"You must be careful what you write," was Edward's caution. "Paul will doubtless see the letter. I shall write at once recommending Paul to take a slip in Dr. Gilbert's pew, offering to pay the rent. She can attend then if he does not."
[CHAPTER VII.]
BROKEN PROMISES.
THREE months later let us look in upon the girl-bride.
It was a warm morning in the middle of May; but poor Gertrude thought not of the weather. She was sitting in her own chamber curled up in a lounging chair, her head resting on the arm, crying as if her heart would break; and truly the scenes through which she had passed during the last twenty-four hours would have brought grief to many a wife of more mature years.
Following their arrival in Chicago, several parties were made in order to introduce the strangers into society. It was true that the extreme youth, the beauty and artlessness of Mrs. Dudley made her an object of interest and attention; and many evenings were by her among friends whom she felt that she could love. But after one occasion when she made some blunder, which caused quite a laugh at her expense; and for which her husband openly reprimanded her; she shrank from appearing in public, and made almost any excuse in order to remain at home.
One day when a number of ladies and gentlemen were calling upon her, an allusion was made to Dr. Kane's Arctic Explorations; and a gentleman said:
"I suppose of course, Mrs. Dudley, you have read his interesting volumes."
"No," she answered innocently, "I have never heard of them."
Paul, who sat near talking with a lady, called the attention of all to his wife by saying in a loud voice: