Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1873-11-20

II struck me at once that the photo
graph about which man on the eve o
fight would take so much trouble mus
be of person very dear to him prob
ably his sweetheart. Although haC
been intimate with Thrapstow, he hat
always been very reserved as to his
own friends and associates, and | had
no clue to guide me to any of them ex
cept the photographers card.
Re-enteriny my cab, drove off to
the photographers. There was nc
number or distinguishing mark upon
the card, and the chances seemed fain,
that he would be able to tell me any.
thing about it. Indeed, at first, when
the man found that l wasn't custom.
er, he seemed little inclined to trouble
himself about the matter. The promise
of fee, however, made him more rea-
sonable, and he offered to fet me see
his books, that might search for the
name | wanted to find. But then
didn't know the name wanted tv find.
1t was unlikely that the photograph
had been done for Thrapstow; if it
had, there would probably appear in
in the books only the useless record of
his address. already known to me.
Then the man shook his head. If |
didn't know the name, it was no use
looking. The card was nothing. he
said; he sent hundreds out every
! month Mint INF al. H.,
possibly give me! Then | tried TO de-
scribe the personal appearance of
| Ihrapstow but again he shook his
head. If he hadn't taken his likeness,
lie wouldn't be likely to remember him :;
hardly even then, SO many people pass
ed through his hands.
All this time he had been carelessly
holding the card in his fingers, glauc-
lng at 1t Low and then, and suddenly
an ilca seemed TO strike him. Stop
bit" he said. and went into his dark
chamber, aud presently emerged,
smelling strongly of chemicals. Look
here he said triumphantly. / look
ed. and saw very faint ghostly i'm
preston OF a photograph. Its print
ed itself through" said the man
"thev will sometimes and I've brought
it to liglt. Yes, | know the original
of that Ag.in lie dlved into clos
et, and brought out 4 negative with Il
number and label 10 it. Then he turn
ed TO his book, and wrote down an ad-
dress for me-Mrs. Maidmont, Lark.
spur Road, Noting Hill.
Away | went 10 Larkspur Road
Mrs. Mlidmont's house was a small,
comfortable residence, with bright win
dows, veran .ahs, gorgeous window
boxes, and striped sun blinds. Mrs.
Maitland was ut home, said very
neat, pretty-iooking maid. and | sent
IN my card, with message: ''On most
important business The maid came
back To say that her mistress did hot
recognize the name but would | walk
In | was shown Into pretty drawing.
room on the first dJor. An elderly
lady rose to greet Inc with an old-fash-
ioned courtesy, at the same time with
good deal of uneasy curiosity visi-
bic IN her face. This was not the Or
lginal of the Photograph, who was
young and charming girl.
Madame" said rapidly, Il believe
that my friend, Charles Thrapstow, is
well known TO YOU; now, it is of the
utmost Importance that should ascer-
tain where he is at this moment"
''Stay - said the old lady. You
are laboring under a complete mistake
l know nothing whatever OF the gem
tlcman whose name you mention; n
name | never heard before"
Was she deceiving me: | did not
think so.
Perhaps Miss Mailmont may
know" J said eagerly.
Miss Maiimont is not likely to
have formed any acquaintance without
her mothers knowledge said Mrs.
Maidmont with dignity. There seemed
u be no alternative but for Inc 10 re-
treat with apologies.
Il am very busy, YOU see,' went on
the Old lady, with u wave Of tn hand;
and indeed the room, now | looked
about me, saw 10 be strewei with
preparations for some festive event IA
ball, perhaps, Or, from wreath of
orange blossoms that | saw peeping
out of 4 mlliIner's box, more like "a
wedding. was about TO take my de-
partnre reluctantly, when Il young girl,
L charming Young girl, bounded INTO
the room; she was the original of the
photograph.
"Oh mammal" she cried, ''here's a
letter from poor Charlie to say he can't
possibly y come here tonight! Isn't it
provoking! And | want to consult him
about SO many things"
swell, my dear Isabel" said the old
lady placidiy, you'll have enough OF
his company after Tomorrow" From
which judged that nv surmise as TO
the wedding was correct, and that
Charlie was the bridegroom-elect.
''By the way she went on, ..here's
a gentleman, Isabel, who insists tha:
We know Mr.. Charles-I forget the
name now."
'Thrapstow," l interjected.
"A Mr.. Charles Turapstow. You
know of no such person, Bella!"
IL know of no Mr.. Charles but
Charles Tempest" said Isabel.
''lt is singular, too, that the initials
of our friends should be the same.
May l ask if you have given your por-
trait, taken by BIuebore of kensing-
TOM
Upon my word,' said Mrs. Maid.
mont rising and sounding the bell,
"this is rather too much from a total
stranger. We don't know your friend,
and we don't know you. Susan, show
this gentleman out"
"Bnt gentleman" l cried, with
blue eyes, and yellow beard and nous
tache, and turned-up-nose."
mo more !" cried Mrs. Maidmont.
"Am | to repeat once more, we know
nothing ABOUT him!'