Year: 1873

CHAPTER XXXVIII.


Owen took me over to see Henrietta. 1t
was bright sunshiny day, and though l was
going to pay visit of coincidence, my heart
was as light as if were sixteen, instead of be-
ing-well, I will not say how old.


On entering Henritta's room, found her
as before, lying down, and looking, if possible,
still more wretched. She was delighted to see
me, and insisted upon my remaining all day.
She asked great many questions about the
Elmwood household, as if she took an interest
in all that belonged to it, and then said


"You must not think it idle curiosity on my
part, Matte. I never have any visitors now,
and, therefore, can hear nothing that is going
on in the outer world. Even Miss Nancy
Turner has given me up lately, though do
not known that it is to be regretted"


81 thought she visited you quite often.
Whenever she comes to Elmwood, she always
mentions you, and seems to have had recent
information as to your welware."


II should like to hear what she says of me.
I know, if you have seen her, Matte, you
have heard the report which is in circulation
about Mr.: Howard and myself"


"What report, Henrietta p


"That we were about to be divorced"


"Yes, I heard something of it; but, of
course, I did not believe anything as improb-
able"


There was pause after this remark, and |
was about to introduce another subject of con-
versation, when Henrietta said


"You will be astonished, Matte, when you
hear we have been thinking of it,


"Oh! Henrietta, it cannot be that you are
in earnest. You do not think seriously of
committing such a wicked act"


81 knew you would regard it in this light,
but it seems to me it is the only thing we can
do. There certainly can be no greater misery
than that am enduring now."


81 am sorry to- hear you are not happy;
but cannot see how being unhappy, makes
it right to commit SIM"


eff you knew all the circumstances, Matte,
you would see that I am not so much to blame
in this as you think. I never wished to be
divorced from Mr.. Howard but l do think it
best for us to be separated"


81 cannot imagine any circumstances, Hen
rietta, which would render it right for wife
to separate from her husband"


"Mattie, may tell you about my married
life? I should like to know what you would
do if you were in my place"


For a moment I hesitated, remembering
Owens remark; but then thought 1 might
be able to influence her for good, and surely,
with even slight prospect of that, l ought
not to decline advancing an opinion. Seeing
that I remained silent, she looked at me en-
quiringly. said


81 am afraid am not capable of advising
you in this matter, Henrietta but would
gladly help you in any way that can. Only,
if you do ask my opinion, you must expect to
hear my true sentiments even though the ex-
preston of them may give you pain"


eyes, willingly agree to this. I must be-
gin at the beginning, and tell you of the time
when I first met Mr.. Howard. Ialways liked
him very much, and I remember now how
jealous was of Mary when saw his prefer
ence for her. do not think he would have
asked me to marry him, if she had remained
single; but when he came home and found
her married, and saw that was fond of him,
1 suppose he thought he would try to like
me-"


81 hope he succeeded before he asked you
to marry him, Henrietta?"


"No, l do not think he did, and this is the
only thing I blame myself for. He told me
that he had every reason to believe loved
him, but it was impossible now for him to
love-that he cared more for me than he did
for any one, and if I was willing to marry
him, trusting to that feeling, he would be very
happy"


"And you married him, knowing he did
not love you!' said in astonshment.


eyes, but, Matte, I did not really believe
that he did not love me- l thought he was
mistaken in his feelings, and after we were
once married, and he saw how much loved
him, that he would be obliged to care for me-"


"And you were mistaken!


"Yes; instead of lovingme more, he seemed
to love me less and lately, his conduct to-
ward me has been almost cruel When |
speak to him of his neglect, and my unhap-
piness, he tells me 1 must blame myself for
it-marrying him as did, had no reason to
expect any thing more"


"But, still, do not see, even if he treats
you in this way, that you are justified in wish
ing for a separation"


"It is because do not wish my actions con-
trolled by man who acknowledges that be
is Indifferent to me. was anxious the other
day to visit aunt Lucy Travers, and after |
had made all my arrangements to do so, he
told me he did not wish ME to 60. l did not
intend to regard his wishes but was taken