The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1896-12-18
VOL. XLI---NO. 81

own condemnation. And We, there
fore, concern ourselves to make as
light of them as possible.
The wedding was solemnized before
a very small company, consisting
chiefly of the bridegroom's relations.
On Alice's side only an aunt or two,
and Bob-poor Bob-were present.
The ceremony was cold, stiff, and if
the truth must be told, gloomy. That
was scarcely wonderful. Bob, indeed
tried hard to hide her misery. But
those wan smiles were only the more
melancholy for the attempt, and her
very presence was a spectre at the
feast.
People said that that, if there was
such a thing as Providence in this
world of our, Alice would never find
happiness in her union with Armleigh
which she had contrived, so cruelty,
at the expense of her little sister.
True, Bob did get over the blow soon
er than might have been expected;
true, the faithful Gerald found favor
again in those childish eyes, and
something that he one day said to
her brought back to them the sparkle
of life and happiness. Yet this did
not in the least eXculpate Alice, who,
at the time of infiicting her unnatural
blow could never possibly have for
seen the happy conclusion.
The people who thus expressed
themselves had reason, by and by, to
be very cocktail hoop. There was such
thing as Providence in this world of
ours, and Alice Armleigh did not find
happiness in her union. A years
married life-a year, it was whispered
of quarrels ard contentions--proved
to be enough for both.
At the end of that period Armleigh
and Alice parted by mutual consent.
1t was, perhaps, pity that people
could not hear what words passed at
that final and irrevocable quarrel be-
tween Alice and Armleigh. 1t would
have modified their opinion about
Providence and other kindred matters
and have induced them, however I'M
willing, to view Bob's sister in some
what different light.
This last quarrel took place one
morning at breakfast. Alice had just
said something to her husband which
made him white with rage and morti-
fication.
do you mean me to understand
he demanded, fiercely, "that you mar
ried me simply to get me away from
that sister of yours, and for no other
reason?"
''Simply for that" answered his
wife, regarding him steadily with her
clear blue eyes. "Ah, l could read
your character better than you
thought. 1 was acquainted with
with--things about you--things
which might have been hard to prove
against you, and which 1 should
have been loath to prove before
that innocent child-things which
would have made your marriage with
her gross pollution. Yes, swear and
curse; am not afraid of you. Why
did l not tell my sister this? l did
tell her what ! could-all that was fit
for her to hear. But Bob was too
true, too faithful, too confiding to lis
ten to these tales against the man she
loved. She would have married you.
Nothing would have stopped her, un-
less an insupebable bar had interven-
ed. l (thank GodD have formed that
insuperable bar"
THAT, then, is why, after repelling
me first of all with your GOODNESS, you
afterward made such play to get me
back %
Exactly. When 1 saw that you
had entered our home to ruin one of
US, swore to myself that your victim
should not be Bob. 1t has not been
Bob, and / am satisfied"
She spoke in q tone of quiet tri-
umph which nearly maddened him.
He clenched his fist. l believe he
would have struck her, had she not
stood before him so fearless, so strong,
so scornful But her aspect cowed
him, and he centented himself with
string of coarse abuse.
You know what happened yester-
day." she confined, calmly, never
needing his vile words. Bob was
married to a good, true man, who
loves her and will make her happy.
All that aimed at is now accom-
plished. We have lived together long
enough Ronald Armleigh. mean to
leave you today-forever ~
And where. pray, shall you go,
madam ?' demanded Armleigh, try
ing to force a contemptuous laugh.
And what do you think will become
of your"
II do not know and do not care"
Then, as a beautiful smile beamed
for an instant upon that strong, calm
face, she added:
bob is safe and IL do not mat
ter. '-Truth.