The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-11-17

water; and near the upper end Of 1t was
q round irregular cut, which did not quie
penetrate the card. Ithadevidently once
had a photograph fastened on 1t; &C.
cordingly, the card had been wetted, to
facilitate theremoval OF the photograph,
whilst tho face Of the portrait had eyi.
IDENTIFY been cut ont, in order to be
place 1t in locket or something simi.
lar.
It struck me at once that the photo.
graph; about which man on the eve
Of flight would take so much trouble,
must be o person very dear to him;
probably his swhetheart. Although I
had been intimate with Thrapstow, he
had always been very reserved as to his
ownfriends and associates, and I had no
clue 10 guide me TO any Of them except
the photographers card.
Re-entering my cab, I drove OF to the
photographers. There was no number
or distinguishing mark upon the card,
aud the chances seemed faint that he
would be able to tell me anything about
it. Indeed, at first, when the man
found that I was nota customer, he
seemed little inclined to trouble him.
self about the matter. The promise Of
q fee, however, made him more reason.
able, and he offered TO let me see his
books, that I might search for the
name I wanted TO find. II was unlikely
that the photograph had been done for
Thrapstow; Il Il had, there would
probably appear in the books only the
useless record Of his address, already
known 10 me. Then the man shook his
head. II l didn't know the name, 1t
was, no use looking; the card was moth.
ing, ho said 1; he sent hundreds out
every month. What information could
he possibly give MOP Then I tried to
describe the personal appearance Of
Thrapstew, but again he shook his
head. II he hadn't taken his likeness,
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, CLAN.
cling at IL now and then, and suddenly
m idea seemed TO strike him. Stop
a Bit" lie said, and went into his dark
chamber, and presently emerged,
smelling strongly OF chemicals. " Look
here" lle said, tiiumphantly. Hooked,
and saw q very, faint ghostly impres:
sion Of n photograph. It's printed
itself through" said the man" they
will somotimes-and I've brought 1t to
light. Yes, / know the original Of
that" Again he dived into q closet,
and brought out a negative with q
number and label to it. Then he turn.
to his book, and brought out q mega
tive with a number and label to It.
Then lie turned to his book, and wrote
down m address for me-Mrs. Maid
mont, Larkspur road, Noting Hill.
Away I went to Larkspur road. Mrs.
Maidmont's house was q small CONF
Portable residence, with bright win
dows, yerandahs, gorgeous window.
boxes, and striped sun-blinds. Mrs.
NIaidmont was at home, said very
neat, -protty.looking maid; and / sent in
my card, with q message: "On most
important business" Tho maid came
back to say TINT her mistress did not
recognize the name, but wonld l walk
IMP
was shown into a pretty drawing
rsom on the first floor. An elderly lady
rose to greet me with old-fashioned
courtesy, at the Same time with q 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, ~ be-
lieye that my friend, Charles Thrap-
stow, is we'll known to you; now, IL Is
OF the utmost importance that I should
ascertain where he Is at this present
time" 1tl.
"stayl said the old lady. "You
arc laboring under q complete mistake.
I know nothing whatever Of the gen.
tleman whose name you mention-a
name I never heard before"
Was she deceiving me2 / did not
think so.
"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 BUTTE me TO retreat
with apologies.
"I nm very busy, you sec," went on
the old lady, with q wave OF the hand;
and indeed tho room, now 1 looked
aboHt me, saw to be strewed with pre-
parations for some festive event, ball
perhaps, or, from wreath Of orange
blossoms that / saw peeping out Of the
milliner's box, moro likely a wedding.
l was about to take my departure reluc-
family, when young girl, a charming
young girl, bounded into the room.
She was the original OF the photo
graph.
"Oh, mamma II she cried, (" here's q
letter from poor Charlie to say he cant
possibly come here tonight. Isn't IL
proyokingp And Iwant 70 consult him
about 80 many things"
"Well, my dear Isabel" " said the old
lady placidly, "you'll have enough Of
his company after tomorrow" From
which l judged that my gurmise as to
tho wedding was correct, and that
Charlie was the bridegroom elect.
"By the way," she went on, /" here's
q gentleman, Isabel, who insists that
we know Mr.. Charlcs-I forget the
name now"
"Thnpstow, 1 interiscted.
"a Mr.. Charles Thrapstow. You
know OF no such person, Bella ."
"I know Of no Mr.. Charles but
Charles Tempest" said Isabel.
ut Is singular, too, that the initials
q our friends should be the same.