The Holbrook news., 1910-03-18

she would leave him, leave him to
 dream as long a4 he wished of blue
 eyes and golden tressesl How the
 thought galled her!
 The day of Isabel's departure ar
 rived. and as Richard walked by her
 side she cast one entreating look into
 his face; but it was evidently unno- ticed., for his handsome features be-
 trayed no traces of feeling. and she again assumed the indifferent manner which of late had become usual Sith
 her.
 Upon reaching the station they l found that there were but a few mo
 ments before the train left. and RicS-
 wife.
 Now. Isabel dear, of course I shall
 be a little lonely at first, but I shall
 soon become reconciled to my bach
 elor life: so make a long visit. Enjoy
 yourself to the fullest extent. and get little color into that pale face of
 yours"
 He playfully pinched her cheek. which instantly flushed, glowing with an intensity that might have been caused by either qualification or anger. There was an unusual fire in the dark eyes when he pressed upon her lips his parting kiss. which burned almost fiercely as she watched him wave a "good-by."
 Richard wrote regularly to his wife. and though his letters were not long. they were affectionate. He did not once ask her to come home; she no ticed that with an indescribable pang. and mingled with the pleasure of her visit was an aching of the heart which. she heroically tried to conceal.
 One day. after she had been away about five weeks. her husbands usual letter came. She eagerly read 1t. and finished with sigh.
 well. Isabel" said her sister, en- tering the room and noticing the open letter. Richard hasn't collapsed under the maids culinary efforts, hope?"
 "No-but. Kate dear. I must go home Some of our well meaning but rather hasty club friends have planned for celebration of our marriage ami versary one week from today. so of course I must return home not later than the day after tomorrow. We'll. I have been here five weeks. That is quite long time"
 Yes, five weeks might be considered a long time. Had they been long to Isabel Cameron? They had dragged when she thought of the endless weeks of the miserable life before her. They had flown as if on wings when she realized that every passing day brought the time nearer when she must return to the place that was un- worthy of the name of home, and to the man undeserving of the name of husband.
 One evening week later the pretty parlors of the Camerons were thronged with guests Among them moved the hostess. cordial, animated, beautiful. with smile not less enchanting than that which had lighted her lovely face as a happy bride just two short years before How could any one guess of the aching heart beneath the mask?
 On a table in the corner of the li- brary were arrayed a host of gifts of which Mrs. Cameron had seemed ob- livious. so intent was she upon enter taining her guests. During a pause in the gay chatter Richard, laughingly | her of her seeming lack of | drew her arm within his, | led her to the table and playfully bade | her look at each loving token. She vtf and was just turning away when her eye caught sight of framed picture. which she curiously lifted to the light. She uttered a low exclamation. for again she was looking into the eyes of the girl who had ruined her home. Placed in the corner of the frame was the photograph of the writing desk. The reminder of her sorrow so excited her fancy that 1t did not occur to her that this picture might also be gift. Alomst dropping 1t she turned toward the hall stairs, but her husband play fully barred her way.
 Don't you like the crayon. Isabel? thought it was a very good copy of Nellie's photograph taken for you es- pecially She will be disappointed If It fails to please you. for she sent 1t to me with the express wish that none but the best artist in the city should copy it."
 The guests. the presents. even Mel lie vincent's picture. were forgotten 'or the moment. Two great tears shone h IsabeIs eyes, and throwing her arms about her husbands neck she kissed him impulsively, much to his surprise and rather to his confusion, Tor his proud wife was not apt to be iemonstrative in public.
 That night Richard Cameron drows ly murmured to his pillow:
 Woman Is wonderful creation. md passeth all understanding. don't 'ee why Isabel"