Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-01-15

them, but Mary was then engaged to an honest
carpenter in good business, and wisely pre-
ferred comfortable house in her own coun-
try 80 - 80 49,, .,,,,,o5o.
| = She had other reasons, / suspect replied
Mrs. Morris, mysteriousfy, 'but you will hear.
This Mary Berkly, or as she now is called,
Mary White, lives not far from my present
residence. Her husband is comfortably off,
and his wife is not obliged 10 work, excepting
in her own family, but still she will OCCASION
ally, as favor, do up few muslins for par
ticnlar persons. You know she was famous
for her skill in those things. The other day,
having a few pieces which was particularly
anxious to have look nice, 1 called upon her to
see if she would wash them for me. She was
not at home, but her little niece, who lives
with her, child of four years old, said that
her Aunt Mary would be in directly, and ask
ed me to walk into the parlor. did so, and
the little thing stood by my side chattering
away like magpie. In reply to my questions
as to whether she liked to live with her aunt,
what she amused herself with, &C., &C., she
entered into long account of her various
playthings, and ended by saying that she
would show me beautiful new doll, which
her good uncle had given to her, if would
where was sitting, as she could not turn the
key. -5asi 74 -. .HtHI .l .-...J -L
To please the child, l unlocked the door
She threw it wide open, and to my astonish-
ment saw that it was filled with valuable sill
yer plate, china, and other articles of similar
kind, some Of which particularly remembered
having seen at Mrs. Dawson's.
| Perhaps she gave them TO Mary suggest
ed Mrs. Freeman. She was quite attached to
'1mpossiblen exclaimed Mrs. Morris. 'Val-
liable silver plate is not often given to servants
But have not yet finished. Just as the child
had found the DOLL Mrs. White entered, and
on seeing the closet door open, said sternly to
the child - "...
Rosy, you did very wrong to open that
door without my leave. shall not let you
take your doll again for week, and looking
very red and confused, she hastily closed it
and turned the key. Now, to my mind. these
are suspicious circumstances, particularly as
recollect that Mr.. and Mrs. Dawson were rob-
bed of silver plate shortly before they went to
Europe, and no trace could be found of the
thieves
Trne.' replied Mrs. Freeman thoughtf,lly,
Il recollect the robbery very WELL Still can
not believe that Mary had anything to do with
it. was always pleased with her modest
manner, and thonght her an honest, capable
girl .r .s
She is very smooth faced know answer
cd Mrs. Morris, 'but appearances are certainly
against her. | am confident that the articles
saw belonged to Mrs. Dawson
There may be another side TO the story
however, remarked her friend, but why not
mention your suspicious to Mrs. Dawson, you
know she has returned, and is boarding in the
upper part of the city. have her addres:
somewhere
Il know where she lives, but would you re-
ally advise me to medde with the affair.
shall make enemies of Mr. and Mrs White, il
they hear of it, and like to have the good viii
of all, both rich and poor
i do not believe that Mary would take any
thing wrongfully,' replied Mrs. Freeman, bu
if my suspicious were as fully aroused as your.
seems to be, presume should mention what
saw to Mrs. Dawson, if it were only for the
sake of hearing the other part of the story, ant
thus removing such unpleasant doubts from my
mind. And, indeed, if you really think thai
the articles which you saw were stolen, it be-
comes your duty to inform the owners thereof
or you become, in measure, partaker of the
theft .... .....
That is true,' said Mrs. Morris, rising
'and i'll that way might ultimately gain the i'll
will Of Mrs. Dawson therefore think | will
go at once and tell her my suspicious
(Which, am convinced, you will find er
roneous,' replied Mrs. Freeman.
We shall see, was the answer of he
friend, accompanied by an ominous shake of tn,
head and promising TO call on Mrs. Freeman
on her return, she took leave.
During her absence, the alarming cries from
the next house were again heard, and present.,
the old lady appeared on the side walk appa
rently in great agitation and alarm, and gazing
wildly about as if seeking place of refuge -
but she was instantly seized in the forcibl,
manner Mrs. Morris had described, and carries
into the house.
This is dreadful exclaimed Mrs Free
man. What excuse can there be for sucl
, inhuman treatmentn and for moment hel
heart was filled with Indignation towards he
supposed barbarous neighbors; but a little re
Election cansed her still to suspend her iudg
ment, and endeayor 10 learn both sides of IN,
} story. . .....r..., ......'.,
As she sat ruminating on this singular oc
: currence and considering what was her duty i,
regard to it, she was aroused by the entranc,
ofMrs. Morris, who with an air of vexa,ion an,
disappointment, threw herself upon the neares
chair, exclaiming- " f1
A pretty piece Of work have been about
1t is all owing TO your advice Mrs. Freeman
If it had not been for you should not hav
made such fool Of myself Hr -.."ot
Why, what has happened to you = aske
Mrs. Freeman, anxiously. what advice hav
given you which has cansed trouble q t