her dress was great eucces7; that he was
glad-yes, really glad-he had been cruel
enough TO refuse her another, and so on
Theu he would whirl Malvins away in
waltz, the uuplessantness Of the past week
would be entirely forgotten, and all would
end happily.
Mr.. Bockaby took a cab home, fresh
ened up his evening dress little and
started for Mrs. De- Snigsby's. II was
nearly II o'clock when he arrived there
a fec; at which he was supremely
pleased. His soul delighted not in balls
poudre5, and the sooner Mslvina was
ready to 60 homo the better he would
like it,
Mrs De Snigsby received ]. Archibald
Bcckaby with subdued grace. Her dress
ana her face were flmingly scarlet, aud
che felt that che must be subdued some
where
80 charm ed to see you, Mr.. Bockaby,"
she said sweetly. "Your little lady "a
here, enjoying herself, l think. All, Mr..
Bockaby, you young married men are sad
creatures. You won't escort your wives
to our little entertainments. You present
them with money, tell them to 60 and buy
themselves something pretty, and then you
think your duty is done. You can 90
to your clubs in pescs."
81 assure you that you are in error,
desr Mrs. De Snigsby," said Archibald,
feeling that he spoke the truth for onca in
his life at any rate.
"Well-Rell, there are EXCEPTIONS"
quoth the hostess, with consideration.
They all seem to be enjoying them
selves, " che went on, putting up her eye
gla:sss, which, it was generally known,
were made of window glass, and would
therefore suit anybody who was neither
long sighted nor short sighted, bat WAS
anxious to appear one or the other, be-
cause i. looked mica. "At midnight they
will remove their dominos. Powdered
hair and dominos-:hst was my notion,
Mr.. Bocksby. Do you rot think it de-
lightful one?"
Bat Archibald's eyes and Archibald'f
thoughts were far away from Mrs DE-
Snissby, and all her fat suaveness Was lost
him. His glance was rowing among tn;
lady's guests. There they all were-witf
white hair, black satin covered faces and
elaborate evening costumes. They al
SCENE happy in the present., and VOTED
net of the morrow, when the flour and egg
would no longer be pleasing addition to
their head dress, and the cleansing process
would make itself painfully felt.
"Ah" the exclamation came from tht
lips Of Mr. Rockaby. There, sure enough
was Malvina, with the arm of some black
coated whipp2r snapper around her waist
whi.ling around the room rs though sh:
hsd never done anything else in her life
How lovely she was, even though her fac
oolld rot be seen. Tie black and gold
drssl had never looked more regal; its sof
cleaning folds fell artisiicslly from hel
waist; while from the chic, low eat bodice
cleared throat Of wonderful Wilderness
Rocksby groaned. His wife evidently hst
partners by the dozen. Six dances had
taken place since his arrival, it was close
upon midnight, and he had found no OF
porsunity of speaking to her. Would SHIT
never be diserglged?
At last with utter satisfaction be ssw he
seat herself alone. Her partner had left her
probably ice bound. Now was his time
Bockaby no7ed quickly in the direction o
the black and gold dress, snd reached !
without accident. There was a chair bssid
Mslvina It was partly screened By fern
and palms. Bockaby dropped into it.
Dearest he said softly, reaching 70
the tiny glOved hand, which was not re
fused him, will you ever forgive me?"
The powdered head gave c0quettis
little ned. The glovei hand remained i
his-press5d his, slightly. All, after all
there was no one in the world like hi
wife, he thought.
, 'HoE foolish we were to misunderstanl
ole another" he went on, stupidity glad
and about such tIife, tco"
Hush" whispered his companion
turning from him and removing her hand
A little lady in apple green silk was Clcs
beside him. She had evidently seen th
manifestations Of mutual approval Beck
ably lsughsd to himself as he thought hoI
, absurd in was for q married couple to fel
being seen IN afsctionate communication
! Yes, bal poudre with dominos was Gel
= family very amusing affair. The conpl
} cations were 60 weird.
He glanced at his wife. She was fer
MING hersslf with q swset little yellOI