The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1878-01-15
THAT WoMAN's SECRET.
CONTINUED
CT WILL, ma'am. Listen. )"

startling effect upon Mrs. Clayton. Her
countenance underwent many changes,
her being was evidently stirred to Its
uttermost depths. When he had nm
ished, she uttered low cry, and clung
60 his arm for support.
ooh If had known this years ago,
how different my life might have beenl"
"If could have found you would
nave told you long ago, ma'am," the
man said. "1've spent months in
searching for you; but twas of no use,
couldn't get a trace of you. Long ago
came to the conclusion that you were
dead"
81 have lived very secluded life. 1t
is strange that we ever met"
- 1t is providential! But, ma'am,
there is one more thing wish to tell
you. l believe that the author of all
your misery still lives"
Lives ~ the woman cried; what
do you mean, John Douglas he died
dong years ago. You are mad ~
Ma'am, am employed as coachman
NY Mr.. Edward Bentley, on the Fifth
avenue. This gentleman has guest
who calls himself Major Heith, who is
.his living image, except that he wears n
fIeavy beard. l can't help often think
ing that they are one and the same. And
Ihe more see of the major the surer l
feel"
''An idle fancy; It cannot be; And
yet that motel The strange similarity
OF the handwriting to his My brain
whirs! Oh, this is impossible! And
yet"
She spoke the last few words below
her breath. Then with sudden impetu-
0sity she cried:
" John Douglas, can you in some way
procure me sight of this man unknown
10 him ?"
8 Yes, ma'am; come with me"
An hour later Mrs. Clayton and John
Douglas made their exit from Edward
Bentley's mansion together.
Well, ma'am," said Douglas, "you've
seen the man. Is it he 2"
Yes; would know that face among
a theusaad. What can this mean 1
mever thought of questioning the fact of
&is death; but he certainly livesl"
II can't understand it, ma'am but
we'll find out all about it before long"
& You will make what you have told
me public, John Douglas 20
''Of course l will, ma'am. For years
it has been the greatest desire of my life
to see your innocence established"
Thank Heaven / have lived to see
this dayl" Mrs. Clayton exclaimed.
John Douglas" she added, say moth
ing of this to any one until you hear
from me, which will be very soon."
Very well, ma'am. And now, be-
fore we part, can you say that you for
give me the great wrong / have done
you"
Mrs. Oakley took his hand in hers,
saying;
&c 1 do forgive you, willingly, freely.
! have suffered too much to be harsh
with you or any living creature"
X
When Ralph Marsden left Alice
leighton, he proceeded directly to Jared
Percivals. On being admitted, he has
tened at once to the room where he sup
posed Mara Sydney to be confined. He
opened the door and entered, but started
back in amazement at beholding Laura
Odell, who rose to her feet as he entered
the apartment, and confronted him with
3 calm demeanor.
Laura Odell!n he exclaimed "you
here What does this mean p'
- II MEANS" she said, quietly, "that
I have saved one of my sex from shame
and misery such as has ruined my life. -
What do you say, woman Y'' Mars
den cried, grasping her arm. "Tell me,
as you value your life, what you have
done. Where is the girl who occupied
this apartment ?''
" Ralph Marsden, care not for your
threats, though l know you to be capa-
ble of any crime. But will tell you
Ahat the girl is beyond your reach.'
There was dangerous light in Mars
den's eyes as the woman spoke, and his
hands nervously opened and shut.
TELL me what you mean," he cried.
Curse you, have you dared"
have dared to release that young
girl, and she is now with her friends.
.Ah Ralph Marsden, when, the other
evening, you felled me to the earth with
that hand which once caressed me SC