Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-01-30

press my just indignation and beg of
YOU To shun that mau. He is, under
the outward semblance of n gentle
man bold. bad mau; an adept in all
manner of evil. gambler and a
scolfer ut women. You know me too
well to think | would thus malign any
one without undeniable proof. His
very presence is contamination TO any
woman. aud my wife must never con-
sort with such an eXceptionablc char
acter."
She arose with a gesture of impa-
thence.
You are really quite dramatic. If
CASPER Fenton j. so dreadfully wicked.
why, your favorite Mrs. Monroe. with
her over-abundant supply of goodness.
restores the balance"
Norman turned very white. but re-
NAMED speechless. He followed her
back to the crowded rooms. AS they
entered Fenton met them saying,
, Really, Miss Mayhem. | began to
think you had deserted me. Our waltz
is just going TO begin"
She took his arm, her overweeninS
pride eXultant at thus defying her
lover.
Norman did not come near her
again during the evening; but when
she descended the stairs. shawlcd and
wrapped for home he stood ready to
conduct her Ia the carriage. The
drive home was a silent one. Mrs.
Molroe, still excited by her unusual
dissipation. chirrupcd merrily about
the pleasures she had received; but the
grim silence of her companions quick
~ qucnched her Pickering gayety and
she sank back in the carriage Cypress
ed, she knew not why.
Arriving home. Norman conducted
tho ladies to the house. and, with
cool goodnight, retired.
Putting on his dignity" said Jose
phine to herself as she went up to her
room.
Next morning. after restless night.
note was presented to her which. on
opening. made her flush with anger
and surprise. 1t ran as follows:
MISS MATHEW:
ii nnd that was completely mistaken in
your Oh racter. We could never be happy to-
gether. and shall consider our engagement
NORMAN REMINGTON"
A variety of emotions struggled in
her heart; she had loved Norman Rem
ington passionately. PamSpered and
spoiled as she had always been. she
had never once thought that her rebel
lious folly would lead to this. Pride
and resentment were dominant traits
in her character. aui she exclaimed,
He doubtless thinks that he has in-
hicted the direst punishment upon me
for opposing his wishes aud means To
return 10 me when he presumes j am
sufficiently humiliated; but he shall
learn his mistake. When he next ad-
dresses mo it will be as Mrs. Casper
Fenton."
One month after tie eventful ball
Josephine married Casper Fenton. 1t
was brilliant affair. and the young
couple started off on their wedding
tour with all the pomp of circumstance
which wealth affords.
Two years of unmitigated misery
passed away. Josephine's reveugeful
act had recoiled upon herself. Her
husband had proved to be more despic-
able than Remington had assumed.
Restraint no longer necessary. he at
tempted no concealment of his evil
companionship or his immoral prac-
"
ut home with companions rs brutal as
himself or went abroad TO some den Of
no doubtful character. He had long
since ceased TO treat his wife with any
semblance Of re5pe t. He tainted her
with coarse illusions to her love for
Remington. which he knew she still
cherished. and never ceased to worry
her for sums Of money.
One cold. wretchcd dav in winter. rs
she sat by the window. gazing YEARLY
out at the wildly drifting snow. her
husband entered. and taking seat be-
side her he said. You do not look
well. Josephine"
Indeed | am quite we'll she re-
piled; for she would never acknowl-
edge to him her increasing WEAKNESS.
She well knew that he would rejoice
r.ther than weep over her death.
mo. YOU are not well, aud have not
been for some time. You should see
physician.
Yes and make my will. / suppos e?'
she added maliciously.
A look of hatred flashed from his
eyes. but he answered quietly, Il did
not mean that. but it is certainly every
ones duty. who has much property. TO
MAKE II will.
You are wonderfully anxious for
my death" she said. bitterly. How
ever" she continued. with the SEM
bIance of resignation. perhaps it
wou,d be as well. II YOU will bring
an attorney here this afternoon l will
ease your mind, if not my own"
His eye sparkled with this unex-
pcctcd compliance, and he said. unhes-
itatinglv. land dare I-wiii you"
''Oh." she said. quickly. ITO whom
should | leave my property ii net TO
Won? / have no near relatives or
friends"
With countcnance radiant with ILL
suppressed joy he took her hand aud
said:
MY dear wife, / hope you may live
bong To enjoy your wealth. | see L
have mi,taken Nou. AMI / humbly beg
your forgiveness for my harslness
toward YOU. You see" he continued.
Il WAS madly jealous of that R,ming-
tor. and feared you still cherished his