Woodley Lane Ghost and Other Stories, The [S.S. Col.] by Dahlgren Madeleine Vinton

Author:Dahlgren, Madeleine Vinton [Dahlgren, Madeleine Vinton]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Fiction, Ghost Stories, Horror
Publisher: gothictexts.wordpress.com
Published: 1899-01-01T03:00:00+00:00

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That future which a short month ago was so radiant with hope, was now a great blank for the pretty vocalist whom society received very graciously as Mrs. Malcolm Malus.

A beautiful country seat on the Hudson was chased, where the best People were pleased to enjoy their hospitality, and the commodious mansion was always filled with gay guests.

The wealth of the generous host, and the winning manners and delightful voice of the hostess made their home very attractive.

It was as Mr. Malus knew it would be. He had secured an exceeding great prize and the world admired the sparkling gem he had placed in its golden setting; for, like the flawless diamond, this superb jewel received all rays, remaining itself colorless and unimpressionable.

Perchance, indeed, the glitter was but the gleam of the fiery ordeal, for who can measure the depths of an aching heart?

But as the summer passed away, and the time came to select a winter home, a town house, Malcolm Malus very unexpectedly found his hitherto docile wife obstinate.

She would not live in New York. In vain he pleaded and almost threatened. Did he suspect that one of the announced stars for the coming opera season was to be the silvery tenor?

When a woman is determined, and especially one who is depended upon as a society leader, it is, to say the least, very awkward to deny her own sweet will and way.

So the mooted point was yielded in Adela’s favor, and a fine Washington residence was purchased.

“After all it is better,” thought her husband, trying to persuade himself that he was carrying out his own plan, “for in Washington talent finds ready and full recognition, and a clever woman may hold an agreeable salon.

“My wife cannot fail to be appreciated, and I shall be very proud of her.”

The social success in Washington was entire.

Their house was artistic, and their refined and quiet breakfasts, luncheons, dinners and suppers were endless. Only Adela would never make one of a theatre party. She seemed to shrink from a painful reminiscence, and Malcolm Malus knew it.

But at their own house there was not only the sparkle of wit and champagne, but the enchantment of a delicious voice.

The pathetic ballads, sung with feeling, the dreamy rendering of the Masters, made an hour under that roof memorable.

Thus, as a year rolled round, Malcolm Malus, satisfied and gratified, found himself in the ultimate heaven of his desires. His intense vanity and absolute worldliness were met. He was never disturbed by the reflection that in making this gifted woman his wife, he had blighted her life. She had plainly told him before their marriage that her heart could never be his, and the base creature knew that this noble woman was alone controlled by a high sense of filial duty, when finally she consented to become his.

Such was his despicable selfishness, that he claimed her hand, knowing that her heart was withheld.

He permitted and accepted the terrible sacrifice.

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