The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1878-01-01
THAT w0MAN'S SECRET.
coNrINuEp:

nalf expecting 10 read an account OF tne
discovery of the dead body of the unfor-
tunate girl, Laura; but not finding any
thing of the kind, concluded that she
had been merely stunned.
a. A curse on the girll'' he muttered,
- fear she will cause me trouble yet.
What evil genius brought her to that
place last night ~
At the appointed time-eleven o'clock
Ralph Marsden and Major Heith met
at certain fashionable uptown saloon.
$ Well, my boy" was the majors fa-
milar greeting, " how did you succeed
last evening Has the fair Mara prom
Used to be yours 2"
" No." Marsden replied, moodily
'' she evidently regards me with but
little favor-says she would rather die
than become my wife and all that sort
of thing"
Ha-hal" laughed the major "a
few days solitary confinement will
probably affect a considerable change
in her sentiments. But what ails you
this morning ? You seem out of sorts.
(" am" Marsden replied, with an
oath, was seen to enter Jared Per-
cival's last night with that girl"
6 All, by whomp pn
''By woman with whom was once
acquainted, but whom L had not until
last night seen for lifetime; and whom
1 wish might never see again"
All / comprehend; Marsden you're
a sad fellow But how do you know this
person saw you"
''She met me as left the house, and
told me So"
Well, she put you on your guard !;
that's not as bad as it might be-"
She begged me to release Mara.
Does she know her ?''
"No."
Merely made the request out of sort
Of sympathy for the girl, eh?
Yes. 1 do not suppose need appre-
mend any interference from this woman
as far as Mara is concerned. Percival's
doors are closely barred; the girl is as
safe in that house as she would be in the
Tombs. 1t is not in that quarter that
apprehend danger"
6 Indeed May | inquire in what
quarter you do apprehend danger ?"
Sl g 1 am engaged to be married to a
young lady, an heiress moving in the
best society. 1 care but little for the
girl; but care great deal for her mon
'ey. Now my interview with this woman
9ast night-her name, by-the-way, is
Laura Odell-was not of the pleasantest
description; and 1 fear have incurred
her mortal enmity-if had it not be-
fore. If she should learn of my engage
ment fear she would give my betroth-
ed some hints of my past lite which
might cause me to lose the prize now
almost in my grasp"
"Is Improbable that this woman Laura,
knows of your engagement ?"
1 think she does not; but she may
learn of it.
''Not probable, but possible. 1t might
DE well to hasten your marriage how
ever.n
cit is to take place in a MONTH"
6 1 believe you did not mention the
lady's name"
cit is Alice Leighton"
The major started.
Leighton |" he exclaimed. g Not
the daughter of Mark Leighton, the
bankerp"
1.-THE same DO you know her ~
'I have not the honor; but L was
once acquainted with her father"
"'Twas not pleasant acquaintance
If may judge from your face ?"
"You are right; but let us dismiss
the subject"
A few minutes later the two men part
ed. We will follow the major.
"And so Marsden is to marry the
daughter of Mark Leighton" he NUT
tered. My revenge will then, indeed
lie complete; for the girl cannot but bC
wretched as his wife. Fortune favors
me!''
The major proceeded but short dis
tance, when he was Joined, in accordanc,
with preconcerted arrangement, by
Rodney.
Good-morning," was the young
mans greeting. :" have seen Editl
Bentley and Elmore together this morn
ing, evidently on the best of terms
They meet daily, have no doubt, ant
unless our plans are quickly matured,
shall have no chance to win her. w
are wasting valuable time.n