The daily gazette., 1875-12-24
THE SECRET.
BY PAUL PLU MI.

| iOSb anu
within its limits, and dispensed a
generous and hearty hospitality. These
rich and fashionable people gave a
certain tone to the town that made 1t
the envy of the rest of the county. Bat
of all who resided there none were so
popular as the family of Rufus Hervey.
Mr.. Hervey years before had been a
manufacturer, and having accumula-
ted large fortune, he transferred his
business to his sons, and building
himself lordly mansion IN c., sat
down to enjoy the rest of his days in
case and pleasure.
His only daughter, Ada, was 8 fne
dashing girl of eighteen, not particu-
larly handsome, but exceedingly intel
ligent, and brimful OF vivacity. She
was great favorite, and was consider
ed the lead of the society in C. At
the time of which we are writing she
had been absent from her home on a
visit to some relatives in the chief
city of theState and her father sat in his
big armchair by the window, watch
ing for the carriage that was to bring
his daughter to her home. By and
by there came q rumbling Of wheels,
and far up the road a cloud Of dust
proclaimed that Nr. Hervey's darling
was coming to his house. 1t was al.
most Eight, for the stars were twink
ling in the deepening twilight when
Ada Hervey spranG from the vehicle
and was locked in her fathers arms,
who kissed her fondly, and patted her
check. Ada was fatigued, and COM
planned of q slight headache, so she
retired early to her chamber, Having
first delivered to her father keeping
letter addressed to Percy Melville,
Esq.
"Sone Of the Melville family will
call for it, said Ada. and she turned
and assembled the stairs.
Mr. Hervey so sooner saw his daugh
! ter depart than he entered his study
, and locking the door, lit couple Of
candles and began to examine tht
letter with curious expression O.
; countenance. He examined the sea
and then he held it up to the light, ,snC
vainly thought to read through tht
evelopc. He couldn't accomplish it
but a sudden thought must have cross
ed his mind, for he smiled and hur
riedly placed a small kettle on the iir,
which was burning brightly on thu
hearth. He intended to steam tn,
seal \ sense of shame momentaril,
e passed over his face as he resumed hi
seat at the table, while he waited fo
the water to boil. just then tn
table cracked, as tables sometimes d
- in an overheated room, and Ruff
Hervey started, and thrusting the le
into hia nnnEat aytiuntaiahad th
, lights. After pause he lighted th
) candles again, and cautiously steppe
) over the floor to look at the kettle. A
, he did so, there came violent ring 8
the bell, In an instant the lights wer
out, and he quietly unlocked the doc
and stepped into the entry. rhe Sc
: want maid was already answering til
summons.
Has Miss Heryey arrived" asked
. voice that Mr.. Hervey knew belonge
to Percy Melville.
{ The servant replied in the atlirmati,
and stated that sheshad retired to be,
,f not feeling well.
/ "Please so and ask her for lett
: that | suppose she has brought me
4 said Melville.
Z Sorry to diSoblige you, sir, sa
2 the servant. but Miss Hervey lie
;, orders that she was not to be disturbe
agd | know that she is asleep by tn
time"
n We'll, then, ask Mr.. Hervey if
: can obtain the letter for me; | mu
n have it to night"
= Rufus Hervey hid himself behind
: screen in the entry, as the serva
searched for him Presently she T
: turned and said that Mr.. Hervey W
: not at home; che must have gone o
J after Miss Ada retired"
Percy Melville ground his teeth a
patted the floor with his foot. Cir
= he said, II must have that letter t
IL. night"
la Could Rutus Hervey have fran
an excuse for appearing at that m
ment, the letter would certainly be
Melville possession, for he had alrea
began to experience the sensation
Z unworthy act always produces. &
1, he could not appear, so he couch
closer in his corner, nor did he stir
q he heard Percy Melville leaving
steps with a bitter imprecation on
lips.
rE Once more Rufus Hervey returned
his study and relighted the candl
He closed the windows tightly a
drew the curtains so that not ray
to light could be discovered from witho
Then he stirred the fire, for 1t
sy winter, though the season was mi
By.and.by the steam began to asce
from the kettle, and the low singi
noise told him that he had gu
enough steam for his purpose:
Ill placed the kettle on the table and b
the letter over the spout; the adhes
eh. properties of the envelope loosen
and he sat down and began to per-
what seemed to be lengthy commu
Ids. cation. When he had concluded
ure face was as pale as death.
my "Merciful heavenr' hs calculated
" an underbreath. This was all he utter
r.: Cold drops of perspiration stood on
brow, and his hand shock life
suffering from sgue. Mechanically
placed the letter in the envelope
resealed it He examined his WI
many times, as if he did not app
satisfied with it. 1t did not at CLOS
to the old creases. A curious
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