The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-06-07

mot at all intrusive, my dear Miss Clay
Ton. Accept, please, o standing invitation,
which trust you will graciously honor
whenever you happen in the city,"
Half an hour after while Clara was talk
Ing with lady friend, Cecil left her, to get
breath of fresh air. The mingled per-
fumes almost stifed her Sitting near one
OF the conservatory windows, she heard
Mrs Burriil and an ,ther gaudy butterfly
conversing. Subject: Miss Cecil Clayton
"Where on earth did she get her man
ners?"
This from Mrs. Burrill.
The Butterfly: "Goodness knows!"
Mrs. Burrill: Common sense would keep
even an ignorant person from going where
bhe was not invited"
The Butterfly; Miss Coles is really blame
able for such breach of etiquette"
Mrs. Burrill; "Why her father has been
dead only few weeks!"
The Butterfly: "Oh, it8 shockingw
The blood mounted to Cecil's temples.
"Ah, hypocrites!' she thought. "And
these people represent the cultured-the
bon.ton of New York! Unhappy New
York;
She felt thankful that she was nlone the
pverhearer of this little bit of backbiting,
and she passed on, wondering at the effect Of
petty jealousy on women accustomed to o
monopoly of hatlery.
Clara came toward her excitedly.
''There he isr'
"Who-Mr. Eldridge2" inquired Cecil,
lbsently.
"Yes; don't you see him2-under the
Ehandelier, his back to us, buttoning his
gloves. Come; he will be captured by
Mrs Burrill unless you are speedy. There
she is with him nowr'
Cecil's heart gave bound.
The man was none other than Jared
His establishment at sight of her was IN
bounded.
He had supposed her still i'll at her home,
returning health.
The heiress was herself scarcely surprised.
Her suspicious had been aroused-they
we're now proven to be we'll founded.
Mr. Jared Clark alias Mr.. Jared Eldridge!
One link in the chain
Taken completely off his guard, he would
have uttered her full name.
"How strange that we have not met be-
lore, Mr.. Eldridge!' said Cecil, ere he could
peak.
Not the slightest token of recognition did
The give
Clark's astonishment increased.
How could she possibly, knowing him SO
WE'LL mistake him for stranger? Ii she
lid not, why did she appear SO unconcerned?
lie could not think her impulsive nature
capable of restraint. Yet there she stood,
her clear, beautiful black eyes turned full
npon him.
And he, her mortal enemy-an enemy
who would crush out her young life, i. need
be, for the sake of gold.
No compunction for the misery he had
saused her entered into the feeling Of ad-
niration produced by her beauty. The
baseness of his heart oyershadowed every
winge of conscience
"Better late than never, Miss Clayton"
he returned. "Will you favor me with this
lancer"
Certainly"
They glided off together, and in moment
we're amid the walters having left the gay
Mrs. Burrill in o very unamiable frame Of
mind.
Both were graceful dancers, and immedi-
tely became the centre Of attraction.
But Cecil did not rhea to waste ne.
The waltz over, she begged the polished
hllain to lead her out on the piazza.
with pleasure, Miss Clayton"
She took his profered arm, and, crushing
lown her feelings, was escorted from the
loom.
The moon shone brightly, making objects
bbout the ground as discernible as in broad
daylight.
''Rather sultry, isn't it, Mr.. Eldridge2"
mid Cecil as she stepped over the low win
low-sill.
"Yes," replied Clark wonderingly. "But
he uncomfortable atmosphere melted away
b the enjoyment of the dance!'
Indeed? How different! Would you be-
feve it7-eyery step Itook filled me with
bathing" ..-
He stepped aside and uttered on eHclama-
lon.
SAY, and with contempt for myself that
onld belle my character by allowing your
eprous hsnd to touch minep
She did not stop tanning herself nor ap-
pear in the least excited, but her voice t0ld
Il frepressed passion.
Clark leered.
Harsh language, Miss Clayton"
els iR / shall use severer, and to some
purpose, Mr.. Jared Clark"
"Enoughr' calculated Clark. "Pray do
not speak so loud. "What is your wish?"
"Ah! you understand the advantage have
\ his evening gained. Well, first, require
4 he details of your completely in the do
Il truction of the Clayton household eighteen
I Tears agop'
I, "Are you sure Of your hand, Miss Cecil2'
y "Perfectly.'
"Are you aware that am able to draw
! he mask which covers the crimson blot on
n tour escutcheOn2"
g II am"
y 'You do not fear III"
q II do not fear it.
i "But if choose To-"
\ She interrupted him.
2 "Unless you answer my question. I shall
3 sturn to your riendsP'
s AT last fear mastered him,
b "Your demand is modest" he said, in
Harcastc tones. do you expect me to tell
nou tonight"
"No; this not the place for revelations of
Domestic troubles. Tomorrow morning. st