The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1895-03-22

| remember she had very pretty laugh,
though it was not often heard, and low
musical voice, that most excellent thing
in woman. AS we came down the aisle
man and wife, felt her hand tremble as
it rested on my arm. Cold, dull and plain.
Those three adjectives, had felt sure. de-
scribed her. Now I began to wonder if l
had judged fairly,-if after all, she might
not be capable of deep feeling. l rather
hoped not; it is difficulty to satisfy, when
you have nothing to give. The whole af-
fair-our marriage. mcan-had been con-
ventional in the extreme. The social posi-
ton of my family more than compensated,
in her relatives eyes, for lack of the
cash they possessed in abundance. The
lectured, drilled in my part, which, being
very young, ambitious, and still heart
whole, played not badly. But of the
girl herself, the woman | had married,
knew little and cared to know less. When
we were alone for the first time, in our
compartment in the vestibuled train,
tried to take her hand to say few of the
nothings which fancied were expected of
me. 1t was hard work | was relieved
when she shrank away, begged me to call
her maid, and at last pretended to read.
While trying to do the same, am ashamed
to say, | fell asleep. Thus auspicously
began our married life,-a prelude to what
followed
Inevitably we driftcd apart, if we can
ever be said to have been together. At
first was not unhappy; the chain was so
light, so gilded, | scarcely felt its real
strength. But in every mans life there
comes time when one woman touches
his heart and engrosscs mind, ina gination.
| was not to escape this experience. can
smile as | recall how | rang the changes
on the same old theme into the ears of a
well-worn beauty, yet | realize now what
it must have cost my wife to watch friend
ly indifference change to an attitude ofin
tense irritation. Unfortunately was not
diplomatic enough to conceal my real
feelings. In word, l was in love for the
first time, but not with my wife.
We separated quietly, without scandal
or the divorce court. l outlived and out
grew my first heart episode, and a good
many others; they taught me many things
respect for my wifes purity of character
But had become so used to my resumed
bachelor life that Inever dreamed of relin
gushing it again. Wemet seldom. Once
travelling on the same steamers, we drifted
for few hours into each others lives. 1t
was a rough night, a high sea was running,
and, as paced the deck, | noticed a soli-
tary steamer chair lashed to the ratings
Inspired by idle curiosity, peered through
the gray storm gloom down at the muffled
occupant. 1t was my wife. If we had
been two characters in il novel, no doubt a
reconciliation would have ensued under
such circumstances; but, as it happened,
only few civil words were exchanged,
and we parted again.
Years passed; of my life the freshest,
most active part was over, for, in spite of
perfect physical health, at fifty man has
begun to taste the dregs in the cup of pleas
ure. Then it was that vague want that
material comforts could not satisfy made
itself felt in my perfectlyorderc life.
Having decided that | was lonely, and that
men as companions were failures and bores,
| made up my mind to a certain step. |
wrote to my wife, asking her to see me-.
The request was granted | was both re-
lieved and delighted to find her so amend
able, so easily convinced; it almost atoned
for her lack of personal beauty.
Again, with easy adaptability the role of
a domestic man was assumed: and the pi-
quancy of the situation amused me. | had
passed the age of violent emotions, | as
sured myself: now enter the respectable
elderly gentleman. Formv wfe's attitude
had only praise; her quiet acceptance of
nv surface devotion deserved and received
its need of admiration. She had improved