The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1877-12-18

announced that the doctor was at the
door awaiting her.
The young girl could not help think
ing it singular that he remained outside;
but she gave the matter passing
thought only, and bastened her prepa-
rations, not wishing to keep him wait
ing In the Storm
In a few moments she was ready.
hastened to the door, took the arm of
the man who stood upon the steps, and
was escorted to the carriage.
She entered the carriage and was fol-
lowed by her companion.
The driver, Immediately gave rein to
his horses, and they proceeded at rapid
pace toward Broadway.
Mara perceived, to her surprise, that
there was another in the coach beside
herself and the supposed doctor.
Turning to the latter individual, for
an explanation, she saw to her horror,
the evil face of Ralph Marsden She
would have cried out, but a handker-
chief, saturated with chloroform, was
pressed to her face, and she became in
sensible.
$50 far, our plan has succeeded said
Marsden.
Everything has gone as well as we
could have desired" responded the ma
jor and, now that you have the girl
what do you propose doing with
her?"
First of all, L shall carry her to Per-
cival's gaming house."
know; but what then 20
-" shall then ask her to be my wife,
and give her time for consideration of
the proposal"
"Ha your wife! This does not suit
me, Marsden."
Major, you are dull the ceremony
will be performed by particular friend
of mine, who has wonderful talent for
personating the clergy
g see; and if can be of any assist
ance to you, do not fail to call upon
me.n
Thanks; and of what you have al
ready done, will not be forgetful."
g 1t was as much to crafty my own
desire for revenge as for your sake; still,
if you feel under any obligation, you
can, if you like, liquidate Mrs. Van
Dykes little bill of five hundred dol
lars.''
g will do it, MAJOR.
The coach finally stopped in front of
brown stone mansion in Twentieth
street.
"Here we are at Jared Percival's,"
Marsden announced.
Mara was still insensble.
Lifting her in his arms, Ralph Mars
den bade the major goodnight, agreeing
to meet him on the morrow, and has
tened up the steps of the mansion.
He gave the door-bell hasty pull.
The summons was instantly answered
the house, and the door was closed be-
hind him.
He had been observed by woman,
pale, wretched creature, who was pass
ing on the opposite side of the street as
he ascended the steps.
When she saw his face, the girl-for
she was yet young, though terribly worn
and faded-gave start.
She paused, and watched his entrance
into the house; then took her station
where she could see anyone who might
enter and leave the mansion; and there
she stood, waiting and watching, regard
less of the furious storm that ragged
around her.
X \ X
That evening Walter Elmore was
seated before glowing fire in his apart
ment, book in his hand and cigar be-
tween his lips.
Arrayed in his dressing-robe and slip
pers, and seated in his favorite easy-chair
he was preparing to enjoy comfortable
evening in solitude, when a knock
sounded on his door.
Come in!'' he cried
Henry Oakley entered.
"NIy dear boy ~ Elmore exclaimed
"what is the matter? Your face is a
perfect picture of alarm and distress
What has happened?"
"Walter,' said Oakley. ''you know 1
expected to attend the theater in compa-
ny with Miss Sydney this evening"
" Yes.'
At the appointed time L called at
her residence; but what was my dismay
on learning that man whom they sup
posed to be myself had taken her away
in coach fifteen minutes before
q Rut how is II nOSsibla that any one