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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1886-12-31, Page 22 upwaso_ ,,, ear'..L"pron..sixa ,. se .a.-... VAG-iiANT WIFE. Bs I', WAanaN, Author of "Tan Rouse ON the Mensa," "AT TUX Weenies Manor," LTD. inevitably come to append upon his companionship as 'she had done when they were on tour together. It had been harmless, pleasant intercourse then; but Aubrey's words on that November night had changed all that; and Annie knew that she ought tb have summoned courage to toll him that very afternoon what the nature of the obstacle between them was. But it was so much plea- santer and even easier to skate over the difficult matter of her sudden disappear- ance, and to avoid the " scene" which the tragedy -manner Aubrey had as- sumed when they approached this sub- ject had threatened, " I certainly did not encourage him to Dome," said she to herself, with a twinge of conscience. " Of course it does not really matter whether he comes or not, except thatHarry would make a silly Y fuss if he knew that anybody who was at all young or nice oame to see me. But there is nothing really for him to be jealous about; and, after all, I cannot abut myself up quite like a nun just be- cause my husband is ill-tempered." So, when Aubrey called two days afterwards, and had the sense not to make any allusion to his love -grievances, she was very glad to see him, and flat- tered herself with the thought that he understood that there was no further question of a warmer sentiment than friendship between them. In this be. lief she was justified, for Aubrey had decided upon his line of conduct, and fell into the position of brotherly old friend in the most natural manner in the world. After a few visits, during none of which did Aubrey recall, by word or look, his old love or its disappointment, she fell into her former perfectly open and unreserved manner with him, and felt unspeakably grateful to him for the good sense which had restored the old frank companionship between them. She grew happy again, attributed the change in her spirits to the prospect of her speedy reappearance on the stage, and wondered how she could have re. mained so long away from it. Under the influence of these brighter feelings, she wrote an affectionate letter to her husband, with a little compunction at not having responding more warmly to his kindness when she was at the Grange. Two days later, as Aubrey was leav- ing her sitting -room, where he had spent the greater part of the aftoruoon, after bringing her some books from Mu - die's, he met the servant coming up the stairs, followed by a tall, fair young man. Annie's voice had just called out, " I shall expect you then 1" and Aubrey had scarcely closed the door behind him, when the servant reached the top stair. He stood on one side to let them pass ; but the fair young man sent the servant down -stairs by a few words spo- ken in a low voice, and stood face to face with Aubrey just outside Miss Lang. ton's door. " These are Miss Langton's apart- ments, I believe ?" said the stranger. "Yes," answered Aubrey, deciding, as he looked at tho angry faoo and impa- tient movements of the man in front of him, that this was some bumpkin ad- mirer of the clever young actress, who looked upon him as a rival. "And yon are one of Miss Langton's friends, I sunpese ?" "I have the honour of being one of her oldest friends," said Aubrey coolly. A deep flush spread oven the face of the other man, who was evidently keep- ing himself in oheck by a strong effort of self-control. May I ask what your name is ?" he asked curtly. " By what right do you ask a question which cannot concern you 2" " That is my affair : and you need not make a mystery about it, because I know who you are. Your name is Cooke Aubrey Cooke 1" " Well, what then?" " What then ? Why, my name is Harold Braithwaite 1" But this announcement produced none of the effect he evidently expected. The pale,'ugly young man still returned his look quite steadily, without express. ing any sort of emotion. " I dare say it is," ho said simply --- "why not 2" " Look hero 1" said the stranger, dropping his voice till it became a growl of passion. " I don't want a scene here. You had better go." But Aubrey stood his ground very calmly. " I am no more anxious for a scene than you are, I assure you. But 013 you are a complete stranger to me, and can produce no authority for dismissing me, I mast decline to move until I have given you a little piece of advice. Don't venture to dismiss a lady's friends with- out herauthority—" authorit --" don't use her authority ; I use m "Id, Y Y own." " And you think that will bo enough for me ?" " I think it ought to be." " Do yolfknow who the lady is you aresppeak{ g about so confidently ?" " Yesrr8t1'know her as Miss Langton, the actiets:: "And'yod " " As Annie Braithwaite—my wife I" Aubrey stood the shook well, but not too well for the other man to see that his announcement was a terrible sur. prise. This conversation had been ear- ried on in low tones ; but, as Harry had raisedehie voice on his last words, An. nie, in the' sitting -thorn, had recognised it; and she 'opened the 'door and faced the two, ltign, vvSite and trembling. THE BRUSSELS POST "Harry 1" said