The Forrest City times., 1891-06-26
A QUEER STORY.

Eeilct oI the late isaac ADrahamS 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 dreadfully extravagant in her habits and had lately developed perfect mania for gambling. But Tom was very much in love with the charming widow. And, besides, he entertained g strong hope that after their union he should be able to reform or at least control his wife's extravagance.
 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 ot restraint. So. after 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. Partingtou's gambling tran sections 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 1t was thought for the little one, whom she was soon expecting, that thus checked her in her career of mad ex- travagance. It is certain, at any rate that. as time went forward. she grew every day moro out of spirits.
 Tom appeared to notice this change in his wife. His manner 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 tho city. where his constant presence SIs 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. as he sat beside her of m even- ing. with his arm thrown caressingly round her, she suddenly buried her face on his shoulder. and burst into tears--like one whose rcmorse Is awakened by unmerited and unlocked for kindness
 Meantime, what was so 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 a life long intimacy, Mrs Brandon. who was q 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 % seriously.
 My dear Ada she said at last, in the course of an afternoon call, during which Mrs. Burlington had been more dull than ever. I should never have encouraged you to accept Tom il had foreseen what a deplorable effect your second dose of matrimony would have upon you. Do you know that in the twenty minutes have been here, the only original observation you have made was to ask me whether had enough sugar? What is the matter with you to-daypn
 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. the once gay and sprightly Ada Isaacs was very changed indeed.
 Nell shc said presently. it Is all your fault"
 My fault, dear!" exclaimed Mrs. Brandon.
 Your fault, 7" repeated Mrs. Parting ton. Tt has all come of your intro ducing me to that hateful Pompadour club. Oh. how I wish l had never entered the place"
 You don't mean to say" Mrs. Brandon paused and looked at her friend.
 Il mean to say that. unknown to Tom, l have been playing there every afternoon. and losing constantly. until Oh, Nell, promise-swear that you will not tell Tom thisr'
 ''Of course not Have we ever be- trayed one another's confidence, dear? But you must promise me something too. Promise that you will tell Tom"
 ''Ie Oh, Nell, you don't know what you are asking. You have not heard all yet would not have Tom know 1t for all the world! Rather than that Iwould-"
 Mrs. Partington's sobs had burst forth again with renewed force. Sud- denly she sank back on the sofa with . cry of pain which alarmed her friend. Pcrceiving that she was really Ill, Mrs. Brandon summoned assistance. Many minutes did not elapse before one of tho servants was hurrying of for doctor.
 Very shortly after the arrival of that functionary, Mrs. Brandon left herself. 6he drove direct to the club where Tom Burlington occasionally called of an afternoon on his way home from the city By good luck he was there now,