Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1858-06-04


it? Somebody, probably who belonged in the house
called the girl whom you met at the door, and asked
her whether she had carried from the house lately
package OR band-box, belonging to Mrs. Kennedy
She colOred deeply and acknowledged that she had
inquired to where she had carried it. She was very
humble, and deprecated my dispeasure, but very posi-
lively declined to tell coaxed her, undertook to
bribe her, and then threatened her. but all to pur-
pose. Not If were to cut her into pieces would she
tell me.
"My suspicious were thoroughly aroused and believed
from the bottom of my soul that the detestable Benton
was somehow connected with the matter It now be-
came me to put on smooth and afectionate exterior
for had secret to fathom. received Jane on her
return with the old fondness and passed evening
full of misery to me- but overowng with happiness for
her. Where to begin in my Investigations could not
tell. was afraid that the servant would tell Jane of
our conversation but she thoroughly loved her mis-
tress, she promised that if made no difficulty about it
she would not tell her.
had no recourse now but to watch The next day.
instead of going to my office took cigar in the read
ing room of the - Hotel and seating myself by
window that gave me view of my residence kept an
eye the door, had sat there perhaps halt an hour
went tripping down the street. and entered the house.
few minutes passed away, when she and Jane emerg
ed. Both were bonneted and cloaked for a walk.
slipped out and followed them, at distance through
half dozen Streets until at last they turned in at
open doorway. l marked the number and then went to
my Office. was in a fever of excitement. That was
evidently place for ladies to CALL The door opened
into blind looking stairway. There name on
the door.
"The next thing for me to ascertain was the name and
character of the persons occupying the rooms above
went to my dinner as usual and played the careless and
happy to the best of my ability. My wife was in gay
mood, and seemed almost hatefuly charming and bril-
liant kissed her and bade her good evening" plead
ing business my excuse for leaving her alone My
steps almost involuntarily took the morning walk
was moving brisky along, when discovered famil-
lar figure before knew it Benton the momentI
fixed my upon it. unconscousy took his pace keep
ing safe distance from him. and followed him. street by
street, over the path upon which had followed
my wife. AS approached the suspected door, fair
ly held my breath. My blood curdled and every hair
on my head seemed to rise with apprehension. was
not mistaken. He mounted the steps, and, turning on
his heel coolly paused to pick his teeth as [ ground
mine and passed by.
Il could not yet bring myself to the humiliation of
doubling my wes truth to me- The fact that her friend
accompanied her certainly did not tend to this concuson
but the consciousness that she still retained
pect for Benton and that she had met him in obscure
room for any purpose, distracted me. But had pru-
dence enough to determine to wait for the denoueent,
and the meantime to maintain strict surveillance of
the parties possible, without endangerng detec-
tiOn.
Three days passed away and nothing occurred to
prove that the visit had been repeated In the
time Jane was happy lark. watched her some
times while she sat at her needework and frequently
saw peculiar smile on her face On of these occa-
sions abruptly asked her what she was thinking Of
and though imporuned her with some degree of sever
ity, [ could get no satisfactory reply
"The matter very soon began to wear upon my spir
its. was frightened by my haggard aspect whenever
looked in mirror. Jane noticed the fact and became
extremely anxious for Her affectonate attentions
were assiduous than ever, and was made asham
ed of my suspicious for could not doubt tho genuine
ness OF her soicitous apprehensions Still the fact
would recur and passed many slcepess night in re
, voving them.
Zone day, while sitting in my Office my perplexing
thoughts overcame me, and penned the letter you
ceived from me, could keep still no longer without
telling some one of the weight which oppressed
took the letter to the Office myself; and felt that
solitude would only render me more miserable did not
return but kept along through the streets Invounta
ry, almost directed my steps as to take the street
which contained the secret that tormentng
selected the door at the distance OF block and my
heart sank within as | gentleman taking leave
of lady upon the steps, They could have been-they
wereno other than my wife and the miscreant Benton
There no lady with her. l could that they were
laughing merrily.
had revolver in my pocket loaded and capped
and my hand sought it and glued to it [ ap-
preached the spot But Jane did not see me- and trip
ped Oft in the opposite direction Benton remained in
the doorway, and with my eye fixed madly upon him,
approached him. He did not shrink from my look, but
returned it with smile that puzz,ed me- 1 know not
what it was, but there was something in the mild pleas
look that disarmed The nearer l approached him
the disconcerned became, but had evidently
aimed at him in my progress, felt that l could not
avoid him and determined moreover that could and
would bear the suspense no longer.
Good morning, Mr.. Kennedy said Benton.
My voice was startingly husky to myself as | re-
turned the salutatOn.
You are just too late to SEE very beautiful woman
said the with just the slightest tremor in his voice
/ "My blood took fire at once Sir said l. fercely
you a scoundre'
| " -yOu-mean-Sir % inquired the man
opening his eyes with wonder.
"' You damnable villain, sir that is Just what
mean-an internal, smoothtongued hypocrie. Ihave
found you out and before part with you you shall in
| some way give me satisfaction"
The mans eyes actually 6led with tears. He trem
bled from head to foot, and thought he would fall
saw guilt in every look and movement, and that
had him, and believed that l could do what l chose
with him.
} "'Have you room in this building sir demanded
a have"
90 Lead me to it.
There hesitation in his look, and repeated my
demand with an OATH He stood irresoute for a mo
ment, and then said that if would wait moment un
til he had dusted some affairs in his room, he would
comply with my demand. This added new food to my
G suspicious, and cursed him for his artfuness. BE
could not deceive me- and reiterated y demand that
he should show me the room at once.
" do not think that up to this time the shameful ma
ure of my suspicious had really been apprehended by
him. When these dawned upon him, there was fire in
his eye and quick painful swelling of his veins and
muscles which pray God may never again. Pain
INDIGNATION and determination were all there and felt
I in moment that had reused nature whose depth
and strength had failed hitherto to measure. With
great self CONTROL however he said Mr.. Kennedy you
are unjust to whose happiness fear is dearer
to than to you. Did feel at liberty to disregard
her peace, would sooner hug dagger to my bosom
than yield for moment to your insolence. Even now
:, YOU can only enter my room on nv own conditions