The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1894-12-28


him against any demonstration. Then
they entered. She went over to the cot
and drew back the fleecy curtain from
over the sleeping boy head His fingers
hungered to take his child to his arms.
HE is magnificent, nIagnifcentp' he
said, with a great pride. why did you
never let me know of it?''
How could l tell what you would
do?" she calmly replied. you married
me wickedly and used me wickedly
afterward, and loved the child.
"Yon loved the childv' he repeated
after her. "Lali, y he said, 81 DOM de-
serve it, but forgive me, if you can
for the child's sake.
eve had better go below" she calm
~ replied. eve have both duties to do
You will of caurse appear with me-
before them?"
The slight ivony in the tone cut him
horribly. He offered his arm in silence
They passed into the hall and to the
staircase. ''It is necessary" she said,
"to appear cheerful before ones guests. "
| She had him at an advantage at every
point. ''We will be cheerful, then,
was his reply, spoken with grim kind
Of humor. "You have learned it all,
haven't your" he added.
They were just entering the ballroom.
eyes, with your kind help-and alb
sence," she replied.
The surprise of the guests was some
what diminished by the fact that Ma
rion, telling General Armour and his
wife first of Franks return, industri-
ously sent the news buzzing about the
! room.
The two went straight to Franks ia
Their and mother. Their parts We're all
excellently played. Then Frank mingled
among the guests, being very heartily
i greeted, and heard congratulations on
all sides. Old club friends rallied him
as deserter and new acquaintance
fiocked about him, and presently he
awakened to the fact that his Indian
wife had been an interest of the season
and was not the least admired person
present 1t was altogether too good luck
for him, but he had an uncomfortable
conviction that he had long path of
penance to walk before he could hope to
enjoy it.
All at once he met Lady Haldwell,
who, in spite Of all, still accepted in
yitations to General Armour's house,
the strange scene between Lali and her.
self having never been disclosed to the
family He had nothing but bitterness
in his heart for her, but he spoke few
smooth words, and she languidly con-
graduated him on his bronzed appear
ance. He asked for dance, but she had
not enc to give him. AS she was leav-
ing she suddenly turned as though she
had forgotten something, and looking
at him said: 81 forgot to congratulate
you on your marriage. hope it is not
too late. +"
He bowed. your congratulations are
SO sincere" he said, ''that they would
be apropos late or early. ;"
When he stood with his wife while
the guests were leaving and saw with
what manner she carried it all off-as
though she had been born in the good
land Of good breeding-he was moved
alternately with wonder and shame
shame that he had intended this noble
creature as a sacrifice to his ugly tenn
per and spite. When all the guests were
gone and the family stood alone in the
drawing room, silence suddenly fell
among them. Presently Marion said to
her mother in a half whisper, 81 wish
Richard were here "
They all felt tho extreme awkward
ness of the situation, especially when
Lali babe General Armour, Mrs Ar
mour and Marion good night and then,
turning to her husband, said, Good
night She did not even speak his
name. perhaps you would care to ride
tomorrow morning. I always go to the
park at 10, and this will be my last ride
of the season. "
Had she written out an elaborate
proclamation of her intended attitude
toward her husband it could not have
more clearly conveyed her mind than
this little speech, delivered as to a most
friendly acquaintance. General Armour
pulled his mustache fiercely, and, it is
possible, enjoyed the situation despite
its peril. Mrs. Armour turned to the
mantel and seemed tremulously engaged
in arranging some bric-a- brac. Marion,
however, with a fine instinct, slid her
arm through that of Lali and gently
said: eyes, of course Frank will be
glad of ride in the park. He used to
ride with mo every morning. But let us
go, us three, and kiss the baby good
night-'good night till we meet in the
morning. =" She linked her arm through
Franks and as she did so he replied to
Lal, Il shall be glad to ride i'll the
morning; butt
''Butwe can arrange it at breakfast, !"
said his wife hurriedly. At the same
time she allowed herself to be drawn
away to the hall with her husband
He was angry, but he knew he had no
right to be So He choked back his
wrath and moved On amiably enough,
and suddenly the fashion in which the
tables had been turned ON him struck
him with its tragic comedy, and he in
voluntarily smiled. His sense of humor
saved Him from words and acts which
might possibly have made the matter
pure tragedy after all. He loosed his
gym from Marion's.
II must bid orr father and mother
good night. Then / will join you both
lin the court of the king. And he
turned and went back and said to his
father rs hi kissed his mother, II am
had at an advantage, general. -
And serves you right, my boy. You
had the odds with you. She has cap
1 II