The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-08-24

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on her part, was a little shocked at
the change in Peg. 1t had been SO
gradual that Ned, though rebellious
at times, did not half realize it. The
three sat on the porch till after mid
night, talking together. Or rather,
Sally and Ned talked; Peg listened,
slipping away every now and then to
''see to things" Mary could not set
the mullins just to perfection, and
there was particular kind of GRO
quotes she never trusted to any one
but herself.
Ned evidently enjoyed himself,
"She has done us good already" said
Peg triumphantly, in the privacy of
their own room. Ned said little; he
was literally dazzled by the bright,
gifted woman. Peg slipped down
early, to make sure of the mullins
and croquettes; by breakfast time
she was too tired to eat or join in the
bright conversation.
For the first time, Ned wearied of
his school duties; he longed to take
the new friend out for drive. 1t is
so delightful to show our favorite
haunts to fresh eyes! He intended
to hire double carriage, that all
might go, but at noon Peg begged to
be counted out. as she had something
to attend to; the fact being that
Mary had spoiled the dessert and
she must make something in it's
place.
The weeks slipped by; indeed, to
Ned, time seemed to fly. Sally en-
joyed everything keenly; she insisted
on sharing Pegs household cares,
but what was mere fun to healthy
woman, who slept and ate we'll, was
becoming an intolerable burden to
over-anxious, troubled Peg. Was
Peg Jealous? She would have turned
any one out of the house who dared
to hint at any cause for jealousy.
Yet-"she was tired" she said to her.
self, as she sat alone on the piazza,
Sally and Ned having gone for a
stroll on the beach. She had urged
them to go, she loved to see how much
good Sally did Ned. Yet, as the
beautiful October days came on
bringing the anniversary of their
marriage, Peg questioned herself
sharply. Why was she not fascinat-
ing9 Why had she grown careless as
to her looks? She was more to Ned
than pretty home or delicate dishes!
Had she become merely his house
keeper9 Yesterday Peg had heard
the two talking gaily while she was
making cake in the kitchen, but when
she Joined them Ned had hardly
word to sayl Was he vexed with her?
Tomorrow was their sixth wedding
day. Her mother had once said
mother, who died the year she grad
uated), "The first five years of mar
ried life are a mixture of rapture,
questionings, mistakes and correc-
tions; but if it is true marriage they
end in peace" Had it been so with
them? She was too weary to fret
much, but dropped asleep, thinking
of Ned, longing to hear him say, with
the rapture of five years ago: "My
own dear wifel"
They had strolled on, forgetting
the walk back, talking of their aims
in life, for Sally had accepted po-
sition as professor of Biology in
promising western college. Sally
liked to talk, Gas she often said, sit
was her besetting SIM and Ned was
good listener. Suddenly Sally
stopped short: "Why," she said, "we
have come too far! ought to have
told you, / needed to go back early.
| did not like to tell dear Peg before
tea-time, but l received letter today
that makes it necessary for me to
start for college tomorrow"
Ned's heart died within him. She
told it so suddenly, or he would have
controlled himself. 81 can't bear it, /"
he said passionately, 81 have been a
new man since you came"
The moment the words were spok-
en- he felt thoroughly ashamed of
them and began confused apology.
She stopped him by quick gesture.
"Mr. Silverthorn" she said, "say not
one word. have something to say