she, in a low voice, " Is it true, then, that this man is your —husband 2" asked Aubrey, "Yes," answered she, hanging her head, and without looking at him. "I must apologise for my disoour- rouey, sale Aunrey, sou synth and shak- ing, turning, without another look at her, to Harry. "I had always under- stood that Mr. Braithwaite—was ashort man ; " and, raising his hat he went downstairs. CHAPTER XXI. Annie stood with her husband at the top of the stairs until she heard the street door shut upon Aubrey Cooke ; then, reeoveriug her self -command, she turned, said, " Won't you Dome in?" and led the way into hor sitting -room. Harry followed, and stood at iirst speechless with angor in the middle of the small room, while his wife moved restlessly towards the fireplace. Then, beginning to perooive that for once her Taint you have a amst mo that makesself-possession was no greater than his p g own, he found words. yon behave in such a strange manner to " So this iswhat your ' ambition,' your me," said Annie haughtily. this But she was not olio at ease t s ,o loos of work' means ?" "What do you mean 2" character of culprit was now to hor, and " What do I moan 2 You know very it did not sit so well upon her as the well what I mean! Do you think I equally unaccustomed character of judge coeldu't see through the farce your seemed to sit upon her husband, ' oldest friend 'played to shield you ? " Who was that man I met onside Do you thinkI don't know thatthis was your door just now." tbo first time he had ever heard of me? ' Mr. Aubrey Cooke, a man who was When I told him my name, it was easy acting at the Regency Theatre when I enough to see that it meant nothing to was there. You must have heard me him. Answer me this. Did or did he speak of him as one of my oldest friends not knowou wore married 2" upon the stage." He was working Himself up to a white " Ooo of your oldest friends ? That heat of passion, and Annie feared for is what he called himself. But the soo- the consequence of any admission she want told me ho was a relative of yours, might make while he was in this mood. who came to see you nearly every day." She tried to delay explanation by going "I am not answerable for the crea- to him, taking his hand, and attempting tion of a housemaid's fancy. Certainly to draw him to a seat by the fire. neither Mr. Cooke nor I ever told hor he Dusk was coming on, and he could was a relative of mine." not clearly see her face as she approach- tuous laugh whioh was rather forced, head into his hand, with hie–back to and raised her restless dark eyes to his her. steady blue ones, with an affeotetion of Annie was touched, and she rose, with indifference whioh did not even irritate tears in hor eyes, and oropt up to him him, and took his other hand. But he shook " Won't you sit down? I can't look her off, and remained quite unsoftened at you without ricking my nook while by her tearful eyes. you stand towering above me like that," 4 Don't come and hang about mo now, said she. Annie, and a1 eek to me in your cooing " Thank you. I dou't think I could voice, when I know you wish me a bun. sit down here quietly With you until I dred miles away, or I shall think your was a little more sure time 1, am of tho caresses were never worth having," said footing on whioh I am here," returned ho passionately. "And I thought I Harry ; and for the first time, she could trust you; I thought you were so noticed a nervous movement of his left good, so pure 1 Even when I was jea- hand. lous, I never thought you would peas He stepped back from her a little, yourself off as an unmarried girt, however, ao that she could see his faceeat that you might be made love to without inconvenience, and, she noticed by other mon—and when you knew that he looked thin, that he had lost his all the time how fond I was of you, bright colour, and that the steady set Annie 1" expression of his faoo made him look " Harry, Harry, do listen to me 1 I mann olaer wan when the has lett one am nob fond of anybody also—I have Grange. not been made love to. Why won't you "I don't understand you 1 Please lot believe mo? Look at yourself in the me know clearly what cause of con- glass, and see if you are not more likely to please a woman's fancy than—than Mr. Cooke—or anybody." He bad turned to look wistfully and reproachfully down at her, and she had if f seized the opportunity to fasten hares coasiugiy on his arm, and to raise her other hand to his face to try to tnrn it towards the glass over the mantel- ' piece. Harry was not vain, and bis own face had no particular attraction for him, ae gave a glance at the reflection of the little white fingers whioh were holding his chin, and then ho took her hand gently from his face and looked ab her. " I don't set up for a beauty -man, and lots of the actors you meet are hand- somer than me, I dare say. But it is more than I can understand how you could like an ugly, washed-out, long - nosed, lank -haired hunchback like that fellow I met outside 1 It is rather hard to bo shunted for a man who isn't even straight 1" Annie wiuood under this speech ; but she said— " Then how can you bo so absurd as to be jealous of a man who stoops— ; you, who are as straight as an ar- row?' "Ali, my limbs are all right; it is my head you complain