The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1903-04-02


was the 10Th time at least that his wife
had made such remarks, and what was
worse, he realized sOrrOwfully that she
spoke the truth.
Once he had written a book of which
he had been proud, novel launched
timidly by publisher who made him
pay the cost of publication. That was
an hour of ambitious dreams, long
since dissipated by the grim reality.
Il will amount to something in the
world he had said resolutely. And he
believed it as did those who admired
him-which is to say his mother, his
sister and some of his friends who read
the book. Martha, his wife, was not
one of these admirers. She told him
frankly again and again: ''You will
amount to nothing"
He had no answer to make to Mar
tha's sneers, and he suffered keenly in
recalling the lucky days when they
walked together as lovers along paths
bordered by flowers and they made
VOWS to each other and kissed. you
will be great man, my darling" she
had said then
Pierre believed that he had been
faithless in not keeping his promise of
greatness made four years before. She
had brought him her youth and beauty,
and he ought to have given her in ex-
change the literary fame she had eX-
pected, and have earned a fortune for
her by his pen. But now she had aban-
dOned those cherished dreams of re-
fected glory.
The poor fellow recalled the happy
days that had preceded their marriage,
and the delights of their cOmpaniOnship
during their honeymoon. And he an
swered to her taunt:
so much the worse, my dear. But
we love each other, and that is
enough" He would not have cared for
the love of Martha. But she broke into
laughter that froze his feeble smile.
''Oh, yes, indeed. That's well
enough. .One can't live on love. 1t is
all very we'll to say so in the novels
you write-or count on writing-but in
real life things are different"
When summer came they went to the
seashore, Pierre securing an appoint
ment as the resort correspondent OF a
newspaper. When he told her that they
were going, she sid: And you are a
nice husband, after ALL And she
smiled, but the smile was given as in
aims.
at the seashore she was soon the
belle of the place, and people forgot
about her husband, the reporter, who
remained in the shade. Some men
were were with her much of the time,
and gossip linked her name with that
of wealthy idler. Pierre ventured to
speak of it.
What is it? she asked. ''The man
amuses me with his compliments. You
L. II - Or14
/ need amusement
DubheuiPs sufferings were intense.
The thought of that imbecile who was
ever at Marthas side bruised his heart.
He wanted to strange him in the
crowded ballroom; and longed for a
duel. But the man was influential and
a litterateur of renown. A duel be-
tween them would have been grotesque
and useless.
The count deigned to interest him.
self a little in Pierre.
Let us write a piece, my young
friend" said he, "and l will give you
recommendations. A man has talent
pretty as yours"
''Yes, Pierre, why haven't you some
thing on hand?" said his wife.
OuC CNSuIuS WHICH, liz Wcso III lAC III
tie room, he seated himself at his work
table, while his wife, who had danced
too much, slept peacefully. He rested
his head on his hands and thought sad
ly: Yes, Martha's love for me has
passed"
White paper was in front of him. II
was one of those silent nights that
tempt writer, night of stars and
silence.
Il will try to work." he unused.
Feverishly he took up his pen. He
wrote of things and thoughts such as
he had in his heart, speaking of the
happy past and the chagrin of the pres
ent, of charming memories and the
painful relity. Ali night he worked
upon his work of life and emotion.
up already, Pierre?" exclaimed Mar
that when she opened her pretty eyes
in the morning cat what are yol
working, my early bird?"
What difference does 1t maker" said
he, coldly. you know well that I an
capable of nothing.