Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1892-06-24
CHAPTER Xxx.

1t was midnight A fine snow was fall
ling fast, as Florence, buttoned up in his
overcoat. was on his way home from q
club where he had supped for the first
time for weeks.
His invention had been pronounced that
very day Il great success, and the good
man was overjoyed that, with its aid. he
could hope to return to the firm some por-
tion Of the obligations that his old master,
George Speeds uncle, had placed him I'M
der. His thoughts were happy, and his
step was light. He should exchange the
Richmond villa for a larger place further
away from London, for Sylvia was grow
ing tired of her toy. Then, Frank must
come home. This wonderful invention of
his would quadruple the profits of the
house, while diminishing the labors of the
operatives; and why should Frank re-
main III that unhealthy country when his
brother was living in luxury at home
remain, too, in the power Of tyrannical
masters, who gave their empy0yes a leave
of absence only to cut it short when they
pleased, without affording any explanation
of their conduct2 For Florence had al
ways felt very sore over Franks sudden
departure. who, 10y his brief visit. had
revived all the affection Of his elder broth
er. Yes, his invention once in working
nominal employment for Frank in the
establishment.
AS Of yorc, Florence thought only of the
happiness of those about him. Thus think
ing, he reached the corner of his own
street. X long line Of carriages before
the hous" the group of coachmen shelter
in- themselves from the snow in the
ncighhoring rorches. brought to his mem
ory the fact that Sylvia was giving Il
ball flat night, from which She had gra-
tiouslv permitted her husband to absent
himself on account of that incessant
business" In the midst of his generous
plan for her happiness, the music of this
fete pleased him, and he felt CLEAN of
gratiHrd vanity as he saw the second
story Of the house blazing with light.
Shadows passed and re passed; they
were dancing. For one moment Florence
watched the crowd through the lace cur
tainS that only half shaded the windows,
and then, turning away. caught sight of
Svlvias shadow in a small room OFT the
drawing room She was standing as if in
front of Il mirror Behind her was a
smaller figure, evidently Madame lola.
who was apparently busy repairing some
disarrngemcnt of her dress. All this was
vague Int Florence recognized the grace
On the lower floor all was dark. with
the exception OF the rlimmcr of a night
light in bed room. As the baby had not
been very well. Florence was startled.
ami, immediately remembering N.s
Georges strange agitation. turned back at
once to find Tom. and discover from him
# anything was wrong.
The gardeners lodge was full. for the
coachmen had crowded round Toms fire
to smoke and warm themselves.
Us tire little Girl ill2" asked Florence.
No. sir, it Is not the child; it is Mr.
George. lie was taken III when he came
home this evening | fetched the doctor.
but he said there was nothing to be done.
and nothing needed, except rest and
quiet"
And as Florence went out ana closed
the deor behind him, Tom added with a
grimaee:
They are not quite so merry down
stairs as up abovef"
When young Speed. on returning home
that evening. saw his wife. he knew at
once by her face that something had hap
pened. The idea that Annie had discov-
red his fanutcS>r,>S tItt nvv v,,uI 10
him. 50 accustomed had he become to his
successful trtachery. Annie spoke only
of the OaklaudS
Il could do nothing with my grandfath-
er." she said sadly.
George grew frightfully pale.
Il I'm ruined--I am ruined!" she said
ove' ana over again.
His sleepless nights. his anxiety OF
mind. AMI Il terrible scene that he had had
with Sylvia, who persisted in giving this
ball at this time. this unexpected refusal
on the part of Mr. Gray. all combined to
PROSTATE him. He had frightful nerv-
Gus attack. and Annie gently and compass
slonately persuaded him to go to bed. and
installed herself at his side. She tried to
speak to him as usual. but her voice
lacked its wonted tenderness. The very
way in which she arranged his pillows.
and poured out his medicine. betrayed a
change. q coldness, that her husband felt
Il have ruined you." said George. more
than once. as if to disturb this coldness,
which he felt keenly. She only replied by
a gesture, which seemed to say, THAT is
trifie."
At last he fell asleep, and she sat near,
watching him. 1T is my duty" she said
Her duty! There she sat hour after hour,
by the side of the being whom she had 50
blindly worshipped.
The ball above had begun. and the cell
ing was shaken by the rapid steps of the
dancers and the half-sad. half-merry