The Marble times and Crystal silver lance., 1900-12-14

itures you please, all of the housekeep-
ing money of course, to be included in
that sum-"
The poor bride made a grasp for hap
piness.
Dearest" she said awkwardly, and
then blushed scarlet. Doesn't it seem
as if we were being a trifle too busi-
nesslike?"
The term of endearment appeared to
annoy him as much as the use of it
had confused her.
" l prefer to be businesslike," he re-
piled. Il like all matters relating to
money to be understood, and then to
dismiss them from my mind"
She had been reserved and deferen'
tial all her life, but she broke out now
in impetuous protest.
There are other matters which you
are not so particular to have under
Stood" she cried. standing up and fac
ing him. You didn't try to make me
understand that you aidn't love me!
How dared you marry me. caring moth
/ ing for me? 1t was wicked of you! 1t
was a hideous SIM
Did you love me?" he inquired, with
! polite patience.
81 don't know" she retorted. Il ex-
pected to. l was happy in the thought
of marrying you. | anticipated a great
deal" She was trembling with the
shame of her situation. He laid calm
hand-a surgeons hand-on her arm
II believe you will realize a great
deal of contentment. Alice" he said
slowly. 'It is true that | am a preoc-
cupied man, but you will find that
will never fail to protect you and pro-
vide for you and consult your com
fort"
I'D rather you beat me-and loved
me-" she cried, and flung away to sob
out her hot wrath. The doctor, con-
scious of his large patience, went to
look after his diphtheria cultures and
left his young wife to get over her
mood that night: but when she failed
20 appear at the breakfast table he
sent to her room. She showed dawn
lace above the coverlet.
Il didn't sleep much" she said, ".,n
a bravery which did not keep the
tremolo out of her voice Il laid awake
trying to get used to an idea. But
I thi1k l am getting used to it, well
I'm a little weak, though. and you
might send my brea hfast up
He could see she had been weeping
all night. He went to see about her
breakfast and dropped a soothing pow
in har 10 nj 40 lie
turbed all day. He was afraid that he
was going to have trouble with his
young wife. He had overestimated the
reserve and poise of the woman. He
said to himself that he should have
known better than to expect steadiness
CT nerve in a woman. The heart of
flesh" was always too obvious in wom-
en-. He had had his lessons before
He came down to dinner at once fear
ing to find her there and fearing not to
find her. But he saw he had not cause
for apprehension. A young woman
with overnight eyes and red cheeks
carefully dressed urbane, and talka-
tive, sat at the head of his table. She
talked about the big garden with
which she had been getting acquainted
She suggested some changes in the fur
nishing of the drawing-room.
Il suppose you would like me to give
some receptions or garden parties,"
she said.
1T might be expected of u.s. he ad-
mitted, thinking that he had never
noticed how handsome or capable she
was. Her timidity seemed to have van
ished. She had come into her estate
during the night She moved and
spoke like one who is mistress of her
self
II am glad you are feeling happier
today" he said sincerely.
Thank you. l am. l have been re-
fiecting. l have made the discovery
that it is my destiny to help myself to
happiness My soul has been afraid.
1t must find courage. 1t must ENJOY
for itself and aspire for itself. 1 begin
to understand some things that l have
read. The veil is drawn away. l am
thinking independently fc the first
time-and l like it. | shall not bother
you with any more reproaches; Pm
eoing to use the opportunities for hap
piness which have come to me and see
what there is in life. Perhaps it won't
prove so dull after all.
He looked at her, frowning. He did
rot like the tone.
BY the way" he said, Mrs. Nelson
found it no particular trouble to an
swer the telephone for me when l was
not in the office. Would you kindly as
sumo that duty? You can be in the
sitting-room, you know"
She smiled ami bowed and went to
the PIANO. 1t had stood unused for
many years and the response to her
touch was not a bright one. With a
little gesture of impatience she arose
and found a book and made herself