The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-09-20


tho photograph of the baby on the table,
understood how he knew. Come with
me, then," she said. with little more
feeling
She led the way through the hall and
paused at her door. Remember that
we have to appear among the guests di-
rectly," she said, Rs though to warn
him against any demonstration. Then
they entered. She went over to riIe COT
and drew back the fieecy curtain from
over the sleeping boy' head. His fingers
hungered to take his child to his arms.
"He is magnificent, magnificent" he
said, with a great pride. why did you
never let me know of it?'
"How could / tell what You would
do?" she calmly replied. "You married
me wiclEedly and used me wickedly
sfterward, and loved the child"
You loved the childl" he repeated
after her. 'Lali, he said, 81 don't do
serve it, bat forgive me, If you can
for the child's sake"
"We had better go below" she calm
" replied. 1--WE have both duties TO do.
You will of course appear with me
before them?"
The slight irony in the tone cut him
horribly. Ho offered his arm in silence.
They passed into the hall and TO the
staircase. 1T 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 you?' 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
ther and mother Their parts were all
excellently played. Then Frank mingled
among the guests, being very heartily
greeted, and heard congratulations on
all sides. Old club friends rallied him
as deserter and new acquaintances
fockci 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
vitations 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 one 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
80 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 il all of-as
though sho 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 tho family stood alone in the
drawing room, a silence suddenly fell
among them. Presently Marion said 10
her mother in half whisper, II wish
Richard were here.
They all felt the 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
nalno. perhaps you would care to ride
tomorrow morning. / always go to the
park at 10 and this will be my last ride
of the season.
Had she written ont 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 fine instinct, slid her
arm through that Of Lali and gently
said: eyes, Of course Frank will DO
glad of n ride in the park. He used to
ride with me every morning. But let MS
go, us three, and kiss the baby good
night--'good night till we meet in the
morning. q" She linked her arm through
Franks, and rs she did so he replied TO
Lali, II shall be glad, 60 ride in the
morning, but
"But we can arrange IL at breakfast. J"
said his wife hurriodly. At the same
time she allowed herself 10 be drawn