Connecticut western news., 1873-11-21

fee, however, made him more reason able, and he offered to let me see his books, that I might search for the name wanted to find. It was unlikely that the photograph had been done for Thrapstow if ib had, there would probably appear in the books only the useless record of his address, already known to me- Then the man shook his head. If I didn't know the name, it was no use looking; the card was noth- ing, he said he sent hundreds out every month. What information could he possibly give mo? Then tried to describe the personal appearance of Thrapstow, but again he shook his head. If he hadn't taken his likeness, I he wouldn't be likely to remember him; hardly even then, so many people passed through his hands.
 All this time he had been carelessly holding the card in his fingers, glan- cling at it now and then, and suddenly an idea seemed to strike him. '' Stop bit," he said, and went into his dark chamber, and presently emerged, smelling strongly of chemicals. clock here" he said, triumphantly. I looked, and saw very faint ghostly impress sion of a photograph. It's printed itself through" said the man" they will sometimes and I've brought it to light. Yes, l know the original of that" Again he divea into closet, and brought ,iout negative with 8 number and label to it. Then he turn to his book, and brought out nega- tive with number and label to it.. Then he turned to his book, and wrote down an address for me-Mrs. Maid mont, Larkspur road, Noting Hill.
 Away I went to Larkspur road. Mrs. Maidmont's house was a small com fortable residence, with bright win dows, verandahs, gorgeous window boxes; and striped sun-blindg. Mrs. Maidmont was at home, said very neat, pretty-looking maid; and sent in my card, with a message: con most important business" The maid came back to say that her mistress did not recognize the name, but would walk in? .,. I was shown into 8 pretty drawing room on the first floor. An elderly lady rose to greet me with old-fashioned courtesy, at the same time with good deal of uneasy curiosity visible in her face. This was not the original of the photograph, who was young and charming girl. .-.. ..'.
 Madam" I said rapidly, "I be- lieve that my friend, Charles Thrap- stow, is we'll known to you; now, it is of the utmost importance that should ascertain where he is at this present time" ,.-... -.........
 "Stay P said the old lady. "You are laboring under 8 complete mistake. I know nothing whatever of the gen tleman whose name you mention-a name never heard before." e"
 Was she deceiving me? I did not think so. ...-... .... ..s
 "Perhaps Miss Maidmont may know him." I said eagerly. .:..-.-- ...
 " Miss Maidmont is not likely to have formed any acquaintance without her mothers Knowledge" said Mrs. Maidmont with dignity. There seemed to be no alternative but for me to retreat with apologies.
 (" I am very busy, you see," went on the old lady, with 8 wave of the hand; and indeed the room, now I looked about me, saw to be strewed with pre- parations for some festive event, 8 ball perhaps, or, from wreath of orange blossoms that I saw peeping out of the milliner's box. more likely wedding. l was about to take my departure reluc- tantly, when a. young girl, 8 charming young girl, bounded into the room. She was the original of the photo graph. ...s-.,. ... .-...
 "Oh, mamma p she cried, 's here's 8 letter from poor Charlie to say he can't possibly come here tonight. Isn't it provoking? And I want to consult him about so many things"
 "Well, my dear Isabel, "said the old lady placidly, "youH have enough of his company after tomorrow. From which I judged that my, surmise as to the wedding was correct, and that Charlie was the bridegroom elect,
 7"By the way" she went on, :" here's a gentleman, Isabel, who insists that we know a MT. Charles-I forget the name now" ..I ..
 "Thrapstow, interiected.
 GA MT. Charles Thrapstow. You know of no such person, Bella ?''
 CT know of no MT. Charles but Charles Tempest" said Isabel. .
 "It is singular, too, that the initials of our friends should be the same. May ask if you have given your DOT trait, taken by Blubore of Kensington
 "Upon my word," said Mrs. Maid mont, rising, and sounding the bell, stranger. We don't know your friend, and we don't know you. Susan, show this gentleman out.
 II "But gentleman" I cried, "with blue eyes, and yellow beard and nous tache, and turned-up nose." .@.:4...
 "No more ]" cried Mrs. Maidmont. Am I f0 Er10 nothing about him ?''
 What could I do under these circum- stances but take my leave |? In Susan, ! however, found an unexpected ally. She had heard my parting words of de. scription, and she turned to me as we were descending the stairs, and said
 "Miss "IsabePs young man is exactly like that" Half-a-crown and few blandishments, which, under the cir cumstances. think even my worthy spouse would have condoned, put me into possession of the facts. ,,.. Miss Maidmont was really going te be married tomorrow morning at St. Spikenard's Church to a MT. Charles Tempest, 0 very geod-looking young ] man, whom they had not known long, ) but who seemed to be very we'll off. My l description of my friend taIlied exactly } with Susan's of the bridegroom; but the } coincidence might be merely accidental , "Had Miss Maidmont photograph of her lover ?" I asked. e- :. } She had, in her own room, it seemed. Susan couldn't get at it now without suspicion; but she promised to secure ). it, and bring it with her, if I would : meet her at nine o'clock at the corne, of the street.
 . I was punctual to my trust; and al ) nine, Susan made her appearance with morocco-case containing an excellent ; likeness of my friend, Charles Thrap stow, massive pin with topaz in it, and } all.. . .s .5e. p.