Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1893-09-07

$50
/ remembered that l had met my wife
by chance; that our introduction was
brought about by a chance acquaint-s
ance, who really knew nothing OF
either of us; that she was alone in the
world, without any living relative, or
claimed to be so; teacher of music,
with few pupils, making a hard struggle
for life. Very possibly a disrepntable
father or brother had turned up, to
whom she was obliged to give assist
ance, aud whom she did not wish me to
know. 1t was pity, but would have
no more of this. would get at the
truth and help her if | could. Then a
terrible thought occurred to me. What
it it should prove that she had married
early in life; that worthless husband
had returned, and that she was trying
to get rid of him? In that case what
goose would be to NEEDLE and force
upon myself terri BILE knowledge which
l might avoid.
1t was cowardly, perhaps, but loved
Fleda so dearly that | had rather be
deceived in such way-I never doubt
ed her utter truth for one moment
than to be undeceived to my misery.
And, hoping against hope, permitted
two more weeks to pass by without do
ing anything whatever. Then came an
hour when graver doubts possessed me.
My wife had sold the diamond ear
rings which my sister had given her
upon her wedding day. came by this
knowledge while examining her desk
for letters, and believed that she in
tended to give the money thus raised to
the mysterious person who had the
power to call her from her fireside when
he pleased.
The night en- which I followed her
was as beautiful as night could be. The
air was warm and full of the breath Of
flowers. My wife wore white dress
and pretty hat with daisies around
the brim. She had told me deliberate
falsehood, asking me to stay at home
to receive a friend who might call
while she went to the dressmaker's
house.
A wild hope that she had only been
to this dressmaker before, and that the
jewels were sold to pay some extrava-
giant bill, filed my heart, but it van
ished as followed her, and saw her
leave the road after going a few PAGES,
and take a by-path which ran back
into our own orchard. 1t was small
place full of old apple trees. The moon
light failed to fill it, but saw amidst
the shadows of the foliage the darker
shadow of mans figure.
"Ye'ye kept me waiting" he whis-
pered.
Il could not help it, my wife re-
piled.
The man gave low growl.
'sYe've got the money! he said.
''For your own interest you've got
the money, the five hundred dollars
Where had heard that voice before7
mo my wife faltered, mot so much.
the jeweler would only give me three
hundred, but I have that"
eye must raise the other two"
growled the man. sob, you'll do it, it
won't be a great dale to pay to save
them we know of from twenty years in
jail. Produce it and tell me whin, or,
afther all, I'll tell the truth; it's my
duty anyway"
"Oh, good Heaven! I've given you all
havew cried my poor wife. 81 can get
no more. =
She seemed almost to faint. What
ever this mystery might be, it was my
duty to defend her.
strobe out of the shadow. and. with
out warning, stood before them.
''Fleda,' l cried, what does this
mean? Whom are you talking to? I
must know! will know! Do you fancy
I have been blind to your meetings with
this scoundrel?''
sob, don't speak SO, dearest!'' she
cried. Don't anger him. Go away.
You don't know Your danger
'Danger!' . :. cried, clutching the
collar of the nun, who strove to rush
past me- Come; let me see whom I
have here
l dragged him into the light, and
saw our porter, Honest Jim, and nc
other
s'Jim, by all that is comicall'' said
"And what is he to you, wifeo"
ooh, DON'T Don't!' cried Fleda. III.
knows all! He knows all!'
''Fleda," said /, whatever he may
huOW 1oOuO yOu, nave ~ AcdI.y Lou
are my wife. love you. Nothing can
alter that. .
.'Oh, it isn't I, Henry! It is you! He
knows all about Razzle Dazzle, and
what you did to get the money to bet on
him. 1t was such a temptation, know,
my poor husband! And he swore he
would not betray you if gave him five
hundred dollars. But l have not been
able to raise it. will, though. Spare
my husband, and will! Yes! Oh,
will earn it, somehow cried Fleda,
wildly.
s'What COMPOUNDED Matchmaking trick
is this?' said I, shaking Honest Jim
furiously.
Phase, let me go!'' groaned Jim.
s'You put it into my head with your
talk of your missus fearing you'd go
wrong. was up before you the night
of the storrum, and she met me, and
wus aisy tuck in. An tried it ag'in.
You an the divil put it into my head.
Here's the money back. Don't choke
me! Here is the money back
What did he tell you, you silly
child2" asked Fleda.
THAT you had robbed your employ.
ers to get money to stake on Razzle
Dazzle" said she. Ny only thought
has been how to save YOU
.sGo!' said to Honest jim Show
your face in the Office again if you
dare!''
/ dismissed him with kick and took
Fleda in my arms
so you'd be true to me If ! were both
fool and rascal?' said ]. Poor little
goosy!''
And you'd love me If I had some
dreadful story in my life2' said Fleda.
And we were very happy as we
walked home together, arm in arm, my
wife and In. Cady, in N. y Ledger.