The Red Cloud chief., 1898-12-09
MY POOR WIFE.

BY j. P. SMITH.


pleasant time in town. Was II not
very hot 2"
looked at her uneasily, and was
startled by the great change in her ap-
pearance-3o startled that I did not
speak for n minute.
MY absence does not seem to have
agreed with you. Nell,' l said, with a
forced sprightliness, and pinching her
wan cheek. Il must not let you try
q spell OF widowhood for some time
again."
ooh, there's nothing particular the
matter with me-" she returned gently,
Withdrawing from my touch. ''There
goes the luncheon bell. BE quick and
get ready. Paul; we must not keep our
guest waiting, you know"
n scarcely spoke or ate anything
during the meal. but sat with downcast
eyes, listlessly playing with her knife
and fork. The oftencr l glanced at
her the more painfully I was struck
by the change in her looks. Intensified
by contrast with Edith's rose-tinted
cheeks, sparkling eyes, and gay, sweet
laugh. Her skin had completely lost
Its clear, healthy hue, and was gray
n Opaque, her eyes were sunken and
dull. II there was a hard, harsh line
about her mouth that robbed her face
of its youthful appearance.
Helen" l said %anxiously, following
her from tho room when she was leav.
ing to dress for tho garden party ut
the Grange. II do not think you are
well enough to go to the party. You
had much better remain quietly at
home, and I'll get DR.. Finlay to pre-
scribe you a tonic that will bring back
your color and appetite"
There is nothing the matter with
me, / tell you. Why do you worry
so, Paul. and try to prevent ME from
going to the party I have been so look
Ing forward to? won't stay at home
-there!"
! drew back. almost d%umbfounded by
the violent ~querulousness Of her tone,
and said nothing more.
Arrived at the Grange, I was stopped
by an old Indian friend, and lost sight
Of my party for Some time. I was try
ing to find them-at least, my wife,
who ! knew still felt shy and Ill at ease
among the notabilities OF the county,
and give her the support Of my coun-
tenance, when l was detained by my
hostess, who exclaimed animatedly:
"Ah, here you arc at last, Mr.. Den
nys! have been looking for you
everywhere to make up q set OF ten
MIS-"
THANK YOU" I said hastily. 81 am
looking for my wife. She was so poor
ly this afternoon that I wanted her to
go to bed instead Of coming to your
charming party"
"Poorly-your wife!" exclaimed La
dy H%ernshaw, gazing at me in genuine
establishment. "Mr. Dennys, why ev-
eryone Is commenting on her appear
ance! I never saw her look so we'll;
scarcely recognized her at first! Why,
she is the attraction OF the afternoon;
the men are flockIng round her like
bees round a honey-pot, and I am per-
fectly distracted trying to find partners
for those yards OF unfortunate girls
lining the tennis ground. Do help me
make up a few sets. or''--with a mean
Ing glance in the direction my eyes
had also taken--"send your invalid
wife home to bed at once"
l looked stupidity at my invalid
wife," She was reclining on a couch
Of cushions under a spreading chest
nut tree" surrounded by q crowd OF
young men, her host. a very handsome,
dissipated looking man Of %, kneeling
at her feet holding q plate Of straw
berries and cream, while others were
%treasuring her parasol and her fan. all
which overpowering attention she was
receiving with the naughty ease and
careless aplomb Of a professional beau
ty OF five years standing-my Helen,
who. but a month before, would have
turned away with a scared blush from
the careless glance Of a stranger.
yes" | responded slowly, turning to
my hostess. you are right, Lady Hern-
shaw; my poignant anxiety is relieved
for the moment. Pray command my
services in the tennis ground"