Year: 1861

MY SONS WIFE.


never liked my sons wife from the time
l kissed her birdish lips on the threshold of
my house, to the day when strong men car
ried her out. did not wish Egbert to
marry. We were very happy together till
she came. He brought her from Europe,
where he had been travelling for his health
The only notice had of his intended mar
riage was ina postscript to the last letter he
wrote before sailing. Mother" he says,
Il shall not come alone; I bring one to
cheer and light up our old home. For my
sake prepare to meet her like mother, for
mothers love she has never known" From
that time I knew should never like her
1t was like his father to act so abruptly and
nnadvisedly $50 plebeian to marry in for
eign country with none Of his friends round
him and then he was my only child must
stranger, a foreigner. come between us !;
put her heart between ours, push me aside :?
No, never! Then, perhaps she might be
beautiful. My Egbert was passionately
fond ofbeauty; he often said be should never
marry until he found woman as handsome
as his mother.


What if 1, the mistress of the mansion,
Judge Bentley's widow, should be overlook
ed in the admiration for the bride!


But | said nothing. New carpets and
new furniture were bought to adorn her
home; new. pictures and books I arranged
her room with, my own hands, looping up
the heavy curtains and shading off the heavy
light throuaA daintiest lace; the velvet
stuffed chair Ind fnnts4Ael whesA- -I-Eannied
the light fell softest. One would have
thought me preparing for dear, and only
daughter instead of her


The servants were charged to receive her
with every mark of attention and respect.
even gave up my own maid Flora. the
best hair dresser in the city, to her special
use.


And when all was arranged, dressed in
my black velvet, and with my sweetest smile
met them on the threshold. Good heavens !!
1 had expected beauty and grace, for my
Egbert was proud man bat shall [ ever
forget the thrill that ran through me as he
led her <up tho steps How all the beauty
>Ihad ever seen or imagined faded before
the marvellous perfection of that face. How
the words Of stately welcome had prepared
died on my lips before the courtly grace with
which she took my cold hand and touched
my lips. From that instant I knew my
reign was over; for where that young crea-
ture dwelt, there she must rule. There
was no ungraceful usurpation of authority,
but gradually [ felt my power waning; the
chains slipped link by link from my hands,
and she was the one to gather them up
Visitors crowded to the house to see Egbert
Bentley's bride, and at last they forgot to
ask for old mistress. Days went by and
glided into months, and against this thral-
dom [ ceased to struggle. Why was it
every sarcastic retort, every withering lock
was crushed down deep in my heart the in-
stant I met her eye? Why was it watch
ed SO intently every change in that white
face hated so? The years that have pass
ed have not made me hate it less Why
was it every outward manifestation of that
deadly bitterness was trampled down? An
answer from that long silent form comes
back to me in mocking tones. because
that hate was returned as freely as given. y
She hated as deeply as I and hers was the
stronger spirit; she expected to triumph and
to reign in my house after [ had passed
away. And [, dreamed and prayed for re-
venge, which came quick and abundant -
Her child came like sunbeam into the
house but quickly followed by shadow I
watched-how earnestly, ye who have
watched likewise can only know. and [ saw
before she did that she must die. One
night was in the garden. Margaret Bent
ley was in her own private room, on the
lower floor at the eastern wing of the house;
it was a beautiful secluded room almost en-
tirely surrounded by trees


As [ passed an angle of the building I
fancied | heard voices in the direction ofher
room, and knowing my son to be absent,
was somewhat surprised. Softly [ crept
round under the foliage until I gained a
station commanding the ROOM


A faint light from one gas burner reveal
ed the faces of the occupants. The low
French windows were open into the garden;
and leaning against one in an attitude to
show to advantage form of perfect gran
deur, was man in the rich military dress
of an English officer of high rank


Of his face only gained profile view
it was strong and deeply cut. Margaret
had risen apparently in surprise, for her
shawl was fallen off, and she was holding
her child. She was speaking rapidly and
excitedly; with light never saw before
in her deep eyes The words I could not
catch, but | saw her hold up her hand to