of 1" answered poor Harry pitifully. " I believe my heart is all right too, only that doesn't seem to matter to you clever women. II sup- pose that stooping follow can talk by the yard." " But he comes to see you nearly ed him with bent head, but he felt that every day." the heeds into which she was trying to " Not so often as that, but he tomos draw his were cold and trembling. Ho very frequently. Why should he not.? would not move from where bo stood ; I am at liberty to choose my own but, with a sudden, almost rough mo. friends, and he is one of the best I tion, he raised her head and peered have." down into her averted eyes. She shrank " Then why did you not introduce from the unexpected ordeal, and tried him to me just now when you came out to edge away from him with an involun. of your room and found us both tary eagerness which incensed him there 2" still more against her. I was too much taken by sur- " Is this all the answerea have to prise—" give me? You can't meet my oyes, you "And terror—that is what your face shrink awayfrom my touch 1 Is this showed." the welcoma good wife gives to ber "I thought you had had some quarrel, husband? Annie, in heaven's name, you looked so angry; I did not know answer mel Did that man know you what to think; and the next minute were married 2" Mr. Cooks was gone." "Harry, let me go 1 You are hurting " It was the first time he had heard me 1 I cannot answer you anything un- yon were married, was it not ?" til you let me go. See tho• mark you Annie hesitated for one moment ; then have left upon my wrist 1 How can you be so brutal 2" ' You are not going to put ins off like that," said Harry firmly. "I know how you women will wriggle out of a subject you don't like, if you can. I am sorry if I have hurt you ; you know very well I did not mean to do that ; but I will be answered. Now sit down and getquito quiet and calm. I won't hurt yon, whatever you say ; but you must tell me the whole truth because, if you tell me any lies, I shall. find them out and bo very angry about it." His manner had grown calmer the moment he saw the red mark his strong hand had rondo on his wife's white wrist and felt how utterly powerless in his grasp the little creature was. He placed her gently in the very chair she had tried to induce him to take, and then stood before her, towering above her, and without turning his eyes again towards the chair in which she sat, gravely and doggedly waited. Annie felt cowed. For the first time in their lives the husband stood in the position of the superior, and, as she sat guiltily there, understanding clearly for the first time that her husband had just right of complaint against her, and that, moreover, he was using that right with consideration and manliness, she gave a shy look upward, as if to see what change this inversion of their old atti. tudes towards each other had wrought in Harry's handsome, careless boyish face. It was too dark for her to see very clearly what little of his profile was shown in that position ; she could only see that ho stood very still, that, if he felt impatience, he was keeping it under strong control, and she began to feel dimly that in the argument which was coming he would meet her for the first time upon equal terms. As the still sat, with her head raised, looking up an- xiously at him, ho turned, and his oyes met hers. Are you ready now 2" he asked sin. PIS:- "Ready for what 2" said she impa- tiently. "Ready to answer some questions I have to ask you." " Of course I can answer any clues. „ it was not my jealousy which tions you please ; but I don't see the ne. brou ht mo, Annie, but something which cessitof all this feta about the matter. p Whatever you have to ask I could have 1 I believe you care about just as little— answered from you ester - love. I got a et Y my an .eyed Ton ago,"said Annie iediffer• sly gforgotten all da ou teem to Have Y „day—you But, ifyou like to la in uiai- Y play q about it, or perhaps you wrote it just as for and givo yourself the airs of a judge, a blind—I don't know—and you said in why—it is nothing to ire t ",Can we have the gas lighted 2" ask- it you often thoughtthe could, and ed Harry. " I can't see your face." you supposed by this time I could ride She rose and lighted it herself, ra- again as well as ever, and had nearly then reluctantly:. She would have pro- awife. forgotten alI l about such a a got trio letter at breakfast, furred that the interrogation the would and I said to myself, ' The little jade is have to submit to should have been trying to pique me 1 Then the does made in the twilight. However, he was care about whether I forget her or not 1' not in a mood to be argued with, so she And I made up my mind directly that tat down again in the gaslight, with I'd come and see you all unexpectedly, some work in her hand. "Ydu don't want that for a few mi• and see what you would say. And I Autos," said her husband, taking from her bot, tmake,1oerreyouwouldit glad; kande the stage -cap she was making. 