The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-02-07
Ind she only 2a-they had but few ideas in


That she nursed him tenderly was well
aware. but from her manner had long
ago detected that her apparent devoted
ness was only in order to humor him. and
that she possessed little or no real affec-
tion for him. Nor was it much wonder,
after all A smart young woman, fond OF
society and amusement, is never the kind
of wife fora snappy Invalid or old Courte-
nays type. She had married him. some
five years befoGe, for his money, her char
liable enemies said. Perhaps that was so.
In any case it was difficult to believe that
pretty woman of her stamp could ever
entertain any genuine affection for a man
of his age and it was most certainly true
that whatever bond of sympathy had ex-
listed between them at the time Of their
marriage had now been snapped.
Instead Of remaining at home Of an eve
ming and posing as a dutiful wife. as she
had once done, she was now In the habit
of going up to town to her friends-the
Penn-Pagets, who lived in Brook street,
or the Hennikers in Radcliffe square-ac-
companying them to dances and theaters
with all the defiance Of the ''convenances''
allowed nowadays to the married woman.
On such occasions, growing each week
more frequent her sister Ethelwynne re-
NAMED at home, to see that Mr.. Courtenay
was properly attended to by the nurse.
and exhibited a patience that I could not
help but admire.
Yes, the more reflected upon it the
more curious seemed that ill-assorted
menage. On her marriage, Mary Mivart
had declared that her home in Devonshire
was deadly dull and had induced her in
dulgent husband to allow her sister to
come and live with her, and Ethelwynn
and her maid had formed part of the
household ever since.
We doctors, providing we have not q
brass plate In lieu Of a practice, see some
queer things. and being in the confidence
OF our patients, know of many strange
and inconprehensible families. The one
at Richmond Road was case in point.
had gradually seen how young Mrs.
Courtenay had tired Of her wifely du-
ties until, by slow degrees, she had cast
off the shackles altogether-until she now
thought more Of her new frocks. smart
suppers at the Carlton, first nights and
shows" in Mayfair, than she did Of the
poor, suffering old man whom she had
not so long ago vowed to ''love, honor
and obey It was to be regretted. but in
my position had no necessity on 1nclt-
nation to Interfere. Even Ethelwynn
made no remark, although this sudden
breaking forth Of her sister must have
panied her considerably.
When at length shook hands with my
patient, left him In the hands Of the nurse
and descended to the drawing groom,
found Ethewlynn awaiting me.
She rose and came forward, both he,
SLIM white hands outstretched in Glat
welcome.
Short told me you were here" she
exclaimed. What a long time you have
been upstairs. Nothing serious. I hopper
she added, with a touch of anxiety,
thought.
Nothing at ALL I assured her, walk
ing with her across to the fire and seat
ing myself In the cozy corner. while sh
threw herself upon low lounge chair ant
pillowed her dark head upon a big cush
- Gil &C.
asked.
Out She's dining with the Henniker
tonight, I think
"And leaves you at home to look afte
the i11valid?" I remarked.
20, I don't mind in the least" she de
clared, laughing.
And the old gentleman? What does h
say to her constant absence in the eve
ning?"
well, to tell the truth, Ralph he sci
dom knows. He usually believes her t
be at home, and I never undeceive hin
Why should I?''
I grunted-for I was not at all we
pleased with her connivance at her sis
CTS deceit. The sound that escaped m
~-ps caused her to glance across at. me
quick surprise. y
''You are displeased, DEAR" she sal
''rell me why. What have T done?"
I'm not displeased with YOU" I d.
clared. "Only, as you know, I'm not
favor of deception, and especially so in
wife"
She pursed her lips and I thought h
face went a trifle paler. She was sile
for moment, then said:
II don't see why we should discuss thu
q Ralph. Mary's actions concern neither
y us. 1t is not for us to prevent her anu
;" ing herself, neither is it our duty to crea
unpleasantness between husband al
wife"
did not reply, but sat looking at HI
drinking in her beauty in a long, Fl
draught How can I describe her? II
form was graceful in every line; her ia
perfect in it's contour, open, finely mold
and with a marvellous complexion-a cal
sweet countenance that reminded one
RaphaePs Madonna in Florence-indee
almost it's counterpart. Her beauty h
been remarked everywhere. She had s