The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1892-08-20
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AW0MANSINFLUENCE

Idi Jul = "tHt Tue Htlplul compromising
and cheerful influence which meant 80
much to her.
Even Brian seemed to miss their COM
mon friend. He certainly missed some
thing; though what was not very clear
to his own mind. He felt it in a grow
ing dissatisfaction. The restlessness
which constituted such large portion
of his makeup began to assert itself
with unresisting force. He found his
days monotonous, and the ennui, which
he laid to the dullness Of country life,
Margaret ascribed to lack of definite
purpose and settled employment
1t is nothing III the world but laZi-
ness" she asserted for her own con-
vction. He knows it. too; SO | sha II t
tell him. I'm tired of everlasting
preaching, and l dare say he'll soon
grow to think l married him for nothing
in the world but to play the shrew |
hate it. Nevertheless, he sha'n't keep
on this way That I'm determined on.
In spite of this resolution Brian did
not display any fresh industry, unless it
was in going TO the city, where he was
fond Of spending his time.
At first he returned home every even
ing, like many of his neighl ors who were
regular commuters, and went to bust
ness every day; but in time he failed to
recognize even this duty, and his visit,
to New York heightened themselves into
days, and occasionally IA whole week
passed without Margaret seeing him
He always had an excuse-th. thea
ter, his club, the opportunities of a
/ friend.
Margaret received all in silence.
whether l go or stay matters little to
hpr decided Rrian Rnt bn was mi
] taken.
/ His Indifference panied his young wife
more than she would have admitted per-
hapS. She had really started out with
/ the determined purpose TO make up in
earnest endcavor what she lacked in
/ warmth of feeling, and her sens of
/ failure was very keen. She could not
bring herself to reproach him because
/ she doubted her right to do SO.
But the right TO feel was certainly
/ hers.
! She was learning some bitter lessons
during these early days of her married
life; and not least among them was the
/ contrast which Alice's life offered to
hers.
/ She would return from her visits to
/ The Cedars. from the atmosphere of per-
! feet happiness which seemed to reign
/ there, to feel her heart overcome by a
rush of feeling Ind filled with vague
! and indefinable inconsistencies.
1 Unusually heavy-hearted she came
! one evening from day spent with Alice
and the Colonel. 1t was growing late,
J and the Colonel had wanted to come
with her as far as Elmwood, but this
/ Margaret had opposed, declaring that
! She would not be either lonely or afraid.
/ \ et after she had started, she did feel
/ lonely, and she began to wish for a
/ companion in her long, cold walk The
winter twill hit was beginning 10 fall,
and through the understandable melan-
choly of the darkening scene, the trees
waved their bare branches like spectral
arms. The wind soughed dismally
among the dead leaves, and even the
faint red in the sky hal a ch II effect
against the low line of gray hills. IL
was all unutterably dreary, and Mar
gare gave a sigh of relief when she
reached her cheerful sitting-rooII. with
its glowing fire and comfortable, luXur-
iouS furnishing
She was som what surprised to see
Brian standing before the mantel. He
had been in New York for several days
and she did not know OF his return.
! Il am glad you have come at last" he
said, looking up at her entrance. Il got
here about four O'clock to find you gone
! and the place as lonely as the deuce.
Did you enjoy your rider
Il didn't ride, returned Margaret,
extending her hands over the rosy Goals,
! I've been walking"
Walking At this time, Not alone,
/ Margaret"
1 Why. certainly. Who would | have
T II n i,
coming, but l wouldn't allow it, of
course. l was not afraid. Only the
least bit lonely, and believe l ara
tired.
Brian did not notice the almost imper-
ceptible break in her voice, but he did
notice her pale face and wearied air.
Without a word he drew a chair to the
fire, and seated her in it. Then bend
I ing over her, he said with much anxiety:
Il wish you wouldn't try your strength
so far, Margaret. The walk was too
long for you.
Il don't think so, Brian. l am not
| blaming the walk at all. I'm afraid I'm
growing lazy, and if 1 was really sure
OF it I'd go out this minute and walk
until dropped. l hate laziness SO.
I'd have some say III that, responded
Brian, ignoring her closing words.
Walking for the purpose of dropping,
would be a very sensible performance,
wouldn't it? l wish You wouldn't walk
without me after this.
Margaret elevated her eyebrows
rather exprcssively. What an unself-
ish man, she returned. How many
walks do you think l could take under
those circumstances. For the last
month, you've been home only at night,
and not every night by any means. l
have a prejudice in favor of sleeping at
night. | think | shall still continue to
take my walks alone Your mind is
above such simple delights"
With these words, Margaret bent her
head and watched the PINK lines between
her fingers. Brian walked to the otner
side of the room, and played tattoo
on the window.
1T is so dull here, he remarked, after
a moment Of this performance; and as
you don't care whether | say or not, l
don't see the use of spelling my pleas
ure.
Don't spoil your pleasure for worlds.
II taking some interest in your home is
likely to do SO, you need only forget you
have a home
My home!" he repeated, with a bit
terness raised by her half-concealed
sarcasm. w hen | consider my posi-
ton here. do you think l can call this a
hcme?7
A change passed over her face, an
for a moment she could not answer,
though when she did it was in tone
whose lightness belied any deeper feel
/ ing.
Il always gave you credit for a fair
share of sense, Brian, but now l find
| You sadly wanting. II you think l am
going / humor your bad temper you
are mistaken.
/ Brian was not Modified at these
/ words.
/ 1t is no use in turning it off that
/ way, Margaret, he sad. Your actions
tell me plainly that you married me be
cause you felt under obligation 10 do so.