The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-04-29
The
Second Wife
VOLUME II.
CHAPTER I.


With bitter smile. and pressing back
the hot tears that would rise to her eyes.
Lame slowly descended the stairs TO her
own apartments. The three she left he
hind her in the drawing room would. for
few days. perhaps, be cold and reserved
with each other; but sfterward time and
good manners would heal the hostile feei-,
ing. and the breach through which the
victim had been thrust be closed, and who
would sive a thought 10 the absent. sepa-
rated wife? In the great world the grass
OF forsetfulness soon crops up over the
graves OF disagrseable events.
The lamp was lighted in Lanes dress-
Ing room. and a light stood in front OF the
large cheval-glass, for Hanna thought
that m the evening was extremely
damp and cold. her mistress would like 20
exchsng~ her light summer toilet for
warm home dress before the tea-hour. In
spite OF the time OF wear. the white por-
ceisin stove had been heated. and from
the open bras door the red glowing flames
90 the burning coal threw a bright light
on the carpet and floor. and made the air
of the room delightfully."- pleasant and
warm
In this comfortable apartment. which
looked 20 peaceful and homsly, bsne
hurried about making preparations for
her departure. avery now and then cast
'ng q feverfsh. anxious look around her
at ths furnitur. and things she was 10 see
for the last time CHE sent her maid 10
supper in the servants room and locked
the door leading 20 the corridor
The shutters were closed ~ every win
dow. and all the binds were down except
In the blue boudoir. there the windows
we're siil wide open. for Iiane made H.
rule TO close these herself every evening.
for fear ~ any accident happening 70 her
cherished szsies plants by the avkws rd
ness OF the servants
How dark and dreary n was outsids'
The heavens seemed black with heavy
clouds. and the air. az II swept round the
room, was charged with darkness. From
time 70 time the storm would cease for
awhile. then with renewed force ~ would
break forth. the thunder growing. and
the rain pouring in torent's on the gravel.
making the paths like one vast overflow
ing prairie: while the wind would howl in
angry defiance making the aeolian harp
IN the tree scend forth plaintive and trem- |
bling sounds. half mufrled. ere they reach
ed the ga rth. by the overwhelming power
Of the drenchins rain.
Lane stood for a few moments at the /
open window. invoiuntarily shudde-ing |
that she was obliged TO 60 out-that She
must wander on foot In such a frightfully |
inclement night She would leave Schon- |
werth 30 silently and so quietly that no |
one should know when she went She |
would not remain another night under the /
roof or those who had accused her OF ba se |
perndiousneee. who had declared that she |
was dishonorable. She had been de- /
nounced az capable OF dishonorarie ac-
tions. and through the sbomi bic trick |
cry OF the priest she was so entirely rob-
bei OF all proof OF her Innocence. that 1
there was no other course open TO her but /
10 a. 10 49, ~tc .,aA IT,,
helplessnes-. and leave her defense In
their loving hands
sh. shut the window and drew down the ,
blind. and was turning away. when she
heard quick. hssty steps crossing the an
techamber. and an instant after an impet-
uous hand WAS laid or the door handle:
but fortunately the door on that side was
locked
She pressed her hands against her wild
~ beating heart. for II was her husband
who was standing there demanding ad-
mission. No-s thousand times no-not
for any price would she stand face 70
face with him again. He had forfeited
each and every right 10 her
He knocked louder and louder on the
panels. "Juliane. open the door" he
called out In heseeching voice
But she did not answer. she stood pc In
fully still not daring to let a breath pass
over her lips. while her eyes stared
anxiously AZ her dress 10 watch that no
rustling movement from one OF its folds
should betray her presence in the room
Twice he repeated his appeal. each time
violently knocking at and shaking the
door; then she heard him walk back
through the antechsmber. and she
listened to his retreatig footsteps I'LL he
reached the large folding-d leading to
the colonnade, which was not vet
for the night. and by the way
he opened H. she knew he had gone out
In an angry. passionate. wrathful mood
With a deep, deep sigh. she returned to
her dressins-room. Why was she cry
ing? She was ashamed OF her tears; but
she could not help II. they would come.
But II there anything on Gods earth
more enigmatical, more contradictory.
han a womans heart Hers felt at this
as II II would break with it's
silent agony. She hid her face in her
hands AS IL TO shield the workings OF
her inward mind from any outward
nocking glance, for all her self-deception
was 81 an end. and she knew thst IN he