Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1903-09-18


relished the idea Of finding this inTal-
liable relative installed as prime man
ager in her new abode. It mattered lit
tie to her, Constance said, still languid-
", who ruled and who obeyed. She
had given up so much within three
month"; past that resignation had be-
come a habit; sacrifice was 10 longer
an effort. Having nothing to hope for,
she could sustain no further loss. How
long this nightmare Of apathy would
continue was question that did not
present itself in her gray musings
Having once conquered Nature, and
held Inclination under the heel Of Re-
solve, until life seemed extinct, she an
ticipated no resurrection. She did not
know that no single battle, however
long and bloody, constitutes a cam
paign; that length Of days and many
sorrows are needed 10 rob youth of
elasticity; that the guest who fingers
longest in the human heart, clInging
to the shattered shelter from which all
other joys have flown, is Hope. It ii
doubtful If she thought with any dis
tinctness at this period. She was Ger
tainly less actively miserable than in
that which Immediately preceded her
engagement. That was amputation:
this, reactionary WEAKNESS. How she
would fare by and by, when the wound
had become a scar, she thought Of least
Of al.
1t was a handsome carriage in
which she rode at the masters right
hand. A pair Of fine horses pranced
before it, and a Iiveried coachman sat
on the box. She had sometimes enTied
other women the possession Of like
state. She ought to derive delight
from these outward symbols Of her ele-
walton in the world. It vas an impos-
ing mansion, too, before which the
equiDage presently paused, and a tall
footman opened the front door and ran
briskly down TO the sidewalk TO assist
the travellers in alighting. None Of
her associates. married or single, lived
in equal style, she reflected with still
Of exultation, as she stepped out, be-
tween her husband and his lackey.
Mr.. Withers' address dampened the
rising glow.
This is our home, my dear. You viii
find no cause of discomfort with it,
hope" he said, in benign patronage,
handing her up the noble flight Of stone
steps.
Thank you" she replied, coldly. 1T
Is part Of the price for which I sold
myself" she was meditating. 81 must
not quarrel with my bargain"
Miss Field met them in the haII-a
wasp-like figure, surmounted by
small head. Her neck was bare and
erane-like; her face very oval, her
skin OPAQUE and ehalky; her hair black
and shining, the front in long ringlets;
ner eyes Jet beads, that rolled and twin
killed. necessarily.
Ny dear cousinp' she cried, effusive-
" embracing her patrons hand and
winking back an oficious tear. at is
like sunshine to have you home again.
How are you2"
''Well-thank you, Harriet; or. 7
should say, in tolerable health" re-
turned Mr.. Withers, magnihcently con-
descending. ALLOW ne to introduce my |
wife, Mrs. Withersr'
Miss Field swept a fiourishing cour- !
tesy. Constance. as the truer lady OF /
the two. offered her hand. It was
grasped very slightly. and instantly re- +
linquished.
Charmed to have the honor, I am
surep murmured Miss Field. 81 trust
I see Mrs. Withers quite well? But
you, cousin-did I understand you to
intimate that you were indisposed?"
with strained solicitude.
"A tri1ing attack of indigestion. not
worth mentioning to any ears except
ing yours. my good nurse"
Miss Field smiled indulgence in this
to her anxiety, and Con-
stance, who now heard OF the .indis-
position" for the first time. looked
from one to the other in surprised ST.
ence.
Perhaps Mrs. Withers would like to
20 directly to her apartments?" pur-
sued Harriet. primly, with another
courtesy.
BY all means" Mr.. Withers replied
or her. AS it is, fear your dinner
will have to wait for her, if, as pre-
ume is the case, you are punctual as Ii
our custom
Gould fail in promptitude upon
his day OF all others?" Queried Har-
let, sentimentally arch, and preceded
he bride upstairs.
ITO BE coSrINunBy