A JEALOUS HUSBAND.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2013, 27 February 1890, Page 1

A JEALOUS HUSBAND.

He came home with a serious face. She, who was all: love and smiles, saw in an instant that something was ■ the matter. He turned his face away whan she attempted to plant the warm kiss of greeting on his lips. Her soul sank within her. It was the first time he had repulsed her. ‘George,’ she said eagerly, ‘ tell me what it is. Has your love grown -cold? Treat mo frankly.,, It is better to know the truth than be kept in suspense.’ He kept his head averted a. minute, his lips trembled, then he said:, ‘Oh, Heavens ! Florence, how can you wear that mask of deceit when I know all!” ‘ All what ?’

‘ Spare me the sad recital,’ he, continued, ‘ there are some things best left unsaid.’ ,

I will not spare you, I insist on knowing what you mean, Tell me, and at once. Some perjured villain has abused yourimind.’ i - u .

‘ Alasy no !’ he said, ‘ I was an eye witness of it all. Do not add deceit to your other crimes. I was there and saw it.’ ‘ Saw what ?’ she cried. * What have you seen ? Are you mad?’ ‘Calm 'yourself, madame. . I saw you—you the wife of my bosom—when you did not think my eye was on you. You were in Queen Street, mingling with the giddy thong. He was hurrying on. You beckoned to him. You made telegraphic signs until you attracted his attention.’

‘ Merciful powers ! she gasped. ‘ You did this on the'public : street. At first he would have gone qn and disregarded you, but you were importunate. . You caught his eye, you beckoned. He smiled,.;apd you went down the thoroughfare together,’ ‘ ’Tis false, as false as can be.’

‘ Madame, it is too true ; I tell you I saw it. Let us have no more nonsense about it.’ .

Then she sank upon the sofa. He turned his manly head to hide his emotion. The diamond tears began to come through his fingers. Helplessness, indignation, and shame, were struggling together in her soul. Suddenly she looked up. ‘ Perhaps, sir, you will tell me who he is.’ ‘ Certainly,’replied the brute. He was the driver of a,Newton omnibus.

Then he went suddenly out of the door as if fearful that one of the statuettes would fly after him.