The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1900-07-13
PIER vI.-tcosr1susp.,


shine, and cold rains Of autumn con-
aned the ladies, for the most part, to
the house, they were ready to second
the proposition to seek their winter
quarters. Edward Withers was regu-
iarly installed as one of his brothers
household, and under his auspices city
life also put on new face for Con-
stance He had box at the opera, and
Elnathan was foremost to suggest that
thitAer.
'tThat is, when you are not engaged
to escort single ladies'" added the Sc
nior, with dry smile.
(Which will not happen often Il
can have my sisters company instead"
replied the other, cordially. "But can
not we make up family party of four
Cor tomorrow night? I can promise
you treat"
Musical treats, when they are op-
cratic, are thrown away upon me-" was
the answer. But I am anxious that
Constance shall keep up her practic-
ing. and, to this end, desire her 20 have
every opportunity of improving her
taste and style. You and she can give
home concerts of the latest gems in
this line for Harriet's benefit and
mine"
Harriet applauded the idea to the
echo. and was careful that he should
not regret the young peoples absence
on the evenings they spent abroad,
playing chess with him for couple of
hours, and then reading aloud none
tary or political articles selected by
himself until he dropped into a doze.
They were left thus to themselves more
and more as the season advanced. In
vitations to parties, concerts and din
ners rained in upon Mrs. and the
Messrs. Withers, and to most of these
Constance went. attended by Edward
only. Mr.. Withers had never been So
cial from inclination, and he was only
too glad to delegate his duties in this
line to his wife, now that the protec-
ton of his brother rendered his attend
ance unnecessary.
Constance did not confess in words
to herself how greatly her pleasure was
augmented by the exchange of escorts.
1t was natural that man of her hus-
bands age and disposition should pre-
fer his own fireside to dancing and
small talk, and wearisome feint of
hearkening to harmonies that were I'M
ineligible and without sweetness to
him. She enjoyed gay scenes with an
easier conscience that she did not see
his grave visage at every turn Of the
RI
ed by the thought of her selfishness in
having dragged him from his beloved
retirement. How much this feeling of
relief was intensified by the circum-
stance that her willing cavalier was the
most delightful talker, one of the best
dancers. and assuredly the most grace
fully attentive to his fair charge in the
Gordon of beaux who frequentad the
fashionable resorts just named, did
lions. She was on excellent terms with
herself and all about her at this juno
ture. The acquaintance who had
carped at her reserve and want of ami
nation in the few assemblies at which
she had appeared >as bride candidly
avowed that nothing could be more
charming than her affability and gay
good humor, and that she was far hand
somer than they had supposed at first
sight
The more captious subjoined, sub
rosa, that it was evident she app-eci-
ated Convenient worldly Mr.. Edward
Withers, and how fortunate she was in
securing the services Of an escort so
'unexceptionable in every particular,
:since her husband seemed to have re-
mounced society just as she fairly en-
tered it.
But" subjoined No. 2, audibly de-
livered, "peoplc had different ways Of
looking at these things, and 50 long as
Mr.. Withers lived happily with his
wife, and countenanced her in all that
:she did, whose business was it to mint
at improperly or misplaced conf
.dence?"
That Mr.. Withers did countenance
his wife in her lively career was not to
be denied. 1t gratified him to see her,
magnificently dressed, go forth to saith
erings at which, as he was sure to hear
afterward, she was the object Of gen
er2l aumlfdLlOu lUF uSr beauty ana VI
vacity. It tickled his vanity to have
her do the honors of his mansion to a
choice company Of Edwards friends
and hers-people in whose eyes he, the
.sedate millionaire, could never hope to
be more than the respectful representa-
tive Of his money bags They were glad
to congregate in his stately salon
now, to partake Of his fine old wines
and excellent viands and unite in laud-
atoms of the handsome woman who
bore his name. Adulation did not
spoil her, he was pleased to observe
She had never been more deferential
in her department to himself, more
ready to consult and obey him than
when the star of her popularity was
highest and brightest. In this she tes-
titled her good sense and feeling heart.
To whom should she be grateful and
dutiful II rot to her benefactor, the
architect Of her fortune and happiness
Association with him and with his
Z brother had developed her finely. He
took credit to himself for the penetra-
~ L. MOI S3atnofad "a Of an