Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-03-13

W men the nrSt falnt StreakS OF uayllgnl
began TO tremble in the eastern horizon
Clara sat up, very tired, but very easy in
her mind. There was pleasant light
in her eyes smile on her pretty lips,
and broad, plain gold hoop on her fin
ger, where the night before a great soli-
taire diamond had cleaned.
The solitaire diamond was gllttering
on one OF the white fingers of her gallant
companion. They had exchanged rings
in eousinly way.
There was very bright fire in the
long, costly furnished, luxurious, and
old fashioned Boston parlor, in old Mrs.
Marston's house, and two rosy girls were
crocheting near the window, eagerly
watching the street as far away as Il
could be seen.
II should think it time for Clara,
shouldn't you, Floy?"
" Yes, and time for pa, too. ! hope
he II get some trace OF the rascal.
" Depend upon it, he never will. To
think of all our spoons and plate. Oh,
Floy"
"And all the sweet letters you wrote
to him. Oh, NellieW
Nellie's round cheeks Redeemed, and
the chubby slippered foot played lively
measure on the velvet carpet.
Well, he is very handsome.
There was a picture over the mantel,
the face of handsome rogue of fell
low; and Nellie's brown eyes wandered
up there, with sad and very doubling
expression.
" Handsome is that handsome does.
Julian Raymond was never handsome in
my eye" said Floy.
"A great blow had fallen upon the Mars
tons. Nellie had had beau, a real bona
fide beau in broadcloth and shiny boots.
She had met him at ball, and from that
time--well, it's the silliest and most un-
necessary thing in the world to attempt
to repeat their love story, so I'll draw
the line here.
He won the affections of the entire
family, and was treated like man, and
brother-and a son.
And when parental hopes and youth
full aspirations were at the highest pitch
there was flash, an explosion, and lol
Julian Raymond was gone, and so was
thousand dollars worth or so of the
family plate, and all Miss Nellie's and
Miss Floy s pretty and valuable jewels.
Thus we find them in the rosy warmth
of the parlor, wailing over their loss
and shameful disappointment, and watch
ing for the coming of their wealthy New
York cousin with mingled feelings of
chagrim and pleasant anticipation.
Alter little there was a sound of
horses feet in the street, and the nice
family coupe drew up, and white face
looked anxiously out.
"Oh, there she is There's Clara"
and the crochet work went down on the
carpet, and the two girls few to the door,
1t was very gorgeous but very de-
jected bundle that came slowly up the
steps and suffered itself to be led or
half borne into the parlor.
"Why Clara, dear Why cousin
How ill you lookl This is Nellie, yonr
Oldest cousin. am Floy," said the
chatty individual.
The white face turned around and
evinced quite degree of interest
why, | Thought you were at H
and Clara told the story of the two saucy |
ay-aways:
How horriblel.
"And I've been robbed"
Rebbed?'
"Of all my money, my plain ring, and |
my watch and chain. Nellie, do you
know George AyerY'
George Aver? Nor
"Isn't he Uncle Marston's nephew
Clara.
"Nol Papa has no nephews.
Clara lifted her eyes in horror
"Why, there he is, There's George
Ayer;" and the trembling hand pointed
straight at the picture over the mantel.
They laughed, and Nellie sat down in
he nearest chair.
"That is Julian Raymond, and he
carried off our plate and jewelry," said
Floy.
"'That is George Aver, and he has
'tolen my watch and money" cried
Clara, How did he know me2 He
snew my name, and all about me.
"Yes, the rascal. He knew you were
expected on the 10th, and that you had
OTIS of money"
Clara groaned. lie nad promised TO
meet her at dinner when he handed her
nto the coupe-and after all, he was
,nly mean thief, who had left nothing
or her money and yaluables but plain
old ring.
To cut long story short, let me say
bat George Aver, alias Julian Ray
nond, was never afterward seen.
Neither we're the jewels, the family
late, Miss Claras watch and money, or
hat elegant solitaire diamond And
lhen Clara held out her hand to Uncle
Iarston, asking. How much is that
lag WORTH" and Uncle Marstou re-
lied, ABOUT ten gents, my dear, she
cit that insult had been added to injury,
nd that her burden of both was more
han she could bear.