The Forrest City times., 1895-08-16
would stay at home, and was rewarded by an old-time kiss.


 groaned and muttered almost unin- telligible words. Leaning over him with visions of delirium in my mind I was sure caught an occasional word, even a phrase: ''She is beauty" O,I am sure he said that, and then Ariel Is a sumner" 1 woke him, but he de- nied having said a word Growled at being walked and was distinctly cross. But life lost even it's calm content for me. Yes, to be sure l had gotten ac- customed to dull, gray days, to weeks for this keen pain, this frightful jeal- ousy that took possession of me. Jack was in love. There was no manner of doubt of it. Did he have all the signs -abstracted, silent. troubled, with dreams of the beloved, unattainable object, whoever she was? He was very busy in the office, l knew, but there were the evenings, the cool. scented summer nights that had once been so sweet. Jack would bolt his dinner, kiss me perfunctorily. and rugh of. He had to meet a man at the club or he was going to fathers Father lived at the other end of town, but one even- ing l found my way out there. was ashamed of myself I hated the idea that could not trust my husband. I would not watch him. Still in spite of it all my feet turned in that direc- tion. Mechanically 1 took the car that led to the door of Jacks parental abode. l walked up to the veranda, on which sat merry group of young peo- pie. They greeted me cordially Where's Jack? Isn't he here?" I asked, with that sickening feeling at my heart that all jealous women know No, he hasn't been here for weeks" For weeks. And twice in the last week he had gone to fathers" 1 controlled myself bravely, laughed with the rest. and brother Will took me home An. cruel mockerv to call that bode of tears and sorrow home. Itwas home no long CT. With goodnight I let myself into the silent house and threw myself on my bed in a fit of hysterical sob- ping. Why, why did men make women love them only to neglect them, betray them! Why had Jack-my handsome. darling Jack-come into my happy life and taken me away only to forsake me so. Suddenly I heard ths we'll known step upon the pavement below. ] sprang to my feet and put out the light, then speedily disrobed and got into bed before he had locked the doors and made all secure downstairs. He was very slow, l thought. His step seemed to have lost it's elasticity. My heart contracted painfully as thought of his long hours of absence Where had he been? With whom had he spent those hours? I resolved I would be brave and cunning. I would not He hated tears. But I must be wise; 1 would not play the role of neglected, deceived wife any longer; hated de- ceit and treachery, but I would watch him: l would surprise his secret and then act. Jack came upstairs slowly, stifiy, it seemed to me. He fell over chair that in my hurry had left near the door. It must have hurt him frightfully, for I am sure he said bad word. Then he lighted the gas. and coming to the bed looked at me closely. l was sleeping quietly, se- renely; not a line on my face nor a hurried breath betrayed the seething tumult within me. He was satisfied. apparently, and turned away. I looked at him through half-closed eyes and could scarcely restrain myself. On his white brow a cruel mark. His clothing was muddy and disarranged. He drew of l,fc Slnx.,1,- sank into chair. l almost screamed, but my pride kept me still. Something terrible had happened to my husband. What could it have been? Had he met some relative of his inamorata's and one of those horrible scenes taken place with which the columns of our papers are full? Was it thus he re turned to his wife, the woman he had sworn to love and honor? As he sat sadly and disfgured in the armchair. seemingly too worn even to attempt to undress, heard him mutter between clenched teeth: II will win yet; will net be conquered by such a =" l lost the rest, but the dreadful tragedy was clear. It had been easy enough to win mel was a confiding fool-but this other one was not so lightly won. He had to encounter difficulties there. I made up my mind then and there to my course of action.
 Next day-even so soon as that my time came. I had been kind, but, as usual, had hidden my grief and pain. 1 would not have thought that I, inno- cent, trusting girl that was but few short months ago, could have devel- oped into watchful, doub ble-faced wom-