Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-04-10

better Christians than the Sisters. L am
not talking about my own poor self (aS
you will soon see) without a reason. My
experience in the hospital led to other
things. | nursed a lady through tedious
illness, and was trusted to take her to
some friends in the south of France. On
my return, thought of staying for few
days in Paris-it was an opportunity of
seeing how the nurses did their work in
the French hospitals. And, oh, it was far
more than that! In Paris, 1 found Iris
again"
by accident?" Hugh asked.
Il am not sure" Mrs. Vimpany answer
ed, that there are such things as meet
ings by accident. She and her husband
were among the crowds of people on the
Boulevards, who sit taking their coffee in
view of the other crowds, passing along
the street. Invent by, without noticing
them. She saw me. and sent Lord Harry
to bring me back. L have been with
them every day, at her invitation, from
that time to this; and 1 have seen their
life"
She stopped. noticing that Hugh grew
restless. Il am in Doubt she said
whether you wish to hear more of their
life in Paris?'
Mountjov at once controlled himself
go on" he said, quietly.
Even if | tell you that Iris is perfectly
happy"
Go on" Hugh repeated
"May [ confess" she resumed, "that her
husband is irresistible, not only to his wife
but even to an old woman like me? After
having known him for years at his worst
as well as at his best I am still foolish
enough to feel the charm of his high spirits
and his delightful good humor Sober
English people, if they saw him now,
would almost think him fit subject to be
placed under restraint. One of his wild
irish ideas of express ng devotion to his
wife is that they shall forget they are mar
ried and live the lives of others. When
they dine at restaurant he insists on
having private room. He takes her to
public balls and engages her to dance with
him for the whole evening. When she
stays at home and is a little fatigued he
sends me to the piano and whirls her round
the room in a waltz. Nothing revives a
woman he says, like dancing with the
man she loves When she is out of breath
and shut up the piano, do you know
what he does? He actually kisses me
and says he is expressing his wife's feel
ing for me when she is not able to do it
herself. He sometimes dimes out with
men, and comes back all on fire with the
good wine, and more amiable than ever.
On these occasions his pockets are full of
SweetmeatS, stolen for his angel from the
desert Am | little tipsg? he asks
oh, don't be angry; it's all for love of you
| have been in the highest society, my
darling, proposing your health over and
over ana over again, and drinking to you
deeper than all the rest of the company.
You don't blame me? All, but | blame
myself. | was wrong to leave you and
dine with men. What do [ want with the
society of men, when | have your society?
Drinking your health is lame excuse. l
will refuse all invitations for the future
that don't include my wife And mind, he
really means it, at the time. Two or three
days later. he forgets his good resolutions,
and dimes with the men again, and comes
home with more charming excuses, and
stolen sweetmeats and good resolutions.
l am afraid weary you, Mr.. Mountjoy?"
You surprise me-" Hugh replied ''Why
do l hear all this of Lord Harry?''
Mrs. Vimpany left her chair. The stage
directions of other days had accustomed
her to rise when the character she played
had anything serious to say. Her own
character still felt the animating infu-
ance of dramatic habit: she rose now and
laid her hand lmpreSslvely on MouutJoy' 3
shoulder
Il have not thoughtlesslv tried your pa
tience,' she said. Now that l am away
from the influence OF Lord Harry can re
call my former experience of him, and J
am afraid | can see the end that is com
inc. He will drift into bad company; he
will listen to bad advice. ana he Will dc
things in the future which he might shrink
from doing now. When that time comes
I fear him. fear him"
Nv hen that time comes" Hugh repeat.
ed. ''if have any influence left over his
wife. he shall find her capable of protect
inc herself. Will you give me her address
in Paris?'
"Williuglv-if you will pr mise not to
go to her till she really needs you?"
Who is to decide when she needs me"
81 am to decide" Mrs. Vimpany an
swered: Iris writes to me cOnfidentlally.
If an, thing happens which she may be
unwilling to trust to a letter. | believe l
shall hear of it from her maid"
Are you sure the maid is to be relied
on?" MOuntjOy interposed.
''She is silent creature. so far as I know
anything of her." Mrs. Vimpany admit
| ted, land her manner doesn't invite conf
dence. But / have spoken with Fanny
Mere. am satisfied that she is true to
her mistress and grateful to her mistress
| in her own strange way. If Iris is in anv
danger, shall not be lett in ignorance of
| it. Does this incline you to consult with
| me before you decide on going to Paris.
Don't stand on ceremony; say honestly,
Yes or Mo-
Honestly, Hugh said yes.
| He was at once trusted with the address
| of Iris At the same time Mrs. VimDanv