The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1889-01-08

"No," said he. you'll never find
her now"
Naturally, they never did. In six
months from that day, Stephen married
Isabella Ives. There had been much talk
before that.
Maria Pratt had remained to keep
house for Stephen, and Miss Ives and her
maid had not left the farmhouse in Oc-
tober, as usual.
"He began to make love to her before
poor Kathrine had been gone a week."
said Maria; land the girl was just as bad
as he was. L never saw such dOlngS. A
poor critter that can't live but a little
while, and ought to be thinking of the
other world"
alt is for her money that Steve has
done it." every one said and this seemed
to make an excuse for him in most mems
eyes.
However, Stephen wore a very love-
like air, and shortly shut up the farm
house and went abroad with his wife,
who was ordered to the south of France
by her medical man.
Whether it were the air, or her great
happiness for the passionate love she
had conceived for the handsome young
farmer had preyed upon her heart for
three long years-Isabella grew better
instead of worse. When they returned
and took possession of their handsome
city house, she was bright and handsome
and charming. Stephen had had no ex-
perience of such a woman His life was
n of luxury, and he had perfect freedom
and as many blank checks as he wanted.
Isabella put all her affairs in his hands
and asked no account of them, and
Stephen managed them very well-and
this had been going on for three long
years. When n day he took his way,
after dark, to a certain fashionable res
t%aurant, where he had ordered supper,
and was shown to a small room upon the
She was elegantly dressed, and wore a
thick veil. Neither of them spoke to the
other until the waiter had served supper
and been dismissed. Then the lady re-
moved her veil, and Stephen looked into
Kathrine's face, and she stepped back
and surveyed him from head to foot.
What a swell you are !" said she.
You don't look as if you had ever
handled a plough-and so handsome"
"You are very we'll dressed, too" said
he, coolly.
She sighed.
~ send you plenty of money, 1 hope?"
said he.
Plenty she answered. "But I am
tired of living alone and calling myself
Mrs. Smith and having mysteries"
Well, that cannot be helped" he an
swered. Remember, this miserable
plan was all your own. You wanted to
be rich; you have more money than you
know what to do with now. You need
only to write to me for more. What is
the use of an interview like this ?"
Didn't you want to see me, Stephen?"
she asked.
He looked at her with a curious smile,
hesitated, and then answered:
"No; but let US eat our supper while
it is warm"
~ do not want supper" said she, tax
ing her place at the table. al must talk
to you, though"
He sat down and helped her to the
contents of the dish before him. She
passed the coffee.
"Like old times" said she.
He made no response.
"You remember old times" Kathrine
pleaded.
az try to forget Them" said he. 81
am ashamed of what I have done, for my
part"
She put out her hand and touched his
he drew it away.
"How much longer ?" said she, chow
much longer?"
"What do you mean ?' he asked.
"How much longer will that woman
live ?" asked she.
"She may outlive either of u.s." said
Stephen. "It Seems that she could not
have had consumption, something preyed
upon her mind. Now she is very happy
and perfectly we'll"
ooh, good Heaven |" cried Kathrine.
Perfectly" repeated Stephen. ooh,
/ told you we could not arrange the
chances of life and death to please our
selves"
"But will you let her live" cried
"I pray that she may. I should be
wretched if she did not" said Stephen.
a." For I adore her"
"You say that to your wife 2" gasped
Kathrine. He laughed .scornfully. "You
wanted money, you have money" he
said. "You shall always have it, but you
are nothing to me now. / loved you, /
was content, you made me the rascal 1
have become; but having had the love of
a woman like Isabella, it is scarcely likely
hat I should pine for you-you must
make the best of it."
"Make the best of It'll" cried she. "No.
1 will expose you. I will denounce that
[ am your wife. I will claim
my rights"
at will be a pretty tale to tell" said
he, "but I can forestall you. When a