Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1891-01-08
MIRIAM GUNTER.

As Twas hurrying homeward from my
Office one evening in October was de-
tanned on fashionable thoroughfare by
many carriages. A society wedding re-
ception was taking place.
/ watched q few ladies pass out Of
their carriages to the awning, and thence
into the residence. 1t was rather inter
esting to q novice-the begloved men
were so thoroughly conversant with the
minuti@ of attending to the wants of
the fair ladies. From my position l
could look into the vast drawing rooms.
There stood the "happy couple" a
handsome pair. He tall and dark, but
with eyes and mouth that spoke of will
1t would be dangerous to cross. She was
also tall, with winsome face of unusual
brightness.
1t was face that changed with every
breath. The blue eyes would grow black
with excitement. The merry looking
little mouth disclosed most of the time
set of beautiful white teeth. A wealth
Of brown hair ruffled and curled all over
the well shaped head. ...,
Yes, she was very bonny bride, and
Ibid not wonder the young man looked
at her with such an endearing gaze. No
one would dare monopolize her attention
with him around. -.....
finally moved on, considering had
sentimentalized long enough.
Six months later my circumstances
were materially altered. I was in po-
Stion to enter society if I SO wished, and
at the urgent request Of my uncle did
so. 1t being known that was heir to
considerable wealth, had no trouble in
securing plenty of partners.
One evening at large ball given by
Mrs. Fred Delaney, was introduced to
Mrs. Clarence Gunter, in whom l imme-
diately recognized the bride of few
months before.
The face was the same, yet changed.
The eyes seemed larger than ever. This
was probably owing to some dark lines
under them. ... g..
When the flush of excitement would
60 the face looked rather pale. 1t was
an interesting face, and looked as though
it held a story. .......
Her husband stood near her, jealously
guarding her. At least it looked that
way. I asked her for dance, but she
glanced nervously at her card and said:
"You must excuse me this evening,
Dr.. Warren, but the little I dance will
be with Mr.. Gunter."
cat least may sit out few" mur-
INJURED.
''Oh, certainly" with bright smile.
Well, that was the beginning of the
end. forgot that she was married, for
got everything except that I was sitting
by the side of the sweetest woman had
ever met. Her husband had left us with
q scowl.
wondered if she was in the habit of
using those blue eyes to such deadly
effect on all the gentlemen she met. If
so, how many slain there must have
been.
That evening I never forgot. Many
more happy ones were passed by her
side, but they never seemed the same.
All that season met Mrs. Gunter. l
called frequently at her house, became
friends with her husband, whom soon
got to like exceedingly. He was very
fond of his wife, although he had pc
culiar way of showing it.
She was never sure of her position. At
dinner party he would sharply repri-
mand her until at times felt like chok-
ing him.
She never showed by sign that she
noticed it. A laugh would turn the con-
versation, but l knew it cut like knife.
I met her once alone, after such time
in the hall. She did not see me at first.
Her face was ashy white, and her blue
eyes were dilated and looked like Goals
of fire. No one would ever have dream
ed of calling them blue; her hands were
clasped convulsively, and in a hoarse
whisper heard:
81 hate him! 1 hate him! Oh, God!
take him or mer'
Istepped quickly forward, and in my
excitement unwittingly used her first
name.
"Don't, Miriam, don'tl You know not
what sou are saying"
81 wish I didn't" she sullenly replied,
and pushing by me hurried into the
drawing room, and there found her
brightly discussing the merits of some of
Whistler's etchings.
/ sat by her side and endeavored to
converse nationally, but my hearts cry
would not be stifed.
ooh, Miriam, Miriam, why did not
meet you frstv'
She caught the passionate look in my
eyes, and involuntarily shuddered. l
collected myself and arose, saying
would take turn in the gardens.
AS did SO there was a report and a
bright flash, and there lay Miriam, white
as death.
Irushed to her, and although nearly
wild with excitement managed to use
my medical knowledge to advantage,
and she soon opened her eyes.
BY this time the gentlemen who had
remained in the dining room rushed into
the room, and upon seeing Mrs. Gunter