The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1895-08-22
MY RIVAL.
BY LEON ABBY.

fore But, after the nODle 1aSnlOn OF
men, having gotten possession of the
desired object, and being sure that
the heart of that object belonged en-
tirely and wholly to him, he had ceased
to make much effort to show his affec-
ton, or even keep it up to normal heat.
Occasionally there was relapse to the
old loverlil1e devotion, little anxiety
on his part to give me some of his So
ciety, 4 little recreation, bit of fun in
the shape of an old-time jaunt that
used, alas! to be SO many and Law were
SO rare.
But, on the whole, things moved on
IN jog-tro 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, a pretty
matron ten years my senior, men are
not put up as we are, unfortunately no.
In proportion as woman grows fond
they grow cold. Never were words
more truly written than Byron's
Love is of mans life thing apart,
etc. l had to get used to it myself
and ! shed buckets of tears the first
year Tom and l were married. The
first night he staid at the club till one
and smelled frightfully of wine when
he got home | nearly had a fit. |
cried and vowed ! should go back to
dear mamma. But l 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 an opera
singer would arouse my indignation"
| thought Theo heartless; the future
she pictured seemed dreary one, but
| gradually fell into that very state of
mind. grew to be servilely grateful
for the crumbs of old-time tenderness
that fell to my lot, and even some times
congratulated myself that Jack re-
Trained from actually being unkind.
Such is the humility of women and
dogs.
But there came change. l thought
| was hardened to almost as much
as Cousin Theo, but l found that
things had not been so bad that they
could not be 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 if business was going wrong.
He would rouse himself, answer hast
lily, and, getting his hat, go off hur-
riedly. There were many little SER
mons preached on economy about this
time; the duty of woman to save tour
income was a very moderate one).
When | spoke of trip to the country,
the proposition met with ominous
silence at first. Then could go alone
this year" Didn't think it was about
as pleasant at home as anywhere,
Now, in our little country trips Jack
had seemed more like the dear old fell
low who had wooed and won me in the
sweet past. | was loath to give it up.
But my heart had taken in these Oft
repeated lessons as to woman's duty.
Visions of selfish wives Haunting gayly
their dear lords at home were SUBJ
merged by waves of care, loaded down
by bulk of work, rose before me. No.
l would not be selfish, said bravely;
would stay at home, and was rewarded
by an oldtime kiss.
But the atmosphere did not clear.
Jack tossed restlessly in his sleep. He
groaned and muttered almost unin-
telligible words. Leaning over him
with visions of delirium in my mind
was sure l caught an occasional word,
even phrase: "She is beauty" o, |
am sure he said that, and then Ariel
is 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 l had gotten ac-
customed to dull, gray days, to weeks
of monotony, but l was not prepared
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
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 off.
He had to meet 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. l hated the idea
that could not trust my husband.
would not watch him. Still in spite
of it all my feet turned in that direc-
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 here?"
asked, with that sickening feeling at
my heart that all jealous women know
mo, he hasn't been mere 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 COX me home. All!
cruel mockery to call that abode of tears
and sorrow home! 1t was home no long