The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-03-10

a fee, however, made him more reasonable,
and be offered to let me see his books, that
might search for tho name wanted to
find. 1t was unlikely the photograph had
been done for Thrapstow;if if it 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. II didn't know the name, it was
no use looking; the card was nothing, he
said he sent hundreds out every month.
What information could be possibly given
meP Then tried to describe the personal
appearance of Thrapstow. But again he
shook his head. If 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, glancing at
it now and then, and suddenly an idea seem
ed to strike him. "Stop a Bit" he said,
and went into his dark chamber and pres
emily emerged smelling strongly of chem
icals. " Look here" he said triumphant
ly. looked, and saw very faint ghostly
impression of photograph. "It's printed
itself through" said tho man" they will
sometimes-and I've brought it to Light
Yes, know the original of that" Again
he dived into closet, and brought out a
negative with a number and label to it.
Then he turned to his book and wrote
down an address for me-Mrs. Maidmont,
Larkspur Road, Noting Hill.
Away 1 went to Larkspur Road. Mrs.
Maidmont's house was a small, comfort
able residence, with bright windows, We
randas, gorgeous window boxes, and strip
ed sunblipds Mrs. Maidmont was at
home, said a very neat, pretty looking
maid and / sent in my card, with mes
sage son most important business. -
The maid came back to say that her
mistress did not recognize the name, but
would walk in was shown into pretty
drawing room ON the first floor An elder
ly 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 photo
graph, who was a young and charming
girl.
Madam" said rapidly, believe my
friend Charles Thrapstow, is we'll known
to you now, it is of the utmost impor-
tance that should ascertain where he is at
this moment"
"Stay !" said the old lady " You are
laboring under complete mistake know
nothing whatever of the gentleman whose
name you mention a name never heard
of before"
Was she deceiving me? did not think
so. n e.
"Perhaps Miss Maidmont may know" /
said eagerly. .
" Miss Maidmont is not likely to have
formed any acquaintances without her
mothers knowledge" said Mrs. Maidmont
with dignity. There seemed to be no other
alternative but for me to retreat with apol-
ogies. "I am very busy, you see," went
on the old lady, with wave of her hand
and, indeed, the room, now looked about
me, saw to be strewn with preparations
for some festive event, ball perhaps, or,
from wreath of orange blossoms that
saw peeping out of a milliners box, more
likely wedding. l was about to take my
departure reluctantly, when young girl, a
charming young girl bounded into the
room she was the original of the photo
graph. n M
"Oh, mamma ~ she cried, "here is a
letter from poor Charles, to say that he
can't possibly come here tonight Isn't it
provoking? And want to consult him
about so many things |"
lady, placidly "you'll have enongh of his
company after tomorrow. From which
judged that my surmise as to the wedding
was correct, and that Charles was the
r bridegroom elect.
+ "By the way" she went on, g here is a
gentleman, Isabel, who insists that we
know Mr.. Charles ---, forget the
name now"
"Thrapstow," inteIjected.
GA Mr.. Charles Thrapstow. You know
of no such person, Bella ?" m
81 know of no Mr.. Charles but Charles
D Tempest, said Isabel t..aa ...f
r "It is singular too, that the initials Of
{ our friends should be the same. May
. ask if you have given your portrait, taken
by Bluebore of KensingtOn. .-.g.
4" Upon my word" said Mrs. Maidmont
: rising, and sounding the bell, this is toe
4 much for a total stranger. We don't know