New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1873-03-23

"WheTe
We'll. sir, I'm sure there's some mistake.
and was SO FROM the moment ! saw the
Young lady, so if you'd give me your word
not to 90 away, I'll take you into my house
out of the hustle of the station.
Mr.. Webster went OF, and Clara and
went out to the house.
What can it be, Uncle!
Cant say. my dear: it will be something
20 laugh a. by and by; its not pleasant
now"
Blu about the ring Do you think It
possible, that what mamma said
Possible. my dear, it's ridiculous. lisa
hundred wears old, and | dare say 1t be-
longed 10 lis mother before he gave II TO
YOU
Il can: think what i. can be-"
Don't think about il. Its q mistake.
that's all: il will be cleared up III a few
hours. Well have some dinner. and pass
the time as well as we can"
"Do you know, Uncle, | feel almost glad
Of this: il seems like q break in the dull
ness: it puts off my wedding at least a
week; mamma herself could not press It tor
to-mOrrov after this"
We had dined and got 20 be quite cheer
full, and laughing over the blunder as we
sat at the window. when q rap at the door
startled Us both.
Come in"
A gentleman entered.
Miss Webster! q
Clara bowed.
Miss Clara Webster" he said. reading
the name from o letter.
Clara bowed again.
He handed her the letter, winch she
opened, read, and dropped on the floor, eX-
claiming. Thank God, thank God. Oh
uncle, l am 40 happy" and then tell lnto a
chair fainting. -,
1 picked up the letter, ana ealing me
people of the house, very soon brought her
70. and We were once more alone with the
bearer of the note, which ran as follows:
.TREDGAR HALL.
mr.. Francis Tredgar presents bis com
ailments TO Miss Webster, and begs to state
he must decline the fulfllment OF his prom
ise 10 make her his wife. The unhappy cir
cumstance of Miss Webster's public arrest
on the charge OF being IN possession OF /"
diamond ring stolen by her 10rmsr lo!er'
will al once account TO her for this decision.
mir. Tredgar's wife must De above suspl-
cion. a.
Mr.. Tredgsr begs also TO inform Misc
Webster that the services of his solicitor,
| Mr.. Blake. ,the bearer), are at her dis
posal."
well, Mr.. Blake" said I, you see we
shall not require your services; 1 shall walt
| the event, and, if it is not cleared up, shall
| plnDlOF INV own oOllOlIOL liz NHS
viii YOU present my kind regards to Mr..
Francis Tredgar, and express my W ana
nv niece's admiration Of his gentlemanly
courtesy and kindness! l would write to
him if / did not consider that q correspond
ence with such a miserable, cowardly
scOundrel was too utterly degrading 10 De
thought OF.
IL shall Faithfully convey your message,
sir. and allow me TO assure You that l was
! unite ignorant of the contents OF the letter.
and tina. il. shall be the last time ] ever
bear one from him: and now, as you vii!
not let me help You as his solicitor, allow
me 10 protfer my services as a friend.
with all my heart, Mr.. Blake come IN
here q few minutes before the train comes
in, and We shall be giad Of your help"
WAS | not right, uncle dear SAID
Clara, az soon as we were alone. .
YOU can tell how happy | am | can live
now. O. this glorious mistake. Its the
most fortunate thing that has happened to
me in all my life. Now, you are glad.
uncle, aren', you!" and she came up to
me.
with all Hopes torches lit in both her
ewes" and kissed me, and would have me
speak,
I can find words to tell. Your fate linked
70 such a mar as this scOundrel would have
been living death. | AIN heartily glad.
Clara.
CHAPTER 1.-THE OFFICER.
This way, sir. The young person is IN
nv house: she gave her word not to attempt
to leave: the old gentleman is with her"
This we heard through the door as the
station master came along the passage,
Our friend. Mr.. Blake. had arrived s0me
time before.
The station-master entered. and behind
L., 81; brna6 SlOrlJnrnI man wITu
bushy beard and moustaches conceallng
all the lower part of his face.
"Will you AVE a light, SIR" said the sta
ton master TO the officer.
Thank you. no"
Clar. started at the sound of the voice.
and laid her hand on mine.
Now. my good man. began Mr.. Blake.
."perhaps you can explain this matter; you
t~elegraphed down from London to stop this
lady. and here she Is. Now. Ii you please.
explain"
This gentleman said I TO the officer.
.'is nv niece's legal adviser. assume il is
a mistake: still we shall be glad OF your ex-
PLANTATION. You are "a detective. / pre-
sume!'
NO, air. I am not: my name is
Herbert! Herbert. my dear Herbert. II
is you
Clara had gone TO him, and he was clasp
ing her in his arms, while her face was ND
den in his great beard.
.,My own. nv darling MI own true
DARLING. she loves me still
But why describe their meeting Mr.
Blake sald to me at once:
NV dear sir. | am not wanted here. and
doubt it YOU are and we left them.
In half an hour we thought it possible we
might be less in the way. and We went in.
They sat on .he sofa al a most suspici0usIy
great distance from each other. ami looked
as happy and foolish as possible.
And now. my dear Herbert. please Il
explain to us what has taken you at least
half an hour to make clear 10 my niece
..Well, NV dear uncle-I may cal. you