|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 61
As he had desired and expected, the introduction of his
remarks on the wine proved not only a means of changing
the conversation, but of causing the ladies to withdraw
from the table, round which they had been sitting, rather
to keep the young officer company, than to participate
in the repast themselves. Mrs. Headley was the first to
move.
"Give me your arm, and see me home," she said carelessly,
to Ronayne, who now having finished his breakfast, had
also risen. "Do not be jealous, my dear Miss Heywood,
but you will later know, if you do not know already, that
the wife of the commanding officer always appropriates
to herself, the handsomest unmarried young officer of
the regiment."
Both Ronayne and his betrothed were too quick of
apprehension not to perceive, under this light gaiety,
a deep interest, and a desire to convey to them both,
that, if unhappily, there did not exist a cordial
understanding between her husband and the former, in
matters purely military, and in relation to subjects
which should have no influence over private life, she
was by no means, a party to the disunion.
"Not very difficult to choose between the handsomest and
the cleverest of the unmarried officers of the garrison
of Chicago," replied Maria Heywood with an effort at
cheerfulness; "therefore, Mr. Ronayne, I advise you not
to be too much elated by Mrs. Headley's compliment. After
that caution, I think you may be trusted with her."
"What a noble creature, and what a pity she has so cold
and pompous a husband," remarked Lieutenant Elmsley, as
Mrs. Headley disappeared from the door-way. "I never knew
her so well as this morning, and upon my word, Margaret,
were both HE and YOU out of the way, I should be greatly
tempted to fall in love with her."
"You would act wisely if you did, George; I have always
thought most highly of her. She is, it is true, a little
reserved in manner, but that I am sure comes wholly from
a certain restraint, imposed upon her by her husband's
formality of character. I say I am sure of this, for
there have been occasions when I have seen her exhibit
a warmth of address, as different from her general
demeanor, as light is from shadow."
"Perhaps Headley has systematically drilled her into the
particular bearing that ought to be assumed by the wife
of the commandant of a garrison."
"Nay, George! that is not generous, but I know you are
not serious in what you say. You judge Mrs. Headley
better, and that she is not a woman to be so drilled.
She has too much good sense, despite all her partiality
for her husband, to allow herself to be improperly
influenced, where her judgment condemns; and although,
as his wife, she must necessarily act in concert with
him, it by no means follows that she approves unreservedly,
all that he does."
"You are a dear, noble creature yourself!" exclaimed the
gratified Elmsley, as he fondly embraced his wife. "There
is nothing I love so much as to see one woman warm in
the defence of another--one so seldom meets with that
sort of thing. What, Maria, tears?"
"Yes--tears of pleasure!" she answered earnestly, as she
held her handkerchief to her eyes--"tears of joy to see
so much generosity of feeling among those whom I have so
much reason to esteem and admire. You are right," she
pursued, addressing Mrs. Elmsley, "she is indeed a noble
woman. Perhaps I may justly be accused of a little
partiality, for I never can forget the frank and cordial
proffers of friendship with which she received me on the
first night of my appearance here."
"Ha! Von Vottenberg to the rescue!" exclaimed Elmsley,
with sudden animation, as the stout figure of the former
shaded the door-way. "Well, doctor, have you passed away
in the evaporation produced by fright, the violent
head-ache you were suffering from this morning? If not,
try that claret. It is capital stuff, and a tumbler of
it will make up for the breakfast you have lost."
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|