The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1877-12-18
THAT WOMAN'S SECRET.
CONTINUED.

dry-goods establishment on broadway.
1t Is six o'clock, and the girls, thirty
or forty in number, are preparing to
leave. Among them is Mara Sydney.
She is in the act of putting on her shawl
q smile upon her lips as she talks light
ly with the forewoman, when mans
face is thrust into the open doorway and
pair of handsome but sensual eyes for
moment gleam on her and then disap.
pear.
The smile fades from Mara's counte-
nance; she grasps the forewomans S arm,
and says.
Miss Davis, that was the man of
whom I have told you; who has so per-
sistently followed me lately. His very
glance terrifies mel DO you know who
he is ?"
" He is Mr.. Marsden's son, Ralph ~
replied the forewoman. Beware of
him, Mara if ever a heartless being
walked the earth he is one"
:" 1 can readily believe yuu," said the
girl, shuddering; "hs face tells his
character. Since the first time saw
him, a week ago, have been in con-
slant fear of him; he has followed me
in the street until have almost resolved
to call upon policeman for protection.
Several times he has been on the point
of addressing me; but have managed
to avoid him. And he is our employers
son p'
" Yes" replied Miss Davis, "and he
is as heartless and depraved as his father
is noble and generous. He has no en-
ployment; but lives upon old Mr.. Mars
denis bounty; and the old gentleman
loves him too well to cast him off, in
spite of his dssipated habits"
When Mara Sydney descended to the
street she was relieved to find that
Ralph Marsden was not in sight. But
she had proceeded only short distance
when she felt a light touch upon her
shoulder, and turning, found herself
face to face with her prosecutor.
:" Allow me to accompany you to your
destination" he said, walking by her
side and attempting to force her arm
through his.
Leave me, sir !" she cried, in terror,
starting away from him; but he grasped
her arm, saying:
My dear young lady, really cannot
consent to your walking alone, and un-
protected after dark. 1t is not safe, l
assure YOU"
Mara's terror was so great that she
trembled from head to foot. 1t was
dark, and the street they were in was
almost deserted. She saw no one to
whom she could appeal for protection.
With an effort she again spoke and beg
ged him to leave her.
Nay, my dear Miss Sydney-for you
see L know your name-I positively
must refuse to leave your side until L
have seen you safely home. And, by
Jove !" he exclaimed, putting his arm
around her waist, ''you look so lovely
that 1 really must have one kiss before
we proceed; and he bent forward until
" AT this moment blow from a mans
arm felled him to the sidewalk, while
another arm received the fainting girl.
ellie there, dog" exclaimed the new
conner, "until you can learn the respect
due your mothers SEX"
=" L thank you for your kindness, sir, :"
she said, rising to her feet but will
not trouble you further. am quite able
to walk
" AT least you will allow me to accom-
pany you," the young man said.
Mara acquiesced and they left the store
into which he had taken her together.
will not weary my reader with re-
cital of their entire conversation.
They were mutually pleased with each
other. The stranger gave his name as
Henry Oakley; he was no other than
the young physician to whom the reader
has already been introduced.
81 hope" said Henry, "that the ma
ture of your employment is not such as
to bring you in frequent contact with
that scoundrel who was prosecuting you
with his attentions this evening""
am dressmaker in Messrs. Mars.
den & Miller's establishment" Mara
replied. "The man from whom you
rescued me is Mr.. Marsden's son. ]
have been employed there nearly foul
months; but / never saw him unit
within week. suppose he will il
the future place himself in my way if
remain there"
Ralph Marsden is an unprincipleo