'hut, by Jove, 1 as I got ()Sped P'quite well " I want you to look at me." wool welcome as I I And Harry's So she submitted again, with a shrug voice gave way just l he reached the of the shoulders and a little contemn- last welsh, and he leaned his elbow on the mantelpiece aud dropped his she said— " He aid—"He always knew me as Miss Lang- ton, like the rest of my theatrical animal that had thrown every groom friends. I don't know whether lie had in the stable, or ride as straight as I heard I was married—" can across country, or train a racer 2" " That is a lie, Annie 1" he burst out, " I don't suppose he is as mach at with a suddenness which made her home in a stable as you are, certainly," start. " You silly woman, why don't said Annie coldly, " or that any of the you toll me the truth? For the truth I actors I know are so well ablo to boat a will have ; aud, if I have to get it from groom at his own work. I must do anybody but you, it . will be the worse for you and for him too." Annie's gaze sank under the fierceness which blazed in his eyes and recalled to her mind his old savagery at the Grange. He lowered his voice again as he saw her shrink. "Annie, don't lot me fancy you have anything to tell me worse than I have thought, said he, with a tremour in his voice. "You need not be afraid of me ; I will listen calmly to whatever you have to say. I haven't always been a good husband to you, and I feel it quite as much as you do. But I have been fond of you and good to you lately, and you might trust me a little, if only for the sake of that. Now tell me ? You do like this Mr. Cooke, don't you 2" " Yee, of course I like him, or I should not let him come and see me." "And he likes you 2" " If he did not, he would not take the trouble to come." "And, if it had not been for my errs- fence, I suppose—" ' You have no right to enppose any. afraid of anybody else. Well, if all that thing," said Annie impatiently ; " there is true, and I'm such a nice good -look - is nothingto suppose. You are the only ing fellow, and you are so anxious to person wo has ever found the slightest cling to my arms and caress me and in - fault with my conduct. There t500cause troduce me to your friends, why on whatever for your trifling jealousy, any earth, as 13000 as I tura up, do you want more than there was at the Grange, to be rid of me again 2" where you teased me to death with your " 1 don't want to be rid of you. But absurd suspicions." I am not going to be treated like "But yon treated my jealousy differ. a child, as if I could not be trusted ently then. It was trifling and tire- alone." some, I dare say. But you just laughed " Well, I don't think any woman can, it off lightly then, while now you grow when she has a husband whose duty itis impatient and restless under it." to look after her." " You see, I have been left in peace " Oh, your opinion of a husband's lately, and em nob consequently in such duty was not always so high, I a high state of discipline as when i think I" was at the Grange. I should have boon " No, ib wasn't. But I am all the better prepared if I had guessed that more bound to fulfil it well now, when your jealousy would bring you up to I have neglected it so long. Annie, town." don't be hard. Why did you come to me when I bad got used to being with- out you, if you only meant to show me what a brute 1 was, aud then repulse me when I tried, for your sake, to bo some- thing betterx ? You donLkno how you have hart me this afternoon by showing mo how sorry you wero to see me again; I don't think I ever felt so knocked over as when, alter I bad met that fellow and knew who he was—for I'm not suoli a booby as you suppose, and I know you liked that ugly Maypole better than mo—you just said Harry 1' without a smile or the least sign of pleasure when you saw me. i felt as if you had stuck a knife into me." Iio stopped for a bow moments, his voice all husky. " And then see how good I've been to you 1 I've never even said a harsh word to you, though I know many husbands who would have said horrid things to their wives if they had ought them like that, But I swore to William that "Mr. Cooke can ride and drive too," said Annie quietly. " Men who talk well can do other things too very often." ' He can stick on a Park hack, or drive a dog -cart a couple of miles with- out coming to grief, I darn say," re- turned Harry, in a louder voice. "Bob do yon think be could break in au you so much justice. " Thank yon. It is very clover of you to snub me like that; and I dare say you think, if I had any proper pride, I ought to go away after you have so plainly let me know how my vulgar stable -talk bores you. But I sha'n't," continued Hairy doggedly. "I was foolish to let you go away from me, and I was foolish to come after you; but, now that I am here, I mean to stop." And he flung himself down into a chair. "You mean to stay here!" " Yes; and, when I go away, I mean to take you with me." " Oh, indeed 1 Against my will 2" "I hope not—not if what you said to me a little while ago is true, Annie;" and he leaned forward on his elbows, with such wistful earnestness in his face and voice 'that his wife was forced to listen. "You say you are not fond of anybody else, you say nobody else has been making love to you, and you tell me I'm,eo handsome that I need not be EMBIBOBBODDEDAMICMD I world be very goutic to you, evrn if you were not gad to the ms, I don't know what made him goose youwouldn't be; but I'll just punch his head for being so clover when I got baolr. And haven't I kept my