rself with its smiles and caresses.

The season thus inaugurated proved to be one of great temptation to
Harry, and of much sorrow to Adriana. Vague rumors reached her through
many sources, some friendly, and others unfriendly. Miss Alida's
visits were suspiciously frequent; and her manner was too protective
and sympathetic, and Adriana could not help wondering after every
visit what fresh wrong her cousin had come to comfort her for. But
hitherto the comfort had been inferred; Miss Alida had never said one
definite word against Harry, and Adriana would have disdained under
any ordinary circumstances to complain of her husband.

One morning in December, however, she was compelled to listen to a
positive accusation. Mrs. Henry Filmer called at a very early hour
with it. There had been an apparent reconciliation between the two
households; but neither on Mrs. Filmer's nor yet on Adriana's side was
it very real, for Adriana had in truth some honest grievances against
her mother-in-law. She made constant demands on Harry's purse, and she
was still more unreasonable about his time. Often when Adriana's state
of health particularly demanded a husband's sympathy and society,
Harry had been compelled to leave her in order to escort his mother to
some dinner or opera party. "Your father is so busy, and inefficient
in company, so, dearest Harry, you must give mother just one hour
to-night." Such messages were very frequent, and if Adriana thought
Harry only too ready to answer them, there are many desponding women
who will be able to pity her. Indeed, his mother's influence over
Harry was great and never used for a kindly end. Every occasion when
Harry was with her was also an occasion to drop an evil thought
against Harry's wife; and such a conversation as the following, varied
slightly with varying circumstances, was the usual trend of their
discourse:

"I suppose Adriana made a fuss about your coming to me for an hour,
Harry?"

"Indeed, she did not! She is quite alone, and she let me off very
cheerfully."

"Ah! she does not appreciate you as she ought to do! I grudge every
minute you are not with me. I only live the few-and-far-between
moments we are together."

"My dear mother!"

"I dare say that old maid has managed to put all kinds of ideas into
her head about your sinfulness--and you are your old mother's dear
naughty boy after all. What is this that I heard concerning pretty
Cora Mitchin and Harry Filmer?"

"_