Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-01-29
Woman' S F ace
FLORENCE WARDEN

sensitive organization, and is open to
influences which do not affect the
happier, coa.ser run of mortaIs."
you don't think there's anything
wrong up here, them" And he
touched his forehead.
Indeed, I shouldn't like to think
So"
mo, ro!" A pause. Did you hear
her mention a steep path with steps
up the hill?"
yes"
well. it was curious that her hus-
band should have described that to
her, because it's never used, and
didn't think anybody knew about it but
Aphra and me. 1t leads to little door
on the ground-foor of the east wing.
had a gate made halfway up as
soon as I came into the place, for
found some Of the servants made use
of it to slip in and out without leave;
it has a complicated lock, and I keep
the key. So it's curious he should
have mentioned it to her, isn't it?''
Lady KiIdonan must have told him
of it,
That's it, of course Quite salts
fed with this explanation, he turned
to another point. "Now do you think
young Crosmont is altogether as kind
as he might be to that pretty wife of
his? l confess the tone in which he
spoke tc her grated on me-
II &c Il 70,
robust man like that to make enough
allowance for a highly nervous and
sensitive woman. He calls her fancies
decisions. Now perhaps no one but
a doctor would make the subtle dis
tinction of calling them anything
else
well, but, DR.. Armathwaite, sup
posing they were decisions, is that
reason for man to speak harshIy to
a woman whose weakness he has
sworn to protect, whose frailty looks
to him for supports Why, my good
ness, sir!" This was very strong
expression for the old Scotchman, who
began fdgeting up and down to work
off his excitement as he uttered it.
do you think if my wife were ever to
have delusions-which heaven forbid!
that J. should treat her less tenderly,
or love her less fondly? Why, If my
darling Aphra were to be haunted
with the most horrible imaginings
that ever drove men into madness, in
stead Of pretty fancies about music
and such things, | should have to go
down on my knees every morning and
night ID pray God to keep me from the
sin of finding some comfort in her
closer into my arms, and make her
lean on my affection, and trust herself
to me, IS in her bright health it is i'm
possible that she can do"
His voice shook with emotion, and
he stood for a few seconds with
clasped hands and bent head, lost in
those thoughts and wishes which were
his daily companions. Then he looked
up and laughed rather shyly.
cts a subject I've thought a good
deal about he said in a more COM
monplace tone. I've had to make al
lowance, too, in my way. But l have
always acted on this principle: if a
woman satisfies You that she is true
hearted and worthy Of trust, indulge
her in every way, bear with her in
everything. You can't do too much
to show your appreciation of a good
woman. Those are my opinions, doe
tor, AMI l think they're sound
"Mr. Crosmont might adopt some of
them with advantage, Lord Kildonan."
1t was all the doctor could say. But
even as the words dropped from his
lips, he wished that the result OF the
different systems practised by the two
husbands had preached better
moral.