Morris tribune., 1907-06-01
EFFIE'S MARRIAGE.

''When is he coming. my charming
bridegroom. mammal asked Ellie Pal
grave one day, much as if she had con-
scented to the engagement all along.
whenever you like, dear
II hope he won't expect me to be
sentimental. l suppose not. though.
An old fogy like him will be too rheu-
matte to trouble me with demonstra-
tive affection
"He is only forty-fve, my dear
child"
every likely, but he is as stiff as
poker, and when he dances he lifts one
off ones feet and shakes the room"
Married men don't often trouble
themselves to dance with their wives,
E.tie. Therefore you can Danish that
grief from you at all events"
The ceremony was oyer-tender youth
tie to middle age for life. For better,
fo> worse, Effie had swallowed that
III II gilded pill.
r.r,,ll to think of Laurence Leicester
w;:s low a sin, she told herself. Yet
she net him everywhere, her eyes
would stray to the door until he en-
tered. and she allowed him to talk to
her and put on her wraps as he had
been wont to do.
Had he and she not been so basely
handled she would have behaved diff
ferently, she also told herself, for her
husband, she was forced to own, was
good man.
Too late she had learned that Lau-
rence's coming marriage to Miss Fai-
sey had been contradicted. She had
been duped into a hateful union, and
it gave her almost right to permit
her old lover to hover around her.
All, almost-not quite-the right. Not
a great deal Of difference in the phrase,
yet enough to torment her conscience
at moments such as when her husband
took the wrap from Laurence's hands
with firmness and dignity-by the way,
how dignifed he could look at times,
considering that he could not dance
or when he framed her small face in
his hands and turned it toward him,
looking at it with a patient mournful-
ness which hurt her more than if he
had struck her.
It was not long after this that Lau-
renee Leicester went home from his
club with white face and dizzy
brain. He had been playing higher
even than usual, fortune had made a
dead set against him, and he was a
disgraced man unless he could have
the command Of several thousands. He
reviewed his position, but knew that
he could not lay his hands on as many
hundreds.
Yes, there was one way, but
"Let me see whether take in your
meaning, Laurence. I am to rob my
husband in order to-
"Efie! What a word! He gives you
untold thousands to do what you like
with
In fact, 1 might construe your words
into threat. If like, I may buy
back my letter-that is, if I fear my
husbands anger should you feel dis
posed to show it to him?"
For heavens sake don't look like
that. Effie" he cried, "and forget all
have said. I am a cur. There, see,"
and he tore the letter into fragments.
II am a disgraced man, and despera-
ton led me to this dastardly conduct"
Effie staid his hand as he was about
to throw away the pieces; then she
composedly gathered them up in her
ioF #n ho roYoo{a6 IN,
unfeigned anguish, forgive me and
forget this wretched business. Let me
fling away those bits Of paper" For
give him! Yes, perhaps in time she
could do that, but forget it-never, and
she loved this man-loved him instead
of the husband who was waiting for
the day when her heart would cease to
60 astray and turn toward its rightful
place.
Laurence. don't press me for an an
swer tonight Come tomorrow morn
ing"
'But want no answer" he said We
hemently Il tell you my madness is
over, and I humbly beg your pardon.
OF course I'll come tomorrow just to
Sec yOu-1L Uu uOu udtC luC SlSuL VI
me. that isl
He gave her long look as he left
her. She was so still, and if she said
goodby the words were inaudible, and
there she remained. half stunned, vet
mechanically thinking
sIt was best so. I will never see him
again, but I might have broken down
If had attempted the final farewell.
He shall not be disgraced, but the as
sistance shall come through my hus-
band. He will help him, know, and
he is so good and so patient that he
Will not expect too much from me-
just-at first
Il say" said one club acquaintance
of Laurence's to another, Leicester is
in luck wish I had his appointment.
Uncommon good one!
IN India. is it not?"
yes
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