Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1848-01-14
From Grohanis Magasine for January, is4s.
LACES AND DIAMONDS.
OR TAKE CARE WHAT. YoU DO.
ny THEODORE 3. FAY.


COHcfudcd.
This appeal was moi on the part OF Frank
lin, the mere result Of passion and despair,
although from both il received strange
power. u was a wise calculation that Jen-
nings, who could not be reasoned or melted
might be terrified from his purpose, ill the
arrival OF his partners, before whom the
mailer might take different turn by a
happy inspiration Franklin had read the
man Alright. aud he saw changes of counte-
nance, as he proceeded. which gave bold
ness TO his heart and FIRE TO bis lips. Jen-
nings was a coward. lie was ierror-struck
at the idea Of acting on his sole response.
bllity," in an affair which seemed likely TO
be so holly contested. The blood eurdled
in his veins at the thought Of the deadly
enemies, darkly limited at, and the conse-
quences clearly threatened. lie saw Caro-
line was no common thief, and franklin 10
common man. There were moments when
he actually believed the fact really was as
Franklin represented-and, thus quailing
under the terror Of eloquence 10 which the
voice and manner gave something absolute
y irresistible. half suffocaied with rage and
fear, lie said with i'll assumed indifference !:
oh very well. sir, very well. will
wait for my partners Nothing shall be
done rashly. Nothing from revenge But
the young lady shall not escape. Mr. viii
liams, 60 aud see il Mr. Blake or Mr. Blancli-
ard have come in"
And thus at least more time was gained.
Mr. Williams went out, and returned 10
say that Mr. Blake had not yet come in, but
Mr. blanchard had, and would Join them
Immediately.
The door opened and the person in ques-
lion entered lie was a young man Of ihir-
ty, OF unusually prepossessing exterior. A
stream OF hope shot through Franklins heart
as he read his face
Mr. Blanchard seated himself gravely in
the large chair which was abdicated in his
favor by Jennings, who related TO him the
facts, respectfully aud clearly, and called
up the policemen and Mr. Williams in con.
firmation.
at is a bad case" said Mr. Blanchard.-
Our duty is clear. Is there any thing said
in the defence?"
"Oh yes, there is powerful defencer
replied Mr. Jennings. with sheer, "the
young lady took The lace, and kept il half
an hour, running away as fast as she could,
but she but she did nj kHop she had ar
ha hal hap
Mr. Blanchard shook his head
'Sir, may speak r. said Franklin.
Speak" returned Mr. Blanchard, in a
low voice. 'lf you haze anything to say !
win hear il with the sincerest desire to find
IL Of weight. But you have a difficult task
before you. These occasions are extreme
ly painful. The necessity Of sending to
prison a respectable young lady. as you
represent this person to be. is narrowing
indeed but private feelings must give way
10 higher considerations. ] have a duty TO
perform-a duty to societs-a duty to my
pariners-a duty to God !"
you have" rejoined franklin. "but il
ask light Of Him who knows the truth, you
will hear the voice of God himself, warning
you not to perform that duty prematurely,
carelessly, or cruelty. ask time. offer
references to prove that the person in ques-
ton, from education, character, habits,
opinions, religious principles, and her whole
pure and arlless life, is not, and could not
be Intentionally guilty 1.-THE act in question.
require time TO produce these references.
My young companion took the lace in a
moment of bewilderment--of absence of
mind, She has just arrived in London-is
dazzled and excited. II, sir, you have a
sister, daughter, mother, wife. picture
hereafter sucii careless accident grasp
ed by policeman, dragged through the
streets, exposed TO the eyes of the testing
crowd--the blackest construction put upon
her action, shrinking before a magistrate,
cast into prison, and, God knows what else |
and all because Of an act, not in reality
more inexplicable than that Of man who
walks off with hat not his own, or anoih-
er persons umbrela-in fit of lorgeifnl-
ness"
Jennings leaned over and whispered
something TO Mr. Blanchard.
at is quite probable" said Mr. Blanch.
ard, "thai you believe her innocent, but the
various aud glaring circumstances do no,
permit me TO be Of your opinion. The ex-
pressve fight, the intervening time, long
enough 10 discover mistake merely ncci-
dental the bribe Of f50-no-no-it is
impossible" said he, rising, 81 am sorry for
you, cir, but this matter rests no longer with
me. The prisoner must he removed"
"Whnl | ask" said Franklin, lis not her
release. II is only time to make you ac-
quainted with the proofs Of which the case
is susceptible. The prisoner, as you call
her. is as innocent as the snow yet unfallen
from heaven. ] do not ask you to sacrifice
what you fancy your duty, ask you only
TO pause ere you execute il. request you
ere you thrust shrinking girl, as a suspect
ed thief, before the public, that you more
carefully examine her side of the question.
Her bankers, the Messrs Barring, will an
swer for her presence whenever you desire.
My banker will answer for her. The
American Minister will satisfy you of the
strong Improperly of any other proceeding.
Oh sir, in the name Of mothers break.
ing heart-in the name Of sweet girlish inno-
cence-in the name Of God, believe what
say If you err, err on the side of mercy.
Think, when you lay your head this nigh,
on your pillow. the day has not been lost
for il was marked by an act of mercy
Think, when on your death.bed, you plead
at the throne Of God, lie has said, Blessed
are the merciinl. for they shall receive mer.