The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1866-03-29


Wait, Uncle Joseph, what for ?''
Madam, this telegram orders the ar
rest OF your daughter, and her detention
here till the arrival of an officer from
London
But what for?''
can not tell; its useless to complain
now; we must waltz
y shall do nothing of the kind; |
snail at once go and get my brother and
MIR. Tredgar to come down."
2" Pray don't madam there's no occa-
sion to make mole noise about this mat
ter than can be helped"
. | shall remain with Clara; you had
better go on and say we are coming very
shortly"
"Your instructions don't include this
lady and MYSELF" | asked.
= Not at all, sir; you are both free to
go at any time, but the young lady must
stay"
Whereof
Well, sir, | am sure there's some
mistake. and was SO from the moment [
saw the young lady so if you'll give me
your word not to go away, I'll take you
INTO my house out of the hustle of the
station"
Mrs. Webster went off, and Clara and
L Went out 10 the mouse.
what can it be, Uncle :''
=" Can't say, my dear; it will be some
thing, to laugh at by and by, though it's
not pleasant now"
But about the ring-do you think it
possible, that what mamma said 20
Possible! my dear, it's ridiculous
It's a hundred wears old. and dare saw
belonged to his mother before he gave
it to YOU"
g can't think what it can be-"
Don't think about it. It's mistake,
that's all it will be all cleared up in a
few hours. Well have some dinner, and
pass the time as well as we cam"
DO you know, uncle, | feel almost
glad of this; it seems like break in the
dizziness; it puts off my wedding at
least week; mamma herself could not
press it for tomorrow after this.'
We had, dined, and got to be quite
cheerful and laughing over the blunder
as we sat at the window, when rap at
the door startled us both.
"Come in.'
A gentleman entered.
g Miss Webster ?'
Clara bowed.
Miss Clara Webster" he said, read
ing the name from letter.
Clara bowed again.
He handed her the letter, which she
opened, read, and dropped ON the floor
exclaiming: Thank God! thank God!
Oh uncle, ] am so happy" and then
fell back in a chair fainting.
picked up the letter, and calling the
people of the house, very soon brought
her to, and we were once more alone
with the bearer of the note, which ran as
follows:
"TREDGAR HALL.
"Mr. Francis Tredgar presents his
compliments to Miss Webster, and begs
to state that he must decline the fulfill
ment of his promise to make her his
wife. The unhappy circumstance of
Miss Webster's public arrest, ON the
charge of being in possession of dia-
mond ring stolen by her former lover,
will at once account to her for this deci-
sion; Mr.. Tredgars wife must be above
suspicion.
Mr.. Tredgar begs also to inform
Miss Webster that the services of my
solicitor, Mr.. Blake {the bearer), are at
her disposal"
"Well, Mr.. Blake" said I, "you see
we shall not require your services;
shall wait the event, and, if not cleared
up, shall employ my own solicitor in
the matter. Will you present my kind
regards to Mr.. Francis Tredgar, and ex-
press my own and my niece's admira-
ton of his gentlemanly courtesy and
| would write to him it l
did not consider that correspondence
with such Il miserable, cowardly scoun-
drel was too utterly degrading to be
thought off,
s shall faithfully convey your mes
sage, sir. and allow me to assure you
that | was quite ignorant of the con-
tents of the letter, and that it shall be
the last time l ever bear one from him ;
and now as you will not let me help you
as his solicitor, allow me to protfer my
services as Il friend"
"With all my heart, Mr.. Blake come |
in here few minutes before the train |
comes in, and we shall be glad of your
help"
"Was not right, uncle dear: ' said
Clara ms soon as we were alone. ooh |
you can't tell how happy am; l can
live now. . this glorious mistake! it's !
the most fortunate thing that has hap
pened to me in all my life. Now, YOU
are glad, uncle, aren't you?" and she
came up to me,
ar, 1t