Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1898-01-13

her.
THE play pleases you?" asked, in
low tone.
''Yes, indeed" she answered, with a
laughing light in her eyes. THE
husband is so droll! 1t is all very
amusing"
THE husband is always droll!"
/ remarked, smiling coldly. ut is not a
| temptation to marry when one knows
| that as a husband one must always
look ridiculous"
She glanced up at me,
"Cesare! You surely are not vexedT
OF course 1t is only in plays that it
happens so,'
plays, cara mia, are often nothing
but the reflex of real life" said
But let us hope there are exceptions,
and that all husbands are not FOOLS
She smiled expressively and sweetly,
toyed with the flowers ! had given
her, and turned her eyes again to the
stage, | said no more, and was a
somewhat moody companion for the
rest of the evening. As we all left the
theater one of the ladies who had ac
companied Nina said, lightly:
You seem dull and out Of spirits,
conte?"
| forced a smile.
Not |, signore! Surely you do not
find me guilty Of such ungallantry7
We're | dull In your company | should
prove myself the most ungrateful of
my sex"
She sighed somewhat impatlently.
Sac was very young and very lovely,
and, as far az | knew, innocent, and OF
a more thoughtful and poetical tenn
permanent than most women.
That is the mere language OF
compliment" she said, looking
ST. aightly at me- with her clear, can
did eyes. You are true courtier
Yet often | think your courtesy is re-
luctant."
| looked at her in some surprise.
Reluctant. Signoa. pardon me If
/ do not understand"
Il mean" she continued, still re-
gardlng me steadily. though faint
blush warmed the clear pallor of her
delicate complexion, that you do not
really like us women: you say pretty
things to us, you try to be amiable
in our company, but you are In truth
averse to our ways--you are sceptical
you think we are all hypocrites."
| laughed a little coldly
Really, signora. your words place
me in a very awkward position Were
to tell you my real sentiments ----"
She interrupted me with touch Of
gayely.
You would say, Yes, you are right,
signora. never see one Of your sex
without suspecting treachery.' All
Signor Contc, we women are indeed
full of faults, but nothing can blind
our instinct" She paused, and her
brilliant eyes s3ftened as she added
gently. II pray your marriage may be
II very happy one
/ was silent was not even courteous
enough to thank her for the wish.
was half angeled that this girl should
have been able to probe my thoughts
So quickly and unerringly. Was l sc
bad an actor after all? l glanced down
at her as she leaned lightly on my
arm.
Marriage is a mere comedietta,"
said, abruptly and harshly. I'VE
have seen it acted tonight. In few
days l shall play the part OF the chief
buIo0n--in other words, the hus-
band"
And / laughed. My young COM
paulon looked startled, almost fright
( ened and over her fair face there
dttted an EXPIRE ssiCn Of something like
/ eSeDson | did not care-why should
l'-dnd there was no time for more
words between us, for We reached the
outer yestibule OF the theater
My w,fes earr'dre was drawn up at
. 'N' 'NhANAAAN' MY WIG 4tibtAl NdS
stepping into it. / assisted her. and
also her two frnds, and then stood
/ with uncovered head at the door
wishing them an the "lelicjssima
Note" Nina PAT her tiny jeweled
uni through the carriage window
(. B stopped and kissed il lightly Draw
Ing 10 back quickly, she selected a
white gardenia from her bouquet and
save it t. me with n bewltghing smue,
Then the gliucrng eQUIpage dashed
away viii a whrl and clatter of
prMaIug hogfs and rapid wheels, and
stood alone under tho Wide portiCc
VI The ,heater alone, amid the press
na ta1oags Il he people who We're
! stu oming ont Of the house holding
I0e 50 aHsiy scented raedaua tn my
h#N aguly rs 4 fevered man VIII
tHds 3 reanga nwer Ii one If hits
sick dreams.
After minute Or two suddenly
! reeail.etgd myself and throwing the
blossom Ola tile ground. ! crushed Ii
tfxzB -.