With all her cheerfulness, Mrs. Chester was a little weary after her guests departed, and leaned against the mantel-piece, longing to sink into the rocking-chair which the old man had just abandoned.
Chester approached his wife, and saw the letter lying at her elbow. A moment of unaccountable dread came over him, but taking the note in his hand he broke the seal. Mrs. Chester was looking at him as he read the letter, she saw his face turn pale, then his eyes began to flash.
"What is it! what evil news does the letter bring?" she faltered out, for his countenance frightened her.
Chester crushed the letter in his hand.
"I thought that man would follow me!" he said bitterly—"that cold-blooded, relentless Mayor!"
"What has he done? Do not keep me in this terrible suspense, Chester," said the anxious woman.
"I am ordered to appear before him to answer a charge of drunkenness," replied Chester, forcing himself to speak calmly, though the huskiness of his voice betrayed the fierce struggle which the effort cost him.
"Drunkenness! you!" and a smile of proud scorn swept over the features of that noble young wife.
"Let us go to rest," said Chester, taking her hand. "Let us try and forget this letter!"
"We were so happy only half an hour since!" said Jane Chester, placing her hand in that of her husband, and they disappeared in the little bedroom.