Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1894-02-17
CHAPTER VII.

"What can be the matteri What have
done TO herf asked Annie OF herself. as
she thought of Sylvia. She was perfectly
ignorant of all that had passed between
her friend and George at Oaklayds. With
her straightforward nature, it was impos-
sible for her to imagine the jealousy and
low ambition that had grown up at her
side. and yet her for.1er friends cold and
disdaiuful air disturbed the tranquility
of her daily life.
To a polite reserve. singular enough
from person whom she had known so
intimately. suddenly snccce,ed an air of
energetic contempt, before which Annie
stood MS helplcssly astonished as before a
mathematical problem. Sometimes a
vange presentiment assailed her, sug-
gestion OF possible unhappiness; for
women are always more or less clear
sighted, and even those most innocent
and unsuspicious have marvellous intui-
tions. Occasionally Mrs. Speed would Won
der at Sylvia conduct. but her own life was
so full Of tender cares for husband. child,
and mother. that she had little time TO
spare for Sylvia's caprices. Had she been
still unmarried. this sudden destruction
of an old friendship would have deeply
panied her; but now all was changed. her
life had other interests. Even Sylvia's
marriage did not sstonish her. Florence
was to old. certainly; but what did that
matter il his wife loved himi
As TO being vexed that '.little Chipp"
had attained her present position, such
an idea had never entered Annie's mind.
Her nature was too generous for such
baseness. She had. on the contrary, sim
cerely hoped that the girl who lived be-
meath the same roof as herself would be
happy and contented in her new sphere.
In the most affectionate manner she
sought TO advise her. and to instruct her
in the ways of a world TO which as yet she
was a stranger.
Between two young and pretty women,
advice is easily exchanged. When Mrs.
Speed, on the day of large dinner party,
took Mrs. Florence into her dressing-room,
and said i'm a caressing ton. Too much
jewelry, dear; and then, you know, with
q high-necked dress. flowers are never
worn in the hair Sylvia colored and
thanked her friend, but in her heart of
hearts recorded fresh grievance against
her.
In Annie's circle, Sylvia had been coolly
received. The old aristocracy had its
pretensions and prejudices. but if you i'm
agipe that the mercantile community arc
without them, you are in error
The wives and daughters of all these
rich merchants knew little Chipp's story,
and, had they not known it, they would
have guessed it from her way Of present
ing herself to their notice. She was too
eager and too humble; about her fingered
something Of the shop-girl air; and the
scornfnl manner assumed sometimes re-
called those imposing young women in a
grand millinery establishment, who, with
fashionable friuges and trained black silks,
looked with utter contempt on the igno-
rant persons who attempted to make a
bargain.
Sylvia felt herself criticised and exam
ined. and she prepared for battle.
The names pronounced in her presence.
the entertainments, and the books OF
which they talked. were isl equally un-
known to her. Annie did her best to
place her at her ease. But among these
ladies', several thought Sylvia very pret-
ty, great deal too pretty others. vain OF
their wealth and their husbands success,
found II easy 10 be insolently condescend-
ing to the insoicnt little upstart. Sylvia,
however, included them all in the one
sweeping phrase: IF they are Annie's
friends. they are my enemies" she said
with intense bitterness.
The two men suspected nothing Of what
vas going ON between their wives. Flor
ence absorbed i'm his new invention, sat
half Of the night at his drawing board
Speed passed all his day away from home,
often dined Mt his club. and was rarely
seen at the factory. The fact was Syl-
Was vicinity trutled him. The passion
ate caprice he had had for her. and which
he had relinquished at his uncle's bidding
still haunted his memory and, feeling his
Gym weakness he SOUGHT safety in fight.
The evening of Florcncc's wedding.
when he himself was bridegroom but
Of few months. he had found that he
could not meet Sylvia with impunity.-
From that moment he avoided her socie-
ty,and rever by any chance did her name
pass his lips.
Unfortunately as they lived in the same
house, and as the ladies exchanged visits;
the prospect of meeting her Was always
before him. Thus il .ame to pass that the
young husband. determined TO do no
wmng. felt compelled to leave his home
and seek a refuge elsewhere.
Annie accepted this life ~ inevitable
Her father had accustomed her 10 inrcs-
SAINT though short s'tiirs ON busiusss,r and
an'inS her husbands abscr .. she in