Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-07-21
The Stolen Lockei.

In the elegantly furnished drawing
room of West-end mansion sat young
man, whose genteel bearing, broad noble
brow, from which his chestnut hair was
tossed back in graceful carelessness, and
large, thoughtful eyes bespoke him to be
one of natures noblemen. He was evil
IDENTITY 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
chameleon like crowd that passed. While
thus occupied he failed to hear sight
rustic as the girlish figure entered the
room and gliding softly to his side touch
Ell 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 low
ers.
While they hold sweet converse let us
pause moment, while l describe my
heroine.
She was of medium height, of slen-
der, delicate figure, and possessed of a
nameless grace of movement, which add
ed to her other charms, had won her the
name among her many admirers OF
"Nellie, the Irresistible" Her beauty
was of the true blonde type, and clad as
she was in shining bluedress shelooked
worthy of her name. On her arms CLEAN
ed with a tawny luster broad golden
bands; and from one OF these, hung a
tiny heart-shaped lockct, one side Of
which bore forget-me-not set of tur-
quoise, with brilliant diamond sparkling
in the center.
Guy Hartley, for such was our heros
name, had called, glad of an excuse, to
acouaint Nellie with some arrangement
which he had just completed with regard
to their soon approaching marriage; and,
after short tine passed in pleasant con-
yersation, he reluctantly rose. and bid
ding tender adieu TO the fair girl, left
the house with firm, elastic tread.
Hardly had he taken his departure
when the front door bell again rang, and
once more a young gentleman was usher
ed INTO the drawing-room. The new
conner was tall and slight. with jet black
hair, and a piercing look in the black
eyes that BODIED no good to an enemy
AS he sank into chair, something glist-
ening 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. And now, as he held in
his grasp the tiny locket, which by some
evil chance had become detached from
the bracelet on Nellie's arm he felt that
he possessed an almost certain means OF
revenge on Guy, and stand perhaps, a
better chance of winning the fair girl for
his wife; for the locket, as he knew, had
been Guys first l,ve-gift to Nellie, and
was priced as one OF he choicest posses
sions.
At this moment the footman entered
the parlor, presenting Miss Pomero'ys re-
grets, and a request that MI, Acton would
excuse her that afttrnoon. The truth
was that with her womenly intuition she
had long OWNED the secret which be had
thought known to himself alone; and
having ever treated him with polite in
difference, she felt less inclined now than
ever to endure a tete-a-tete with him.
Rising as the tootman entered with her
message, aud scarcely able to conceal 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 departed.
Going directly to a 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 be was
shortly gratified by seeing Guy approach
ing, with a serene, contented look on his
handsome tace
AS they stopped to chat, Fred, as if
anxious to conceal something, placed mis-
hand carelessly on his watch-chain; but
Guy. as was intended, noticed the action.
and said, laughingly: What is it you are
SO jealousy guarding. Fred? A love token
from some fair lady9'
eyes; but tor fear that it might blight
your hopes in that direction, perhaps
had better not show it you just at pres
emit, laughed false Fred, nervously.
''Oh, never fear for met" said GUY,
''for have already Gagged my bird, and
SO shall not prove dangerous rival to
your suit"
"Well, then, beholdr' replied Fred,
removing his hand, and disclosing to
view the tiny locket.
Guy turned pale as death; but, master
ing his emotion by violent effort, he
playfully insisted upon knowing the
name of Fred's charmer.
~Oh, come" said Frod, ''you are feign.
ing innocence; for surely you must haye
often seen this trinzet upon the arm of
fair Nell the Irresistible who has this
day bestowed it upon me as pledge of
her true love-
Guy had stood as if turned to stone
while this flippant speech was being rat
tied out, and then, with few common
place words, passed on; but his tread was
not as free and elastic as before he met
Fred, and his head, which then had been
raised proudly, was now bent forward
dejectedly; for dark cloud had sudden
ly arisen. which threatened to overshadow
forever the bright morning Of his happi-
ness.
Fred watched him pass on with sar-
donlc smile on his handsome vet sinister
face and thou0ht RI h;msolf tSAb 49,