The Forrest City times., 1895-08-16
MY RIVAL.
BY LEON ABBY.

was sure Jack loved me He had, In an intermittent sort of way, ever since we were married three years be- 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 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 loverlike devotion, a little anxiety dn hIs part to give me some of his so- ciety, little recreation, a bit of fun in the shape of an old-time jaunt that used, alas. to be so many and now were so 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 enc. Men, my dear said my Cousin TEeo, 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. 1 had to get used to it myself and l 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. 1 nearly had it. cried and vowed l should go back to dear mamvna. But 1 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 eloping 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 sometimes congratulated myself that Jack re- trained from actually being unkind. Such is the humility of women and dogs.
 
 l 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 distrait. When he had read the paper, instead of his usual polite inquiries after my health, occupations, etc, he relapsed int tx nf ath was certainly troubling him. l was sorry for him; even ventured to put a caressing hand on his soft brown hair, and ask if business was going wrong. He would rouse himself, answer hast fly, and, getting his hat, go off hur- riedly. There were many little ser mons preached on economy about this time; the duty of a woman to save Jour 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 nleasant at 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. l 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 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 me. No l would not be selfish. l said bravely; 1