The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1895-08-24

his long hours Of absence. where hnA
he beenf With whom had be spent those
hoursf I resolved would be brave and
cunning. would not annoy him by any
more useless tears. He hated tears. But j
must bo wise. would not play the role OF
neglected. deceived wife any longer. I
hated deceit and treachery, but would
watch him. 1 would surprise his secret
and then act.
Jack came up stairs slowly, stifiy, It
seemed to me. He fell over chair that in
my hurry had left near the door. II
must have hurt him frightfully, for am
sure he said bad word. Then he lighted
the gas, and coming to the bed looked al
me closely. I was sleeping quietly, serene
ly. Not line on my face nor hurried
breath betrayed the seething tumult with.
in me- He was satisfied apparently and
turned away. I looked at him through
half closed eyes and could scarcely restrain
myself.
On his white brow was cruel mark. His
clothing was muddy and disarranged. He
drew of his cont slowly and painfully and
sank into a chair. almost screamed, but
my pride kept mo still. Something terri
Bile had happened to my husband. What
could 1t have beenp
Had he met some relative of his ina
morata and one of those horrible scenes
taken place with which the columns OF our
papers are fullf Was 1t thus he returned
to his wife, the woman he had sworn to
love and honors AS no sat sadly and dis
figured In the armchair, seemingly too worn
even to attempt to undress, heard him
mutter between clinched teeth: "I will
win yet. will not be conquered by such
a. lost the rest, but the dreadful
tragedy was clear 1t had been easy
60, ~, r nnnAItr,a
but this other one was not SO lightly
won. He had to encounter difficulties
there. made up my mind then and there
to my course Of action.
Next day, even so soon as that my time
came. had been kind; but, as usual, j
had hidden my grief and pain. would
not have thought that I, innocent, trust
ing girl that was but q few short months
ago, could have SO developed into watch
full, double faced woman, but sorrow is
thorough teacher. When Jack came to
dinner TINT night he had his fidus Achates
with him-Harry Fleming, gay bachelor,
and who felt sure WINS jacks confdant,
of whom indeed had been little jealous
once, but now 1 hardly knew whether to
join hands with him as one who betrayed
or to look on him as a confederate of my
faithless husband.
His greeting was as warm and cordial
as of yore, and as he held my hand felt
little bit Of warmth steal into my poor,
cold heart. After dinner tho gentlemen
smoked their cigars on the veranda. / sat
just inside the long windows and touched
the keys softly. How often had sat so,
just where could see Jacks curly head,
his beautiful profile and have been sure
that when struck some familiar chord be
would turn and smile. Ali Then and
nowl
He was oblivious to me, of my music.
stopped playing. 1 caught snatches Of con-
versation. Harry's voice fell on my car,
swell, old fellow, howl you getting on
WITH The hateful word was lost as
an electric car dashed by. Then Jack
said: "Slowly. am almost discouraged,
will admit. Would you like to go and
see her?" Then he glanced into the shad
owy room. "You there Nellp' / made
no answer. stopped to eavesdrop. Was
1 not justifled' They arose. went from
the back door into the hail. and as Jnck
called out, "Nell, we're going to tho club, +"
answered calmly, but as they went to the
gate sprang to the closet, snatched long
cloak and hat and veil, and when the men
got on the car a woman followed them to
whom they gave not even a glance.
The car dashed on. The yelled woman
| in the corner shivered with excitement
| Down in the heart of the city the two men
stepped off and made their way closely
followed by their fellow passenger, to a
| long low building. now lighted up and
from where sounds of music issued.
recognized the place. 1t was the armory,
where our brave militia were wont to gath
or, and which was more often the scene Of
u concert, fair, dog show or some such ex-
| hibltion.
1 had forgotten in my excitement to
glance at the sign that was won't to show
to outsiders the nature of tho scene with
in, passed close behind Jack and his
friend, still unobserved. The big doors
swung behind us. My heart beat wildly.
Was tho mystery to be cleared up2 Was