Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-03-03

eyes met his with a dark expression
of the uttermost anger. SPY" she
Kissed between her teeth,-then with
out further word or gesture, she swept
haughtily away into her dressing
room, which adjoined the boudoir, and
closed the door of communication
thus leaving the two men alone to-
gether.
Errington felt himself to be in a
most painful and awkward position
II there was anything he more than
disliked, it was scene-particularly
of domestic nature. And he had
Just had glimpse into Lord and Lady
Winsleighs married life, which to him
was decidedly unpleasant. He could
not understand how Lord Winslegh
had become cognizant of all he had SO
frankly stated-and hen, why had he
not told him everything at first, with
out waiting to declare it in his wifes
presence? Unless, indeed, he wished
to shame ler? There was evidently
something in the mans disposition
and character that he, Philip, could
rot as yet comprehend, something
that certainly puzzled him, and filled
him with vague uneasiness.
"Winsleigh, Pm awfully sorry this
has happened" he began hurriedly,
holding out his hand.
Lord Winsieigh grasped it cordially
my dear fellow, SO am l! Heartily
sorry! l have to be sorry for good
many things rather often. But Pm
specially grieved to think that your
beautiful and innocent young wife
Is the victim in this case. Unfortun-
ately was told nothing till this morn
ing, otherwise l might possibly have
prevented all your unhappiness. But
| trust it won't be of long duration.
Here's this letter." he returned 1t as
he spoke, which in more than one
way has cost So large a price. Pos
sibly her ladyship may now regret her
Ill gotten purchase"
Pardon me-" said Erington curious
ly, but how did you know"
THE information was pressed upon
me very much" replied Lord Wins
leigh evasively, land from such a
source that up to the last moment |
almost refused to believe it." He
paused, and then went on with a
forced smile, Suppose we don't talk
any more about it, Errington? The
subjects rather painful to me. Only al
low me to ask your pardon for my
wife's share in the mischief"
Something in his manner of speak
ing affected Sir Philip,
Upon my soul, Winsleigh," he eX-
claimed with sudden fervor, II fancy |
you're a man greatly wronged!"
Lord Winsleigh smiled slightly.
: You only fancy?" he said quietly.
: We'll, my good friend, we all have
our troubles dare say mine are no
greater than those of many better
men" He stopped short, then asked |
abruptly, 81 suppose you'll see Len
rox?"
Errington set his teeth hard. Il
shall,-at once!" he replied And
shall probably thrash him within an
inch of his life!"
That's right! ] shan't be sorry"
and Lord Winsleigh's hand elenched
almost unconsciously. Il hope you
understand, Errington, that il it hadn't
been for my son, l should have shot
that fellow long ago. ! dare say you
wonderland some others too, why
| haven't done it. But Ernest-poor
little Chap--he would have heard
of it,--and the reason of it,-his young
life Is involved in miue-why should
| bequeath him dishonored mothers
I anne? There, for heavens sake, don't
let me make fool of myself" and he
liercely dashed his hand across his
eyes. "A duel or divorce-or
horsewhipping-they al come to pretty
much the same thing-all involve pub
lie scandal for the name OF the woman
who may be unhappily concerned
and scandal clings, ike the stain on
/ ady Macbeths hand. In your case
you can act-your wife is above
shadow Of suspicion-but l---oh, my
God! how much women have to an
swer for in the miseries OF this world!'
Errington said nothing. Pity and
respect for the man before him held
him silent. Here was one of the mar
tyrs OF modern social life-a man who
evidently knew himself to be dishon-
ored by his wife,-and who yet, for
the sake OF his son, submitted to be
daily broken on the wheel OF private
torture rather than let the boy grow
up to despise and slight his mother.
Whether he were judged as wise or
weak in his behavior there was surely
noble about him! some
t. ing unselhsh and heroic that de-
served recognition. Presently Lord
continued in calmer tones
1--WE been talking too much about
myself, Errington, | fear-forgive 1t!
Sometimes I've thought you misunder-
stood me-"
ITO be Continued.)