The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1878-06-12
THE STOLEN LOCKET.

In Cno eleSduIIy luIuouSo uio"AhS
room of West end mansion sat ayoung
man, whose genteel bearing, broad, no.
BILE brow, from which his chestnut hair
was tossed back in graceful carelessness,
and large, thoughtful eyes bespoke him
to be one OF Dature's noblemen. He
was evidently waiting impatiently for
some one; for, as slight noise was
heard on the landing. he would start,
and fix his eyes eagerly upon the door:
At last, apparently unable to sit still
any longer, he arose, and, walking to
the window, stood tapping nervously on
the glass, and watched with listless
eyes the ehemeGon-like crowd that
passed. While thus occupied he failed
to hear o slight rustic as q girhsh figure
entered the room and gliding softly to
his side touched him lightly upon the
arm. His quick start and the loving,
gentle manner in which he gathered her
to his heart showed at glance that they
were lovers.
While they hold sweet converse let us
pause a moment, while describe my
heroine.
She was of medium height, of slen-
der, delicate figure, and possessed OF q
nameless grace of movement, which,
added to her other charms, had won her
the name among her many admirers of
"Nelie, the Irresistible" Her beauty
was of the true blonde type, and clad as
she was in shining blue dress she
looked worthy of the name. On her
arms cleaned with tawny luster broad
golden bands; and from one Of these,
suspended by a small chain, hung 8
tiny heart-shaped locket, one side Of
which bore o forget-me-not set OF tur-
uuoise, with brilliant diamond spark
ling in the center.
Guy Hartley, for such was our hero's
name, had called, glad of an excuse, to
acquaint Nellie with some arrangement
which he had just completed with regard
TO their soon approaching marriage; and,
after short time passed in pleasant
conversation, he reluctantly rose, and,
bidding O tender adieu to the fair
girl, left the house with firm, elastic
tread. 49,
Hardly had he taken his departure
when the front door bell again rang, and
once more a young gentleman was
ushered into the drawing-room. The
newcomer was tall and slight, with jet
black hair, and a piercing look iii the
black eyes that boded no good to an
enemy. As he sank into chair, some
thing glistening upon the floor caught
his eye; and as he recognized it he could
scarce refrain from shout OF pleasure; !;
for Fred Acton had long been the secret
rival of Guy, each striving to win the
hand of fair Nellie Pomeroy. Anl nov,
as he held in his grasp the tiny locket,
which by some evil chance had become
detached from the bracelet on Nelhe's
arm, he felt that he possessed an almost
certain means of revenge on Guy, and
stand, perhaps, a better chance Of win
ming the fair girl for his wife; for the
locket, as he knew, had been Guys first
love- gift to Nellie, and was priced as one
of her choicest possessions.
At this moment the footman entered
the parlor, presenting Miss Pomeroy's
regrets, and request that MIR. Acton
would excuse her that afternoon. The
truth was that with her womanly intui-
ton she had long OWNED the secret
which he had thought known to himself
alone; and, having ever treated him with
polite indifference, she felt less inclined
now than ever to endure tete-a-tete
with him.
Rising as the footman entered with
her message, and scarcely able to con-
ceal the pleasure it afforded him at this
moment, when he was still trembling
with the fear of having been seen as he
hastily hid the shining bauble in his
bosom, he left his compliments and de-
parted.
Going directly to jewelers., he pur-
chased small ring, with which he fast
ened the locket securely to his watch.
chain, and then sauntered down the
street, in the hope of meeting Guy.
His wish was destined to be fulfilled;
for he was shortly gratified by seeing
Guy approaching, with serene, con-
tented look on his handsome face.
As they stopped to chat, Fred, as i
anxious to conceal something, placed
his hand carelessly on Lis watch chain;
but Guy, as was intended, noticed the
action, and said, laughingly: "What
is it that you are so iealously guarding,
Fred? 4, slove-token from some fair
lady?" q
dyes; but for fear that it might
blight your hopes in that direction, per.
haps had better not show it you just
at present." laughed false Fred, nerv'
ously. .-..
"Oh. never fear for MEL said Guy,
"for have already Gagged my bird, and
so shall not prove dangerous rival te
your suit"
"Well, then, behold" replied Fred
removing his hand, and disclosing tc
view The tiny looket. =
Guy turned pale as death; but, mas
tering his emotion by q violent effort
he pIayfully insisted upon knowing th'
name Of Fred's charmer.
"Ob, come," said Fred, "you ar
feignng innocence; for surely you mus
have often seen this trinket upon tht