Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1872-11-15
A TALE OF TWO LOCKETS
BY LUCY II. HOOPER.
(Concluded.)

(Concluded)
Some little time elapsed before all of us
had got through with the work of examining,
admiring, and purchasing. At last every
one was pronounced ready. Gloves, parasols,
and canes were sought for, and the whole
party prepared to leave. Just then one Of
NJ. Vardier's partners came up and whisper
ed something to him, and then at a sign from
him passed forward and locked the iron-lined
door, instantly Withdrawing the key. We
were prisoners M. Warbler then addressed
US in a tone and manner that betrayed ex-
cessive emotion.
Ladies and gentlemen" he said, address,
ing the whole party as we stood, bewilder-
ed and indignant group, before the closed door,
81 ask your pardon for this apparent rude
ness on my part. But interests not my own
are at stake, and l cannot hesitate as to the
course should pursue. AS to myself, some
thing more than the mere pecuniary value Of
a lost trinket is in question-nothing less
than my personal reputation and the honor
of my house. l can scarcely bring myself
to explain my meaning. but it must be done
An ornament of great value and unique char
aeter, the property OF an individual who
placed it in my hands, con6ding in my honor
and my vigilance, has disappeared from this
room.
A cry, either Of amazement or indignation
burst from every lip. NJ. Warbler merely
waved his hand deprcratingIY and continu.
ed
The ornament in question is the Holbeiu
pendant, which was 50 much admired by
some members of this party few minutes
ago. After showing it to two or three !
laid it on the table, my attention being call.
ed to something else The pendant has dis
appeared. My partners and myself have
sought for it in every part of this room, but
in vain.
"You miserable tradesman," burst forth
the Baron de Brenaul, "dare you insinu.
ate"
"Wait!" whispered Madame de Vignard
touching him lightly on the shoulder. "HavC
patience, mon cher Baron all will be speed
lily explained" There was a CLEAN Of tri
umphi in her fierce black eyes which could
not understand. Then Miles spoke:
'Search every person here if you wish, NJ
Warbler" he said, coming forward. "Bogir
with me if you will But think if you
look further you will find your trinket with
out inAicting such humiliation on any one o.
u.s."
M. Warbler shook his head. "The room
is small and it has been thoroughly examin
ed"
Just then l happened to glance OF Char
lotte, and her extreme paleness struck me
with amazement She was trying to edge
herself out Of the circle in which we stood
but Miles drew her arm within his.
"Don't fdget 50, Lolita" he said kindly
This affair is annoying but we must MAKE
up our minds to submit to annoyances some
times"
There was short pause then NJ. Vardi
er spoke again
"One Of my partners shall 60 for my sis
ter, and they will examine the pockets of tn,
ladies, but the search must take place."
"And what if we will not submit to sucl
an iasult2" sneered NJ. dc Brenaud.
"Then will summon the police and cal
upon the law to aid me in recovering tn
missing jewell"
"For Heavens sake get this thing over I!
exclaimed Mr.. Vaux, who, with his usua
phlegm, had been silent till that moment
"search us all and let us get back to the no
tell as quickly as possible"
Madame do Vignard here came forwar,
with strange sort of smile curving her thiI
lips.
"Why should we all be exposed to sucI