Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1891-07-09
A QUEER STORY.

IartlnRuOn, JOineu himself W AUDI
relict of the late Isaac Abrahams, his
friends evinced considerable surprise
at the step The widow was, indeed.
as they confessed young and fascinat-
ing, and had, moreover inherited a
very substantial fortune from her
previous husband. But then she was
drcadfully extravagant in her habits
and had lately developed a perfect
mania for gambling. But Tom was
widow. And besides, he entertained
a strong hope that after their union he
should DO able to reform or at least
control his wifes extravaganza.
But when he was married to the lady
he found that his hope of being able
to reform her had been decidedly
chimerical. Self-willed and headstrong,
she would scarcely endure advice,
much less any semblance OF restraint.
So, after a few months of useless re-
monstrance, he gave up all attempt at
genuine reformation as bad job. and
had to content himself with showing
silent disapproval of her extravaganza,
or with throwing in their way such
feeble obstacles as he could. These
were slight enough, for her fortune
was entirely at her own control. Still
they were not quite fruitless.
And as time went on people noticed
that Mrs. Partington's gambling tran
sactions were on much smaller SCALE
Her best friends began to hope that
the instincts Of the mother were begin
ming to assert themselves over the
cravings OF the gambler, and that it
was thought for the little one, whom
she was soon expecting, that thus
checked her in her career of mad ex-
travagance. 1t is certain, at any rate
that. as time went forward, she grew
every day more out of spirits.
Tom appeared to notice this change
in his wife. His mann or toward her.
always kind and. attentive, became
actually tender in its consideration;
and he tried his hardest to soothe
away her gathering depression OF
spirits He was not able to be with
her much in the daytime. For. short
ly after his marriage, being tired Of
having nothing to do, he had to put
some OF his money into business, in
the city, where his constant presence
was now required; but he regularly
spent his evenings at home, hardly
ever going TO the theater or to his
club.
His wife seemed to feel his consider
ate tenderness very deeply. for several
times. rs he sat beside her of an even-
ing. with his arm thrown caressingly
round her, she suddenly buried her
face on his shoulder, and burst into
tears-like one whose remorse Is
awakened by unmerited and unlocked
for kindness.
Meantime, what was 80 clear to her
husband did not escape the notice of
Mrs, Partington's female friends. OF
these she had many. but by far the
most favored and confidential OF them
was Mrs. Brandon, an old schoOl-fel-
low with whom she had kept up u life
long intimacy. Mrs. Brandon, who
was n very lively and highly sensible
lady. had at an early period detected
the unusual gloom which had come
over her friends manner and rallied
her upon taking her new position so
seriously.
MY dear Ada" she said at last. in
the course of an afternoon call. during
which Mrs. Darlington had been more
dull than ever, K should never have
encouraged you to accept Tom il l had
aorescen what deplorable effect your
second dose OF matrimony would have
upon you. Do you know that in the
twenty minutes l have been here, the
only original observation you have
made was to ask me whether l had
enough sugar. What is the matter
with you to-day"
TO Mrs. Brandon's surprise, her
friend. instead of answering, only
burst into tears and buried her face in
her handkerchief. Evidently, thought
Mrs. Brandon. tho once gay and
sprightly Ada lsaacs was very changed
indeed.
Nell, she said presently, lit is all
your fault"
My fault. DEAR exclaimed Mrs.
Brandon.
Your fault" repeated Mrs. Parting
ton. 1T has all come of your intro
ducing me to that hateful Pompadoul
club. On, how / wish l had never
entered the place."
You don't mean to say" Mrs
Brandon paused and looked at hel
friend.
Il mean to say that, unknown Il
Tom, ! have been playln there ever.
afternoon. and losing constantly. unit
oh, Nell, promise swear that 20,
will not tell Tom this.'
.Of course not. Have we ever be
traycd one another's C pntidence, dear
But you must promise me something
too. Promise that you will tell Tom.
Il? Oh, Nell, you don't know wha
you are asking. You have not hear
all yet. l would not have Tom know
it tor all the world! Rather than tina
would"
Mrs. Partington's sobs had burs
forth again with renewed force. Sue
denly she sank back On the sofa wit
4. Il 4 l. 60.