The story
“The wife of the clerk was very happy with her husband and her child, although his earnings were small. But the wife’s content with her surroundings was soon severely tested. An old schoolmate, who had married an officer in a large bank, called upon her, and, without intending it, roused the envy of the woman less fortunately situated. The wealthy woman took her old friend to a rich home and treated her with every consideration, but every evidence of wealth which met her eyes made her guest envy her more and more, and aroused a spirit of resentment toward her husband. The clerk was a subordinate in the office where he was employed, while the other woman’s husband was one of the guiding hands of a large bank. The clerk’s wife knew these conditions, and bitterly reviled her husband because he had not achieved success. The wealthy couple gave an elaborate reception at their home, and the clerk and his wife were invited. The woman did not want to go, but, urged by her husband, she accepted. They both felt very much out of place in the handsomely dressed throng, and wished themselves back in their home. The clerk’s wife gazed at the commanding figure of the bank officer and wished that her husband was in his place. Suddenly loud voices were heard at the door, servants were brushed aside and policemen in uniforms entered, followed by several men in civilian clothes. They surrounded the host, handcuffs were placed on his wrists and he was led out. He had betrayed his trust and the hand of the law had seized him. The wife looked at her husband, slow and unsuccessful, but an honest man, realized that he would never do anything to bring shame upon her, and the spirit of envy passed away forever.”
Summary from The Moving Picture World · 23 August 1913
