Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1895-12-05
MY RIVAL


Twas sure Jack loved me. He had.
in IN intermittent sort Of way, ever
since we were married three years b.
fore. But, after the noble fashion Of
men, having gotten possession OF the
desired object, and being sure that
the heart Of that object belonged ec-
tirely and wholly to him, he had ceased
TO make much effort to show his a6ec-
ton, or even keep It up to normal heat.
Occasionally there was q relapse to the
old loverlike devotion, . little anxiety
on his part to give me some Of his 10
ciety, . little recreation, = bit Of fun in
the shape Of IN old-time jaunt that
used, alas! to be 10 many and now were
20 rare.
but, on the whole, things moved on
in . jog.trot way, varied once in awhile
by = burst Of tears and sobs from me,
that at first he tried to soothe and from
which at last he rushed away. Some
Of my older friends told me my ex-
perience was the usual one. Men, my
dear" said my Cousin Theo, pretty
matron ten years my senior, men are
not put up as we are, unfortunately no.
In proportion Is woman grows fond
they grow cold. Never were words
more truly written than Byrons
Love is Of mans life = thing apart,
etc. l had to get used to II myself
and | shed buckets Of tears the first
year Tom and were married. The
first night he staid 1t the club till one
and smelled frighttully Of wine when
he got home. | nearly had at. l
cried and vowed should go back to
dear mamma. But didn't, and now
we get on comfortably. The bills are
my greatest sorrow, and nothing short
OF the sight Of Tom actually kissing
the cook or clipping with m opera
singer would arouse my indignation"
thought Theo heartless; the future
she pictured seemed . dreary one, but
l gradually fell Into that very state OF
mind. Igrew to be servilely grateful
for the crumbs OF old-time tenderness
that fell to my lot, and even sometimes
congratulated myself that Jack re-
Trained from actually being unkind.
Such is the humility Of women and
dogs.
But there came change. Thought
was hardened to almost 40 much
as Cousin Theo, but found that
things had not been SO bad that they
could not DO worse.
Jack grew more and more distract.
When he had read the paper instead
Of his usual polite inquiries after my
health, occupations, ETC., he relapsed
into deep fits Of reverie. Something
was certainly troubling him. was
sorry for him; even ventured to put
caressing hand on his soft brown hair,
and ask II business was going wrong
He would rouse himself, answer hast
lily, and, getting his hat, 20 of hur-
riedly. There were many little SER
mons preached on economy about this
time, the duty Of . woman to save Jour
income was q very moderate one).
When | spoke Of trip to the country,
the proposition met with ominous
silence at lrst. Then "could 70 alone
this year" Didn't think It was about
Is pleasant OF home as anywhere.
Now, in our little country trips Jack
had seemed more like the dear old fel-
low who had wooed and won me In the
sweet past. was loath to give 1t up
But my heart had taken in these Oft
repeated lessons as to woman's duty.
Visions Of selfish wives Haunting gayly
at seashore and mountain resorts while
their dear lords at home were sub
merged by waves OF care, loaded down
by bulk Of work, rose before nc. No.
would not be selfish, said bravely; |
would stay at home, and was rewarded
by an old-time kiss.
But the atmosphere did not clear.
Jack tossed restlessly in his sleep. He
rroaned and muttered almost unin-
tclligible words. Leaning over him
with visions OF dellrium in my mind |
was sure caught an occasional word,
even a phrase. "She is beauty" 0, |
am sure he said that, and then "Ariel
| Is a sumner" woke him, but he de-
MED having said word Crowded at
being walked and was distinctly cross.
But life lost even Its calm content for
me. Yes, to be sure ! had gotten &C.
customed to dull, gray days, to weeks
Of monotony, but ! was not prepared
for this keen pain, this frightful jeal-
ousy that took possession Of me- Jack
was in love. There WIS no manner OF
doubt Of 1t. Did he have all the signs
distracted, silent, troubled, with
dreams of the beloved, unattainable
object, whoever she was? He was very
busy In the office, 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 q man at the club or
he was going to fathers. Father lived
at the other end Of town, but one even
ing found my way out there. was
ashamed Of myself. | hated the idea
that | could not trust my husband. !
would not watch him. Still In spite
Of II all my feet turned In that dlrec-
ton. Mechanically 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 here7" l
asked, with that sickeninR feeling at
nv heart that all jealous women know.
mo, he hasn't been here for weeks"
For weeks! And twice In the last week
he had gone to fathers" controlled
myself bravely, laughed with the rest,
and brother Will took me home. Ali
cruel mockery to call that abode Of tears
and sorrow homel TWAS home no long
er. With a goodnight ! let myself
into the silent house and threw myself
on my bed in ct Of hystericsl sob