The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1895-08-16


said, with great pride. why did you
never let me know Of it?"
"How could tell what you would
do?' she calmly replied. You married
me wicsedly and used me wickedly
sfterward. and loved the child"
''You loved the child" he repeated
after her. ''Lali, " he said, 81 don't de-
serve it, but forgive me, if You cam
for the child's sake. )"
"We had better go below" she calm
ly replied. "We have both duties to do.
You will Of course appear with mo
before them?"
The slight irony 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 were all
sxcellently 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 acquaintance
focked about him, and presently he
awakened to the fact that his Indian
wife had been all interest of the season
and was not the least admired person
present. TWAS 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. 1 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 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 half whisper, II wish
hlCnaTu were mere.
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
name. Perhaps you would care to ride
tomorrow morning. 1 always go to the
park at 10, and this will be my last ride
Of the season.
Had she written out an elaborate
of her intended attitude
toward her husband it could not have
moro 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
It's peril. Mrs. Armour turned to the
mantel and seemed TREMENDOUSLY engaged
in arranging some brio-a-brac. Marion,
1owever, with fine instinct, slid her
,rm through that of Lali and gently
said: Yes, of course Frank will be
glad of ride in the park. He used to
'ide with me every morning. But let us
20, us three, and kiss the baby good
night till we meet in the
morning. q" She linked her arm through
Franks, and as she did so he replied to
Iali, Il shall be glad to ride in the
butt
but we can arrange it at breakfast, -
aid his wife hurriedly. At the same
lime she allowed herself to be drawn
sway TO the hall with her husband
He was angry, bu. he knew he had no
light to be SO. He choked back his
wrath and moved on amiably enough,
md suddenly the fashion in which the
ables had been turned ON him struck
Tim with its tragic comedy, and he in
smiled. His sense of humor
aved him from words and acts which
night possibly have made the matter
pure tragedy after ell He loosed his
rm from Marion's.
II must bid our father and mother
,ood night. Then will join you both
in the court of the king And he
urned and went back and said to his
ather as no kissed his mother, "I am
lad at an advantage, general"