The Olneyville tribune. (Providence, R.I.) 1893-189?, 1893-11-25


cllnation, never consulted even in
form and she bore IL all patiently.
Day after day she tried a thousand
keys OF endearment and loving fore
thought in the locked aud barred
doors OF Pauls heart; she did her best
20 be grave, prudent, and helpful; she
tried 10 rid herself OF her childish
mannerism; in short, she did won
ders She made a careless, butterfly
OF woman, tender, dignitied, yet
gentle matron; she studied Zealously
tnat certain deficiencies in accom-
plishments might not longer mortify
and annoy Paul, she gave herself,
heart and soul, 10 her special abUmi-
nation-housewife succeeded
wonderfully: but after two years Of
patient trying she had not yet heard
what she most desired from her hus-
bands lips-a recantation OF his
harsh determination.
Yet let no one be too severe on
Paul. He intended 10 be Just He
had honestly believed himself for
months a much-aggrieyed man. His
natural jealously irritated 10y the
persistent malice OF his mother and
sister, had Obscured his mental vision.
lie tancied himself not little heroic
in thus visiting the follies of his lit
tie wife. He really loved Eda, and
IL cost him some pain and trouble TO
adhere 10 his resolution. That very
fact only convinced him that he was
exhibiting a species OF Roman firm
ness-Spartan fortitude. He saw
and marNed Eda's efforts at improve
ments and their success Secretly
lie was little pleased, and il never
once occurred that all solace was Ge-
MED TO her and that her very untir-
ing patience only proved how keenly
she suffered.
To be n.ade sort OF New York
grand lama, TO have incense burned
tefore you, and TO feel that for one
little. blue-eyed fool all the majesty
of Jove lies in your word, is, l sup
pose, ia her an agreeable sensation
say suppose, for Heaven knows l
know nothing OF il experimentally---
all this wife worship and spauiel-like
devotion doubtless convinced Paul
that in some way he really was vastly
superior TO his pretty little idolater,
and that IL was not a little con-
descending In him TO be worshiped at
all. And so matters might have gone
on, ad iDtinitum, il they had not
fired on Sumter.
Paul was the first TO GO He Dis
cussed pros ard cons with his mother
and sister; when conclusion was ar
rived at he briefly stated il To his wife
and ordered her TO superintend his
packing. Eda could not repress her
dismay: she even attempted argu-
ments, but was sternly cut short in
the very midst by mother and sister
of course, showed all the more ad-
vantageously 10y comparison with
Eda's sobs and entreaties.
Only one faint CLEAN Of comfort
could she find in all this darkness
"He will take back those cruel
words" she said TO herself. Now
that he is leaving me. perhaps for
ever, he will not leave them behind
him tc poison all my thoughts Of him
and embitter all my lonely hours"
So sne waited and watched, and
the day for parting came, and the
hour and at last the minute: and still
Paul had not spoken Eda flung her
arms about him
Paul, stop. Before you go unsay
what you said two years ago.
What reason have for so doing?'
was all his reply. And with cool
kiss he left her.
The disappointment was bitter; so
great that it actually swallowed up
her grief at parting. When she
watched Tor letters IL was with the
hope that, away from unfriendly in
fluences, he had at last relented and
written TO tell her so; but he wrote
nothing except "that he was well,
camp duties were arduous and an en-
gagement was expected" Into the
far-longer letters addressed TO his
sister and mother she was seldom or
never allowed glance.
At last came the news OF the long
awaited battle. Eda's first thought
was OF humiliation for the defeat
Dtl StCDuu, VI lcIIOI lOI I'cI IuSDduu y
safety. For three days she suffered
all the horrors OF uncertainCy-all
the agonies of hope long deferred. He
was missing; had been seen wounded
and fighting bravely; was thought to
be dead. At last came the truth.
He was badly wounded and prisoner.
Mrs. Britain read the letter con-
tanning the news aloud at the break
fast table. Eda heard it, pale and
rigid, without Omment or question.
Going up later in the day TO her
daughterin-law's room. Mrs Britain
saw signs OF acking. Open drawers,
disordered closets, and Eda kneeling
before a trunk, with determination
written on every pallid feature.
What is ali this" asked Mrs.
Britain. "And where are you going?
l should consider this "A singular time
for visiting. were i In your place.
While your husband lies wounded