The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-09-27

point. "Wo viii 10 cheerful, then,
was his reply, spoken with grim kind
of huinor. "You have learned it all,
haven't you?" he added
They were just entering the ballroom.
"Yes, 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 Frank 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 a deserter and new acquaintance
flocked about him, and presently he
awakened to the fact that his Indian
wife had been an interest of tho season
and was not the least admired person
present. 1t was altogether too good lucl;
for him, but he had an uncomfortable
convictiIn 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
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 of--as
though she had been born in the good
land Of good hreeding-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, a silence suddenly fell
among them. Presently Marion said to
her mother in half whisper, II wish
Richard were here"
They all felt the extreme awkward
ness Of the situation, especially when
Lali bade 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 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 be
glad Of ride in the park. He used to
ride with me 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 30 he replied to
Lah, II shall be glad to ride in the
morning butt
"But we can arrange 1t 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 nc
right to be so. He choked back his
wrath and moved on aniably 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 humol
saved him from words and acts which
might possibly have made the matte,
pure tragedy after all He loosed his
arm from Mar1on's
iTo BE Continued