ty chuckling over my position, and evidently wishing they were in the
place of _that old fool_!

* * * * *

I need not relate the innumerable stratagems I devised to employ the
attention and heart of my wife in pleasures emanating from myself. I was
continually careful, however, to exhibit no sign of tender appreciation,
but allowed her to regard them as the mere ordinary gratification of my
own whims and wishes. I had now been for about a year disconnected with
my business. I had encouraged Evelyn in every species of extravagance,
and expended money lavishly in all methods. I was conscious of living
far beyond the ability of even my ample means, but there could not be an
hesitation or halting. The city looked on me with wonder; some spoke of
me as one whom fortune had crazed; others pitied me as the victim of an
extravagant wife. My New York partners expostulated with me, and, when
my theatrical exhibition reached their ears, hinted at a dissolution.
But I was deaf to rumor and reproof.

* * * * *

The person who took the part of Joseph Surface, in our representation of
'The School for Scandal,' was an unmarried gentleman of high standing,
socially and politically, of middle age, fine presence, and superior
abilities. Under polished manners and captivating conversational powers,
were concealed persistent passions and a conscience of marble. Before
even Evelyn suspected it, I was aware that he had resolved on subduing
her to his own designs, for I seemed in all things relating to her to be
gifted with preternatural intuitions.

Our next representation was to be 'The Fatal Marriage,' in which the
person alluded to--whose name was Sefton--was to take the character of
the wooer.

The necessary consultations concerning the production of the piece
brought him frequently to my house, and both the excuse and the
opportunities it gave were diligently improved.

I had a premonition one evening that his intentions toward Evelyn were
then to take some decisive expression. I left my solitary study, of
which I have before spoken, and, going home, entered the house softly,
and directed my steps towards our theatrical apartment. My confidence in
Evelyn was unbounded, but I wished to witness the apprehended collision.
Stealing behind the scenery, I saw Evelyn sitting on the stage, with
cold and erect pride,--which was yet free from affectation,--and Sefton
standing b