The record-union., 1891-01-11

ldle nerSeI1 so ent1rely from society, ana
was beginning to believe in what my hus-
band said upon the first day of her arrival
regarding screw being loose somewhere.
And at last the secret was out. Duncan
Rayne, the reputed millionaire and
banker, had died, owing to the bank fail
ure, leaving this slight, beautiful girl to
battle with the world alone. 1t was with
Dick, and l concluded by saying that in
her sore trouble and perplexity she re-
membered US, and was sure we would
afford her shelter until the stunning
shock of her misfortune should wear
away, after which she would seek en-
ployment as governess or anything else
in which she could earn an honest living.
1 was deeply touched when she had
finished telling her story, and putting my
arms lovingly around the slender black
robed figure, said, "You shan't go away.
You shall stay here with us, shall she not,
Dick ?"
My husband arose hastily and came
quickly towards us, clasping her slim,
white hands in his own.
Indeed, she shall remain, and hence
forth. Nestore, this home is your home
just as long as you choose to call it So"
Thus she was firmly established
amongst US. / don't mind confessing
that in secret sometimes missed our de-
llghtful evenings together, Dick and /,
but would always try to Danish such
selfish thoughts from my mind; but,
alas, there was at times something else
which l missed dearer than all else be-
sides, and that was my husbands loving
caresses. They seemed cold and passion
less and even in our few leisure hours
together I noticed shade of impatience
and annoyance whenever I attempted
wifely kiss. My heart ached in silence
and III silence pondered upon this sud-
den change. l have event. am posi-
lively not mistaken-I have even OBJ
served a look of utter repulsion steal
across his face when 1 approached him.
What has wrought the change? Am /
growing ugly? gaze fearfully, eagerly,
into my mirror No, am still the same.
AS / said before, am no beauty, but
Dick has told me often my face is sweet
as flower, not beautiful, but fiower-like.
All, me, why is he changed? Why is he
changed?
One evening, walking disconsolately
and miserable in the shrubbery after
late dinner, where L noticed my hus-
bands behavior even colder than usual,
| thought to calm my aching heart in SOL
itude. l had paced. perhaps, halfway
the length of the walk when the moon,
struggling through a cloud, lit UP the
garden with golden light. 1 stopped in
wonder. for coming towards me We're
two forms. l strained my eyes, and as
they drew near i recognized Miss Bayne
and my husband-her head almost touch
ing his shoulder, as she leaned languidly
towards him. Then my heart turned
cold, ice-old, for he suddenly bent his
head and kissed her red lips held so in
yitingly toward his own. Not once, but
twice and thrice, did he kiss her, With a
sob Of agony l gathered my shawl and
skirts around me and darted quickly be-
hind the thickly growing shrubbery. AS
they slowly passed the spot where I had
rpca,ltlyr ctnOG T haarJ har
'Oh, darling, darling, can you not dis
solve this hateful tie? How much longer
can this last without that fool suspect
ing ?' Then his voice answered, speak
ing low and tender:
1T must, it shall eud. can live with
out you no longer"
His arm steals around her waist. All.
heaven! he is kissing her again. slowly
creep through the shrub5ery, until reach
ing side door l stagger blindIy up
stairs to my own room. A strange
iethargy seemed to possess me. I felt
numb and dead. / could not raise my
arms, and my feet felt paralyZed. sat in
front OF the fireplace, thinking, thinking.
He came in later and proceeded to bed.
He spoke, but / pretended to have fallen
asleep in the chair, where / remained all
night.
1nthe morning I was dreadfully, terribly
i'll, my head was racl1ing with pain and
LILY DilDS ItttiStii W SCpIDDTU L rang
for cup of tea, which 1 drank gratefully,
hoping it might relieve my aching head
But instead of that it deadened my senses
still more. | am more powerless and
helpless than ever. A dreadful thought
crosses my mind. / am being slowly
poisoned-that is the reason of this heavy
feeling. Horrors! the tea I have Just
swallowed was drugged. A prayer arises
to my shaking lips. "Oh, God moan,
'sam l to die like this? Help me, help
mev'
l cannot rise; I am utterly helpless. A
determination comes over me. 1 will
confront them with their guilt and treach-
cry before die. With painful effort I
rise TO my feet, which feel like leaden
weights, and drag my trembling limbs
| heavily across the bedroom floor Slowly
and laboriously I descend the stairs,
pausing well-nigh exhausted. I again
gather my little remaining strength
door. 1t is deserted. With a hand
pressed tightly against my bounding
heart l lean painting against the table.
| Through the portiere which leads into the
sitting-room 1 hear low murmur of
| voices. With last supreme effort I tot
ter across the room and raise the curtain.
| see them; she is in his arms and he is
straining her to his heart, again and again
raining kisses upon the smiling, upturned
| lips. regard them in silence, and then
| speak. My voice cannot raise above a
whisper.
Traitors! you have done your work
well.'
They turn with start; my stiffened
| fingers relax their hold upon the curtain,
l stagger, reel and fall.
Nell, Nell, Nelliev' hear my hus-
bands voice calling me. 1t seems miles
| and miles away.
Nellie, Nell, Nelliev'
I try to rise; feel cramped and warm;
the sun seems to be pouring it's binding
rays into my unprotected face.
Nell, Neller.
sit up, with a start of bewilderment,
and look around me. Where is the break
fast room? am sitting in the old arbor
with strong ray of sunshine falling full
upon upon me, and and outside outside my husbands
with decided ring of sharp impatience
l struggle blindly to my feet, and start
for the door just as he is about to enter
'Oh, here you are,' with sigh of re-
| lief; you truant, think, yes really
believe, you have been asleep, naughty
little lazybones!'
| 1 do not answer; my mind is in a tu-
multi.
| He holds a telegram towards me-
''Here, sweetheart. No need to send
the carriage for our unwelcome visitor
for here is a dispatch saying she has
1 changed her mind and goes with party
of friends to Europe. Just as well, little
girl, eh?''
| l do not answer. A silent prayer of
thankfulness is ascending from my heart
| to the glorious blue heavens above; and
then bursting into tears of passionate joy
| throw my arms around my husband s
neck. A dream a dream; all a hideous
day dream, but Oh, how happily broken.
| -s----
a ct
Vas marriage failure? Veil, now, dot de-