The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1903-08-08
MRS. FORESTER.

is so fascinated by some lovely creature
on the stage that he has no eyes for any
one else. Francis" she continued, touch
ing her husband Francis, MFR. Hastings
Is here 4u .u
Mr.. Clayton looked savagely at her,
and then he gave surly recognition to
Mr.. Hastings.
~ hardly expected to see you here this
evening" he said.
"You know, Francis, told you asked
Mr.. Hastings to come" said Fee, ma
liciously. Your memory Is not usually
so defective" Nv
Madame was not in the best of tempers
constant contact with a man like her
husband had not tended to increase the
amiability of her disposition.
Mr.. Clayton turned away to the stage,
and left his wife to an uninterrupted con-
versation with her friend. But all the
same he was trying to hear every word
that passed between them; he was far too
small-minded to be free from jealousy and
suspicion. Fee was perfectly aware that
he was listening, so she dropped her
voice to a whisper, and firted away IN
a very animated manner with Mr.. Hast
ings Francis Clayton was gradually be-
coming furious. At the end Of the third
act he arose.
sit is time to put on your cloak, he
said in harsh and unpleasant voice.
"Why, dear?" asked Fee. looking up
with languid innocence, "are you afraid
shall take cold? You are not usually
so solicitous about me-"
81 ordered the carriage early, and DO
not choose my horses to" be kept wait
ing" he replied, scarcely deigping to look
at her.
Mr.. Clayton moved toward the door,
and his wife resumed her conversation
with more animation than ever.
care you coming?" he exclaimed, turn
| ing impatiently.
"NIe-coming?" returned Fee, nonchal-
antly, raising her eyebrows. my dear
Francis, what could put such an absurd
idea into your head?
To be treated with indifference, and,
worse, ridicule, is naturally disagreeable
to any man; but it made Mr.. Clayton,
sulky and ill-tempered as he already was
perfectly ahame with rage.
marion, are you coming"
Certainly not"
''1'hen I shall go alone. Henry car
get you a facre when you feel disposed
to follow me-" And the amiable husband
left the box.
| Mrs. Clayton was as bitter and angry
as a high-spirited woman would be under
the circumstances; but she went on talk
ing to her companion very fast, to concea
her annoyance. She was too proud tt
make any allusion to her husbands treat
ment of her; and Mr., Hastings appeared
not to have noticed it. But he felt TO
her keenly. He did not quite justify her
or think she had behaved wisely, but b
saw what the man was, and felt Their
must have been some strong undercurren
of bitterness to change the bright, good
tempered, sunny, little fairy he ha
known formerly to the Indifferent, pre-
, voking woman Of tonight. Poor littl
, girlv' he thought to himself. II dar
, say she has found out by this time tha
} money doesn't bring happiness"
? Mrs. Clayton remained until the lift
: act was half over, then she asked Err
to see if her servant was in the hall. Fl
t left the box, and returned almost immed
: ately.
MY brougham is at your disposal, Mr.
o Clayton, and your servant is just calm
d it up"
Q She thanked him; and he put her cloa
carefully round her, and gave her
k arm.
j. Goodnight" she said, when she WI
t, seated in the carriage. MANY thanl
e for your timely aid. Will you come al
o see us tomorrow at our hotelY
d He promised; and at parting he he
E, her hand longer than is strictly necessal
IN in wishing good-by.
t, The day after their meeting at Il
1t opera Mr.. Hastings called on Mrs. Cla
e. ton; and Mr.. Clayton, suspecting t
t. visit, was purposely at home. Fee brigf
ened up when Mr.. Hastings was annour
1e ed. She had always liked him; now
p her loneliness and misery she ranked hi
Id as a dear old friend. Her manner W
all the more cordial because she want
i'd to annoy her husband.
"Mr. Hastings. am delighted to {
you; was just feeling so frightfully b
ed and dull. l hope you bring a VIII
ce budget Of news"
of ~ must ask first after my old friel
ID Lady Marion" he answered. II CAM
an forgive myself for my remissness in
m doing so last night"
ii, Aunt is very well, thank you. he;
PIC from her this morning. one says sue
an dreadfully dull without me, and is long
to see us back again"
ris 81 often think how she must miss y
So / almost wonder she does not rem
INT with you"
$50 she would, gladly, but Mr.. Clay
old won't let her. OF course, If We hav
he difference of opinion she takes my p
yer and he says something rude to her,
did she is offended. Is 1t not so, Francis
of Mr.. Clayton muttered something ah
est- mother-in-law being bad enough,
ely an aunt-in-law was more than anyb
hip bargained for.
be And as matrimony is altogether C
est, mercial speculation" rejoined Fee, wi
ngs delightful smile, you can't, of cou
ms take more than you bargain for-can
Mr.. Hastings"
her Enrol was by no means pleased at
ltly ing made a third party to matrimo
ing differences, and made an effort to cha
in the conversation.
of Have you seen anything of I
city Grace FarQuhar lately, Mrs. Clayt'
nan he asked.