The Monticellonian., 1895-08-23
MY RIVAL.
BY LEON ABBY.

since we were married three years De- fore. But, after the noble fashion of men, having gotten possession of the deslred 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 tion, or even keep it up to normal heat. Occasionally there was relapse to the old loverlilSe devotion, little anxiety dn hls 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, alasl to be so many and now were so rare.
 But. on the whole, things moved on Tn 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 one. "Men, my dear" said my Cousin Theo. I 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 I shed buckets of tears the first year Tom and 1 were married. The first night he staid at the club till one and smelled frightfully of wine when he got home. 1 nearly had fit. l cried and vowed I should go back to dear mamma. 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 a dreary one, but I gradually fell into that very state of mind l grew to be servilely grateful for tbe 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.
 But there came change. thought I was hardened to almost as much as Cousin Theo, but 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 into deep fits of reverie. Something was certainly troubling him. l 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 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 very moderate one). When l 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 fel- 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 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. 1 would not be selfish, said bravely; l would stay at home, and was rewarded by an old-time 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 l was sure 1 caught an occasional word, even phrase: "She is beauty" o, am sure he said that, and then Ariel is sumner 1 woke him, but he de- nied having said word. Crowded at being walked and was distinctly cross. But life lost even its calm content for me. Yes, to be sure 1 had gotten ac- customed to dull, gray days, to weeks of mouotony, but 1 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 -abstracted, silent, troubled, with dreams of the beloved, unattainable object, whoever she was? He was very busy in the office, l 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. l would not watch him. Still in spite of it all my feet turned in that direc- tion Mechanically l took the car that led to the door of Jacks parental abode. l walked up to the yeranda, on which sat merry group of young peo- pie. They greeted me cordially
 Where's Jack? Isn't he here?" l asked, with that sickening feeling at my heart that all jealous women know.
 No, he hasn't been here for weeks" For weeks And twice in the last week he had gone to fathers" l controlled myself bravely, laughed with the rest, and brother Will took me home. Ahi cruel mockerv to call that abode of tears