The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1878-01-22

I" Are you III, sirp" DIR. Oakley asked,
noticing the old gentleman's aglta-
tion.
Mr.. leighton did not, for brief time,
speak but finally with an effort, he
suppressed his emotion, and, addressing
himself to Mara, said
Pardon me, young lady; but the
striking resemblance you bear to one
very dear to me-in fact, to my wife
was the cause of my apparent lnclvility.
You are living picture of her at your
age"
With increasing agitation, he added,
addressing DIR. Oakley.
"Dld you not tell me, that there was
some mystery surrounding Miss Sgd
ney's birth2 Pardon the abruptness of
the question; have the strongest rea-
sons for asking this"
Mara herself replied, and in a few
words, made known to Mr. Leighton
all she had been told regarding her
parentage by Mrs. Van Dyke
{" But always doubted the truth of
the woman's story" she said Z" had
many reasons for believing that some
thing was concealed from me. OH sir,
can you give me any information on
this subject? What do you suspect p
Why are you thus agitated 7"
"My dear child,' replied Mr.. Leigh
ton, with much emotion, if my sus-
pcions be confirmed by investigation
and my heart persuades me that they
will shall soon be able to tell you all
you desire to know"
"What do you mean, sir?'' DR.. Oak
ley cried.
Listen, and L will tell you" the old
man said. "One night, 19 years ago,
my infant daughter was stolen from her
cradle; by whom know not and never
could learn. Every effort was made to
recover her; but, although the most
skilled detectives were employed for
many long months, no clue to her
whereabouts was ever gained The
search was long since abandoned in
despair never thought to penetrate
the veil which enshrouds my daughters
fate; but the strange resemblance which
you, my dear child addressing Mara)
bear to my wife, leads me to believe that
Heaven, at length, smiles upon me;
that the mystery is to be solved, and my
lost child returned to these loving
arms"
Can this be possible! - Henry Oak
ley exclaimed, while Mara was unable to
speak from emotion.
Doctor continued Mr.. Leighton,
" l must see this Mrs. Van Dyke at
once, and wrest from her the guilty
secret which believe she possesses
Will you, DIR. Oakley, accompany me to
her house ?''
The young physician assented; and
the two gentlemen at once proceeded to
Mrs. Van Dykes residence. In a few
minutes they were in the woman's
presence.
" Madam, " Mark Leighton exclaimed,
abruptly, 6 am here on business of the
utmost Importance. l wish to ask you
few questions, and i desire truthful
answers"
=" You introduce yourself in strange
manner, sir" Mrs. Van Dyke said.-
6 But proceed"
"Who, then, is the girl who, until
lately, has lived with you under the
name of Mara Sydney ?'' aa
H.,
Leighton's tone which, despite her eff
forts to appear calm and unconcerned,
sent the blood from the woman's face.
Who-who is she ?" she faltered.
Such was my question"
"Mrs. Van Dyke in some degree re-
gained her accustomed equanimity.
"'Tis a strange question, sir,n she
said, " but do not object to answering
it; she is my niece.'
There was that in the woman's tone
which gave the lie to her words.
Can you prove the relationship ?''-
Mr., Leighton asked, fixing penetra.
ting glance upon her.
You are insolent, sirl' Mrs. Van
Dyke exclaimed, her thin hands toying
nervously with her dress.
You will be called upon to prove
it" the old gentleman said; "and il
you cannot, it may go hard with you
Now, madam L will be frank with you, ]
do not believe that this girl is YOU
niece do believe her to be near rela
tive of my OWN who NNns STOLEN from