The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-05-19
CHAPTER V.
TuB MYSTERIOUS MESSAGE.

TuB MYSTERIOUS MESSAGE.
Among the lions of New York society wa
General CRANKY Dumont, of the Unite,
States Army, man of about thirty five
that is to say, in the fairest and fullest perio,
of mans life. An accomplished gentleman
a statesman and soldier, CRANKY Dumon
was one of those men who add lustre 10 so
ciety 1t was little wonder then, that h,
should be proud, not with the paltry prid
of The purse proud parvenu, but with til,
noble sentiment OF high-born gentleman
VIII" Scorued mean or dishonorable action
He had reached the age OF thiT' i've with
out having married, because he aad nev,I
met with any woman whom he had cousd
cred worthy to bear his idolized widowed
mothers proud name.
But in Miss Maud Ovington he thought
that he beheld all that was perfect in wo
nan-youth, beauty, innocence, caudor
truth, all that can make even the highest
rank yet more elevated by adding to it the
inherent nobility of virtue.
lie believed this and he made an offer Of
his hand to her who was already mistress Of
| his heart
He was accepted, and he believed that he
was also loved. He little knew how seldom
the heart goes with the hand among the hot
house flowers of the world the artiticially.
cultured beauties of fashionable life.
The soft blue eyes met his with loving
| light in their azure depths. The rosy lips
were parted in gentle smile. Was it pos
siLle lie could look for deceit in such a facet
The Generul spent much o. .ns time at
Mr. Ovington S mansion op Madison Avenue
de was privileged visitor at all hours, for
Alr. Ovington, who had long known and
respected the wealthy soldier, and was only
too glad to welcome him as his future SON.
in-Mw.
Upon the night of the tenth of October
the night succeeding the day upon which
| the interview between Miss Maud Ovington
and Clarice Suydam had taken place-the
| General dined alone at his club, and sat
over his untasted wine, thinking of the fu-
ture, which lay before him, until the clock
struck eight He looked up as the sound
met his ear, and counted the slvery strokes
Eight o'clock" he said; Il thought it
was later. ] will stroll up the avenue and
call upon Oviugton. Maud was out when
called this morning, but am sure to find
them at home tonight, for there is nothing
much III the way OF amusement to call him
out"
He put on his hat and left the club house
He was doomed to disappointment, for
when he reached Mr., Ovilgton's house be
was informed by the servant that Miss
Maud had complained of headache, a,
had retired to rest some time before his az
rival Mr.. Ovington was alone in the
library.
The General turned away with a sigh.
"Gell Mr.. Ovington that l will call to-
morrow" lie said, as he quilted the house,
dieheartened by his disappointment.
lie had left his carriage at the door of the
club. house and returning to it he told his
coachman to drive him to Wnllack's Theatre
81 do not know what is the matter with
me tonight" he muttered, as he threw him
self back on the purple cloth cushions OF his
luxurious equipage; Il feel restlessness
which | cannot overcome. am going tc
this theatre from no fancy for the entertain.
ment it can afford. but from the necessity
Of doing something"
| As General Dumont's carriage drove from
he clubhouse, man, who had been stand
| ing for some time in the shadow Of the por.
tco strolled slowly away in an opposite
lircction.
The performance at Wallacks was not
over until after eleven o'cl..,,,r but General
Iaront grew weary Of the entertainment,
nd4ett the house a little before the hour
| struck. He found the space before the thea
| re almost entirely deserted except by his
| avn carriage and a gentleman and two
ladies' who were waiting for a stage.
The night was dull and foggy, and the
lamps before the theatre struggled yuinly
with the mist.
As he WAS about to step into his carriage,
hand was laid upon his arm, and, turning
round, lie found himself face to face with a
nan This man was dressed in tattered
garments, and had his features concealed
partly by an old slouch hat.
The General put his hand in his pocket,
md was about to draw out his purse, but
the man seemed to divine his intention.
1T is not your money that | WANT he
said. II am sent here by one who would
speak to you upon subject that is very
dear to your heart. If you value your good
aamc, follow mel"
"But who are you, and where would yor
take m-T' exclaimed the General.
'If you value your good name, follow
mel repeated the man in exactly the samt
tone as before "She who sent me to seel
you babe me say that and nothing more"
at was woman then who sent you"
at was"
: The General paused for moment.
What if this mysterious summons shoult
! concern Maud Ovington?
That thought was enough.
~ will follow you, he said