, 1877-03-23

.
Late one evening, lady. closely yeiled,
entered nv shop, and, pulling from her
cloak a small japanned box, requested
me to open it. The lock was curiously
constructed. and was all Of an hour fit
ting it with a key.
The lady seemed nervous at the delay,
and at length requested me to close the
door. l was little surprised at the
suggestion, but Of course complied.
Shutting the door, and returning to my
work, the lady withdrew her veil. dis
closing as sweet face as can be imag
agined. There was a restlessness in the
eve and a pallor in the cheek, however,
which plainly told of a heart i'll at ease,
and in a moment every emotion for her
had given place to that of pity.
Perhaps you are not we'll, madam,
and the nj ght air is too chilly ?" said
rather inquisitively.
l felt a rebuke in her reply.
"Il. requesting you to close the door,
I had no other object than to escape the
attention of other persons"
did not reply, but thoughtfully con-
tinued my work. She resumed,-
"That little box contains valuable
papers-and 1 have lost the key, or it
has been stolen. 1 should not wish to
have YOU remember that ever came
here on such an errand, she continued,
with some hesitation, and giving me a
look which it was no difficult matter to
understand
Certainly ,lmadam, if you desire it.
If canhot forget your face, l will at
least attempt to lose the recollection of
ever seeing you here"
The lady bowed rather coldly at what
1 considered fine compliment, and 1
a suddenly discovered partiality for me
had nothing to do with the visit. Hav-
ing succeeded, after much filing and fit
ting, in turning the lock, was seized
with curiosity to get a glimpse at the
precious contents of the box, and, sud
denly raising the lid, discovered bun
die of letters and daguerreotype, as
slowly passed the box to its owner.
She seized it hurriedly, and placing the
letters and pictures in her pocket.
locked the box, and drawing the veil
over her face, pointed to the door. 1
opened, it, and as she passed into the
street she merely whispered
Remember
We met again, and 1 have been thus
particular in describing her visit to the
shop to render probable another recog-
milton.
About two o'clock in the morning,
in the latter part of May following,
was awakened from sleep by gentle
tap upon the window of the little room
back of the. shop, in which 1 lodged.
Thinking of burglars, I sprang out of
bed, and in a moment was at the win
dow, with heavy hammer in my hand,
which usually kept at that time with
in convenient reach of my bedside.
Who's there ?" / inquired, raising
the hammer and peering out into the
darkness-for it was as dark as Egypt
when under the curse of Israel's God.
" HistF exclaimed a figure stepping
in front of the window; "open the
door have business for you"
Rather past business hours, I should
say; but who are you?"
mo one that would harm you," re-
turned the voice, which I imagined was
rather feminine for burglars.
And no one that CAMP replied
rather emphatically, by way of warn
ing, as I tightened my grip upon tie
hammer, and proceeded to the door. 1
pushed back the bolt, and slowly open
ing the door, discovered the stranger al
ready upon the steps.
What do you want?" abruptly in
quired.
81 viii tell you," answered the, same
soft voice, +" if you dare open the door
for me to enter"
Come in, )" said I, resolutely, throw
ing the Edoor ajar, and proceeding to
light candle. Having succeeded, I
turned to examine the visitor. He was
a small and neatly-dressed gentleman,
with heavy raglan around his shoul-
ders, and blue navy cap drawn sus-
piciously over his eyes. AS advanced
toward him, he seemed to hesitate mo-
ment, then raised the cap from his fore
head, and looked me curiously in the
face. l did not drop the candle, but
acknowledge to little nervousness as I
hurriedly placed the light upon the
table, and silently proceeded to invest
myself with two or three very necessary
articles of clothing. As the Lord liv-
eth, my visitor was lady, and the
same for whom 1 had opened the little
box about month beforel Having
completed my hasty toilet, attempted
to stammer an apology for my rudeness,
but utterly failed. The fact is, 1 was
confounded.
Smiling at my discontinue, she
said,-
Disguise is useless presume you
recognize me?"
L believe I told you, madam, 1
! should not soon forget your face. In
what way can serve you ?"
i" Rv dining half an lhnnr's work be-