word ? If I had been so clever as these men you know, who can do everything, I should have boon saroastic; and, instead of that, I have lot yon bo saroastio, and I haven't even swore at you ;" and Harry looked up at his wife pleadingly, yet proudly, as if the force of oonjugal affection and man- ly solf.restraint could no farther go. Harry, indeed I am glad to coo you, aud sorry you are still so thin: I should have told you so long ago if you had lot me. But you made such a furious on. skoughb upon me at once." " Very well then ; wall let bygones be by -gongs, and you shall come back with me, and we'll bo happy as crick• ets," said ho affectionately, as he jump- ed up from his chair and was on his knees beside her, with his arm round her, in a minute. " But, Harry, I can't do that. I am under an engagement now whioh I am bound to fulfil. And, remember, wo were not at elflike happy crickets when Grange to we were attheG g ether." g ' No, the Grange is a beastly old place, and nobody would bo happy there; I don't wonder you got moped," he answered hastily. ' Now in town it is different. There is so much to be done in Loudon, such a lot to be seen, so—so many books and -and picture. galleries and pretty dresses and clever people." to ' pBut you don't care for those things, Harry." ' Yes, I do—at least, I shall when I've been with you a little while. And I've quite taken to reading, and-- Oh, I shall get on capitally 1" " But what would you do without your dogs and horses, Harry 2" ' Do you think I can't get on withoab dogs and horses 2" said he impatiently. " I suppose you think I can't be happy iulese I am loafing about a stable with my inferiors—only you wouldn't call them my inferiors 1" " How silly you are, Harry 1 When have I said anything like that to you ?" "You did only a few minutes ago." "I did nob mean it. I think it is a pity for you, who aro devoted to the life of a country, gentleman, to give up all your pleasures just to settle down to a life whioh would not suit you." "But it isn't just for that, Annie; that is where you're wrong. If I cared for nothing but the country, I should have stayed there. I can get on without horses, though I am fond of riding and driving, as you know ; and I eau got on without clogs, though I miss old Porto every other minute; but I cau't get on without yon, Annie. I have tried, but it is no good ; so, as you won't come into the country with me, I must come to town to you." Aunie was silent, more puzzled by than grateful for this devotion. Then she said, in a low voice— "I can't accept such a sacrifice, Har- r y"'Then will you come back to the Grange with me 2" " T can't do that. I have accepted an engagement, and I must go through with it." " What makes you so muoh more par - tinnier about the engagement which binds you to aot so many times a week for a curtain manager than about the one you aro under to me, your hue - band 2" 'That is not fair. You allowed me to make this engagement." " Well, I don't ask you to break it. All I ask is to let me stay with you and take care of you." " But, Harry dear, you would be very uncomfortable here. The rooms are so amall,and so shabby—" " Well, come with me to the Bingham Hotel ; they have nioe big rooms there, and we shall be very comfortable." "But they are frightfully expensive!" " Never mind that. George forked out this morning; he had kept me very short fora long time, so be gave me a cheque, and told me it was the last I should see of his money—with a blank look, to prevent the pleasure from bo- ing too much for me. That is just like George, you know." " But perhaps he meant it ; and, if so, you ought to be careful." " So I will be careful, and you shat help me. "I'll give it all to you to take care of as soon as I get it cashed. Fifty pounds will last it long time." " And before that is gone 1 shall be darning a bettor salary than I over had in my life 1" said Annie. " But I sha'n'b live upon your money. Do you think I would eponge upon my wife ? I am not going to give you a chance of despising me again." " Then what will you do when the fifty pounds are gone?" "Write to George for some more, of mimeo." " But supposing he could not or would not send you any more 2" Supposing the skins were to fall? Go and pack up your trunks, my dar- ling, and we'll go off and have a new honeymoon—only this time You shall1 have a kind husband instead of a cross one 1" Thorn was no resisting him in his im. patiously loving mood ; and Annie, scarcely yet understanding this. now situation of affairs, went, with her hus- band's hands gently pushing her, into the next room; aud, while elm was busily filling her trunks, the heard him ring the bell, order tho week's hill and pay it; then he burst into the room, threw bis arms round her, and gave her a huge hug as she was closing the lash box, and whispered— " This is tremendous fun—runnieg AWRY with one's own wife 1" •.. TO BE CONTINUED.) Dna. 81., '1884. E PAST IN ITS EL —AND— IMPROVED FORM Is Offered to the EN23 1887 i lig TN ADVAN('E. As will bo seen we are de- voting a Column to Poetry, Temperance, Farm Notes and Varieties, respectiyely, and giving more than our usual amount of Local, District and General news. THE POST was never. 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