Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1859-03-17
w. ID. WALLACE.
MRS. CUNNINGHAM-BURD
New and Singular Chapter I'm her History


decisive interview. and busy devising
means for ending an acquaintance which had
commenced wholly by accident, been pursued
wholly from curiosity, and which, from every
consideration, he felt must be Immediately ter
minated.
Mrs Cunninghsm's appearance was more
pale and hsggard than on the previous occa-
sion She was. in fact, type Of perfect men
tai misery. or Of great physical prostratiOn
she again apOlogised. by saying that they had
wedding at her house the night before
My second daughter said she fourteen
years old, was married last night to a wealthy
southern planter lie IL much elder than she,
butloved her dearly, and hope that they will
be happy.
The broker soon after entered and said a
lady and gentleman were present whO wanted
the parlor.
AS We are all pretty well acquainted now ="
she said, addressing Frank, ''perhaps you will
have no objection TO going up stairs There is
pleasant room directly above this, and have
ordered fire and lights
Fitzgerald ascended the stairs. followed by
Cunningham. and was ushered into the room
described by the broker. There was bed in
one corner and a cheerful fire in the CRATE.
is it possible" thought Frank, that these
people have cOncOcted plan to charm me
with this society until late hour, to rob me of
the roll of bills they think L carry! l. this the
Delilah who is to shear my locks that somebody
may cut my throat or pick my pockets"
The more he thought Of it, the more his sus-
pieions were aroused. and be reflected with sa-
tISfactiOn on the means of defence he had pro-
vided in case of foul play lie resolved to learn
definitely the nature Of Mrs. Cunningham 5
expectation, and bring his visit to a speedy
close. lie accordingly seated himself near a
front window, at sufficient distance to watch
her motions. and in position to observe the
door which he did closely, and commenced
al ..Drtra <afIf. -,.iri
undisturbed by any of the apprehensiOns refer
red to Mrs. Cunningham plainly intimated
that "a set of winter furs would be very accep-
table. and that seventy-ive a hundred dol
lars would purchase as good u set as she de-
sired
liability of bachelors to lose Shirt-buttOns and
have their clothes otherwise disOrdered. to all
Of which Cunningham assented. and protested
to be an excellent hand to look after such mat
tiers
Gradually she threw off the restraint which
she had formerly observed in conversation. and
finally. when he asked her directly if she would
accompany him South. she replied in the affirm
stiye. without hesitation; and when he init
mated there possibility of his going into
business in this city. she urged him. in that
ease, To buy and furnish house uptown. which
she pledged herself to take care of in the best
style. and To look after his general welfare in
the most satisfactory manner, IA long as he re-
mained single. As slight manifestation Of her
interest. she pinned the binding to the cuff Of
his Overcoat, where ii had been loOsened.
You see, said she, =. l am good hand to
take care of things. You will get that house if
YOU come here. will you not -
Il will see" replied Frank. looking at his
watch, Il will think the matter over; but |
have an engagement at the La Fargo House at
siX OelOck this evening. and l see it is almost
SIX o'clock now
But You are not going to leave me so
soon '''
Yes. madam, must 60 Immediately
No; that will not do. You must spend the
evening here with me- There is a good fire,
and You needn't 60.
A very tempting offer. surely replied
Frank. = but, indeed. ii Is impossible to accept
your generous invitation; 1 cannot break my
engagement.
Is it s0 important that You must leave me
alone here -
Yes. it Is on business, and imperative. Good
evening, madam"
Fitzgerald took his hat and started for the
door; but Mrs. Cunningham, suddenly rising
said. with smile:
No. sir, You cannot gO'
But must go"
No. sir, You shall not 90; You shall stay
here with me-" and. saying. she seized him
by the arm. and hurled him bac X into the chair
Fitzgerald was astOniShed at her great muscular
strength.
There ia power enough thought he. - to
overcome half the dentists in Bond street
united She handled him, in spite of his re-
sistance. as a strong man would handle child.
He again attempted to go. and again she
fOreibly drew him back. this time giving him
two three Whirls with one hand, with the
utmost ease.
sit down." said she; II told you you could
not 90. You see am bound to have my way -
Indeed, madame. you seem determined to
detain me, but | repeat | must go. and shall
not remain another minute, said Frank firmly
You will 20 if choose to let you out of the
door" said Cunningham.
And If You do not choose to let me out Of
the door will g"
No; you will spend tEis evening with me.
We will play cards; yOu must deaIn
The mention of dealing reminded Fitz-
gerald that a present might not be unsccepta-
BE and he took out his pOrtemOnnaie.
Perhaps You will accept little parting
present.
les thank you. sir, said she, taking the
profered bank note. . If you are determined
10 20. will let you of if you will fix time for
seeing again.
Monday, four clock, said Frank, quite
snX0us to get out doors.
Very well; now you may go. hope you
will decide To take that house up town
Before | meet you here again replied
Frank Il shall decide definitely what course
I" pursue
Fitzgerald descended to the hall with the in
tentian Of going directly out but the hall was
profoundly dark. and the house was silent as a
tomb He groped his way to the door but to
his CONSERVATION found it bDlied and locked
and N he thought. the key removed Itwas
Of course easy matter to slip back the bolt:
but this did NO good he was a prisoner,
watched. for all lac knew. by some lurking as
raSsin who was awaiting in the dark a favor
able opportunity tU despatch him
lie grJped his way back TO the basement
stairs. and pounding with all his might and
main. called for Mrs. Willis to come and let him
ont There was however, no response; the base
ment. So far a. he could see, was as dark and
,lIeut rs the hall. lie pounded and called sew
sral times in vain: and finally discovered that
there Was a light in the parlor. lie raped
upon the door. but received no answer. After
Iapping several times he tried the door aud
Wa relieved to find il unfaStened. He looked
an. but the p8rlOr was vacant.
.sAh thought he, 1.-The broker told me she
wanted the pTTl0T for the Of a lady and
gentleman, but See that was all mOonshine;
Il was only strata scm to get Ine up stairs,
plotted undDubtedly long before 1 came
b.H 6l A To- ~. 4 l;..o