Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1906-12-14

'"''''u hoiic VIII tiCfttS iOi tuc
opera, meaning to give Juliet her
semi-annual outing, by way of squar.
ing accounts with his conscience. And
when he found her gone a quick feel
'ng Of resentment began to manifest
itself In the dull flush that rose to his
cheeks the ugly fash of his eyes and
the tight, thin lips
For some time he stood with his
elbow on the mantel shelf, staring at
the floor with angry, intent eyes.
Presently he drew forth the tickets
and contemplated them grimly for an
instant; then his face changed, bright
ened, and a ripple of silent laughter
passed over it.
He changed his dress hurriedly,
called cab, and inside half an hour
was bowling rapidly over the CLEAN
ing asphalt.
Mrs. Chisholm was at home, yes,
and would be delighted to accompany
him to the opera, despite the infor-
mality.
After the performance Maynard re-
turned home moodier than ever. In
the note his wife had left him Juliet
had mentioned supper at Sherry's;
she would probably not arrive for an
hour yet. He settled himself as de-
jectedly-and as comfortably-as pos
sible before the fireplace to await her
return.
Soon there was a swift rush, then
the sudden cessation of wheels; the
gate clicked as the car chugged off,
and Mrs. Maynard came lightly into
the room, the swish of her long,
graceful evening gown making subtle
music about her A charming pink
was in her cheeks; her eyes sparkled
from the keen, frosty air and her hair
cleaned exquisitely golden high
above the black ruff that encircIed her
neck.
1T was gloriousr' she said, break
ing the silence. you ought to have
been there, Eugene" She remem-
bered his quondam penchant for grand
opera and wond cred if the cares of
business had completely absorbed all
the old tastes
Perhaps 1t was your fault that
was not he replied.
Juliet questioned him with little
startled glance My fault?" she re-
peated, puzzled.
Il rushed through my work and hur-
ried home to take you and-well, you |
see how it was" He spoke in a hurt !
voice. gazing past her grimly.
There was a brief, almost painful |
pause Then:
why, If you'd only told met" Her
tone betrayed genuine regret, but her
eyes shone joyfully. 1t was the first
time in many months that he had
given her any outward thought
Maynard hesitated, drew a long
plunged.
whats the use of trying to keep
Up the farce" he said, sharply. I've
lnown all along that you'd lost inter-
,st in me-
Mrs. Maynard threw of her run
md stood staring at him in wordless
urprise. Then she laughed, bit hys-
erically. and sat down beside him.
you silly boy she said. tremu-
ously, what a travesty!"
"Oh," he returned, disagreeably,
you think so, do you? Well, | must
ay that women are impossible crea-
ures-that is all
"Eugene," she broke out, swift
ush of indignation coloring her /,
heeks you are cruelty unjust You
now you have no right to talk in this
ay to mel"
Maynard moved restlessly Some
ling in her voice made him vince,
ut he replied calmly: !,
"Oh, it's all right, suppose. A man :,
a fool, probably. to expect his wife
stay at home waiting for him when !,
Iere are so many more agreeable
Iings in the world; he has no right.
srhaps" u
Mrs. Maynard was silent, her eyes
ling with quick tears under the ;,
ing of his sarcasm. But after a =
lille she softened and new light y
Ished over her face y y
Dear" she said, wistfulIy. I'm :"
rry. | wouldn't wound you for the
orld You know that. do you not? p'
would wait for you for always, In &c
eference to anything or anybody on
rth--if YOU would but give me the N
ance. If YOU would but let me do Sc
Is! You believe me. Gene?"
She laid one OF her white hands on gs
) arm and he noticed that IL was &C
1T isn't often that have an eve 1
az on. he said. aS
No; I suppose you do not. Why, m
} been almost year since you took
} out last" 81,
regarded her thoughtfully il,
second do