Waterbury evening Democrat., 1895-03-02

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 The door closed, lcaUtng q stately figure
 Stdnding just Inside it. his thought, she added: You see, it is our last affair of the season, and we are all anxious to do our duty perfectly. Will you go down with me? We can talk afterward. "
 Her continued self possession utterly confused him. She had utterly confused Marion also when told that her husband was in the house. She had had presenti- ments, and besides she had been school ing herself for this hour for long time. She turned toward the door.
 "Brt," he asked like a supplicant, "our cAild? want to see our child.
 She lifted her eyebrows. Then, seeing the photograph of the baby on the table, understood how he knew. Come with me, then" she said. with a 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, as though to warn hi:u against any demonstration. Then they entered. She went over to the cot and drew back the fleccy curtain from over the sleeping boys head. His fingers hungered to take his child to his arms ''He is magnificent, nlagnificentH" he said, with q great pride. Why did you never let me know of it?''
 How could l tell what you would do?" she calmly replied. You married me wickedly and used me wickedly afterward. and loved the child "
 "You loved the child!" he repeated after her. 'I.ali, !" he said, II don't de- serve it, but forgive me. if you can- for the child's sake. l."
 i've had better go below" she calm ly replied. We have both duties to do You will of course appear with me before thcnl:'
 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, Ito appear cheerful before one $ guests. "
 She had him at all 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. "Yes, with your kind help-and ab- sencc," 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 nows 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 f1ocked 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. Itwas 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 a 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: "I 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 off-a: 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 a sacrifice to his ugly tenn, per and spite. When all the guests were gone and the family stood alone in tht drawing room, silence suddenly fel among them. Presently Marion said tC her mother in a half whisper, 1T wisl Richard were here"
 They all felt the extreme awkward ness of the situation, especially wher Lali bade General Armour, Mrs. Ar mour and Marion good night and then turning to her husband, said, "GooC night" She did not even speak hi name. Perhaps you would care to rid' tomorrow morning always go to thu park at 10, and this will be my last ridt of the season.
 Had she written out an elaboratt proclamation of her intended attitude toward her husband it could not have more clearly conveyed her mind thai this little speech, delivered as to a mos friendly acquaintance. General Armour pulled his mustache fiercely, and, it i possible, enjoyed the situation despit, its peril. Mrs Armour turned to tn, mantel and seemed tremulously engaged In arranging some bric-a-brac. Marion however, with fine instinct. slid he