The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1904-02-14

THE MISSING MIN n "A. v! !::! A!''
By MARY R. ?. HATCH.

Author of
sThe Bank Tragedy. "

time as the middle OF May approached
she grew nervous. and IN various indi
rect ways tried TO hinder his going.
This year he was nanifestly far from
well. Notwithstanding his declaration
that he was as strong as horse" He
was more nervous and irritable, besides
being very absent-minded at times.
Then, as she had reminded him. his
sleep was broken by dreams and NUT
terings. Sometimes he seemed to be
struggling with heavy loads. Of money
or Of lumber, and always ready to be
overwhelmed Then again il was with
rufhans he seemed TO struggle: and
last night he whispered a woman's
name, Lenora-Nora-a pretty name."
That was all he said. but il was
strange name 10 Constance. Perhaps it
was the name of some one ne used TO
know.
Well, there was one fact manifest,
thought Constance, rising. Vane is not
wen, and he ought not TO have gone
away. AS for that woman, pshaw!
Doubtless Nane was pointed out to her
by some one at the hotel as a promi-
nent citizen who could tell her any,
thing she might wish TO know regarding
the place, and so she went out ana
spoke 10 him. Her husband answered
the question, passed on. and that was
all there was Of the matter. AS for The
mysterious trips, she would not think
Of them She trusted her husband thor
oughly, had always done so, and should
continue to do so. She only wished he
had not thought best to 90 away when
II looked so much like rain.
Just at that moment the sun burst
out. The most unbelieving could not
call the weather into question. but stfll
the cloud sat on Mrs. Hamilton's brow.
Some women" she whispered. for she
was quite alone. would suspect their
husbands Of wrong-doing. TO go away
as Nane does every year so mysterious
~ and then she went slowly down.
stairs TO her own room. pausing on a
stair 10 listen 10 the children's voices
in the dining-rOom. Il have them at all
events" she thought.
Going straight 10 her mirror she
gazed long at her own reflection. noting
the CLEAR. cOlorleSs complexion, the
Ozark. luminous eyes. the rich brown
hair with its CLEANS OF gold. the tall.
graceful figure, and the intangible
charm which blent them all together
into charming personality, her own.
She loved her husband deeplv. and was
not insensible 10 the compliment he
paid her when going away. Why did he
so, II he did not wish to? Surely bust
ness did not demand his absence. He
had no relatives. He did not go for mis-
health; besides, his trips were yearly.
a wave OF Color sped over her face and
she clutehed her hands nervously.
Just then the children came rushing
N, and Perley said. clasping her hand.
am glad you are pretty, mamma.
Z 1 should hate TO have a homeiy one
shouldn't you. Clare?'
! should get used TO it in time. I
presume" said the precise little
maiden.
Mrs. Hamilton took them both in
her arms and Rugged them tightly for
a moment Then she made them tidy
Tor school. but instead of letting them
80 on alone, she put on a street dress
and went with them.
I viii go with you a little way"
| she said.
%. mamma, viii you? How far?"
asked Perley.
Perhaps as far as the Essex HOUSE
1 want 10 see Mrs. Fry. She is at
work in the laundry this week. 1 hear.
1 must see her in regard to our wash
I ing"
But most of all she wished to learn
something about the woman who had
/ spoken 10 her husband How she wish
cd she had looked at her through the
neld-glass she had in the tower, But
II had not occurred to her at the time.
As it was, she had only a rather vague
idea that the woman was young and
I pretty, and the uncomfortable convic-
lion of Jealousy on her own part. which
she must try to rid herself of speedily.
What better way than to learn some
thing about the woman, and her object
/ in speaking to her husband? She would
/ not ask foolish questions, but IL the
| desired information came to her. we'll
and good.