The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1870-09-13

DO you see that lovely creature in the am
Der satin over yonder ?''
eyes" I groaned.
Well, do you see my diamond and sap
phire jewelry? 1t is the very identical beauty
who cheated so many of us at home. That
bracelet I had already marked, and if the
initials g. L. W. are underneath a thin
scroll of gold I fastened over them to hide
them from any purchaser, then there is
evidence enough to send that splendid crea-
ture to prison for the rest of her days.
What shall do? get an officer at once?"
was too unhappy and perplexed myself
to know what was best; but glancing again
at the brilliant couple, saw poor Allies
dropping figure beyond them, the soft blue
eyes following wistfully Gerald's animated
face. And the sight braced and strength
ened me. Very quietly we found a proper
officer, and stationed him within call, and
then waited till the evenings festivities
should close. Once I saw Lady Wal6e-
grave waltzing with that tall dark stranger
and from her pallid cheek and his scowling
brow, judged that the relation between
them was scarcely pleasant or agreeable.
The moment he released her she passed
to the dining-room, and fearing to lose
sight Of her, I followed.
"You have found an acquaintance" said
l, nodding towards her late partner. els
it the friend you were in search of?''
She bent over the bouquet of camellia
buds, and answered in voice so hoarse
with pain that did not recognize it
"Friend friend rather the fend who
is killing me, body and soul p And then
laughing hysterically, she added, "What
have said? am half crazed with excite
ment' and wretchedly faint. Find me a
glass of wine"
I brought it, and she drank eagerly to
the last drop. The color came back to her
lips and cheeks, and smiling and gay again
she returned to the dancers. Later when
wrapped in the fatal cashmere she emerged
from the dressing-room to take the car
riage home, l stepped between her and
Gerald's proffered arm, so pale myself that
she started and faltered, "What has hap
pened?"
drew her arm in mine Notwithstanding
Geralds angry frown, and begging the rest
of the party to proceed quietly to the car
riages, said gentleman was waiting to see
Lady Waldegrave, and that would attend
her to his presence. Supposing it, at once
to be the mysterious friend she was seek
ing, they made no troublesome inquiries,
and departed peaceably.
led her at once to the private room
| where Mr.. Ellis and the officer were wait
ing. She glanced from them back to me,
and her clasp on my arm made me writhe
with pain. Twice her shivering lips mo-
toned for the words, without any audible
sound, then she gasped, rather than sp oke,
''what does this mean? ?'
touched the shawl and the glittering
jewels significantly. No words were need
ed White, rigid and despairing, she sank
into the nearest chair. For ten minutes
there was utter silence then she asked,
"what will you do with me?''
"She must remain here tonight" " inter-
rupted Ellis, "but tomorrow we shall take
her to New York"
"But the punishment-th penalty ?'
said she, turning those wild eyes appealing
ly to me.
~ cannot tell If everything is con.
fessed and restored, it may be light"
She caught at the hope eagerly.
"Will you help me? There is a great
deal can tell-of an organized plan pur
sued in Vienna, Paris and London, anG
to be detected here in America He said
was too bold"
thought heard rattling at the doc
and unlocking it, looked out into the cor
ridor. 1t was only the black whiskereC
man pacing to and fro, with his cigar.
returned to the waiting group, made few