The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-02-01

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"This doctor was one of the most
skillful in the profession, and had
hopes that under his care my brother
would soon be restored to his wonted
health.
=" But, alas After most thorough
examination, DIR. Reynolds shook his
head and acknowledged that he was
completely puzzled what to make of the
case. He gave him a prescription, say
ing he would consult several of his
friends of the profession and would call
with them on the following day.
That night DIR. Reynolds was pros
trated by paralytic stroke. The next
day he died, and with him died my last
hope, for on the return of Mrs. Vallee
she persuaded her husband to go to Italy
and see what that climate could do to
restore the color to his cheeks.
"a week from thence they started for
the sunny land of Italy; was to keep
house until their return. What follow
ed is soon told," continued Margaret,
"and, as have been somewhat prolix
in my story, will sum up the remain
der briefly.
"Three weeks after their departure,
received intelligence that my beloved
brother had died when within sight of
the shores of Italy, and his disconsolate
widow was on her return to England
with his corpse in an air-tight metallic
casket.
{" L will not dwell upon my grief and
subsequent severe illness, but when L
was sufficiently recovered to compre-
hend my surroundings, i was informed
that my brothers. will had been read,
and that all he possessed had been left
his dear wife, Aurelia,' save the house
whose roof now sheltered me; this and
this only, was all that he had left to his
only sister.
" Mrs. Vallee had converted all into
cash, and, leaving me to the care of
few intimate friends, left the city and
whittier followed her as soon as..I was
well enough to bear sea voyage.
My object in coming here was to
watch her every movement" said the
spirited lady. 81 strongly suspected
that she encompassed the death of her
husband, for he only began to fail in
health after he had made his will. What
wished to learn was whether she
would marry again, and If SO, whether
her second husband would share the fate
| 1f fIo Gret ffor l. H. Il 10 xx,iI1 In,
her favor.
{" 1 engaged myself to her under the
name of Mary Morris, and wear this
disguise so that she may not suspect
me. What L require of you, Mr.. Varnoe,
is to endeavor to become acquainted
with Mr.. Darnley, and when intimate
with him, to, ascertain if he has made
will, and, If possible, try to learn the
substance of it. In the meantime,
shall make it my business to watch both
husband and wife. Him, to see when
the first symptoms of failing health
appear, and her, to try and find out the
means she employs to produce such a
result.
"Can you and will you do what ask
of you ?" asked she appealingly. 81
have ample means to pay you for your
services. Only do this for me, implore
you. If the lady is really innocent of
any criminal act, would have it made
manifest, for would not do her an
injustice, much as censure her for
leaving me during my illness, and COM
ing to this country without apprising
me of her intentions"
" Miss Vallee," responded the detec-
tive, II shall undertake the task you
would assign me. 1t is my duty to
accept everything that comes in the
line of my profession, and as this bor-
ders on the mysterious, it will have a
peculiar charm for me in my endeavors
to penetrate and unravel it."
Then you accept the task ?" she
asked.
81 do"
Thank you, sir. Whenever you ad.
dress me in future, either in person or
by note, do not forget that am Miss
Mary Norris"
Il shall not forget"
"And let me know occasionally how
you are progressing" she continued.
g. 1 shall see you or write to you when.
ever l have anything of Importance tC
communicate" he replied, and shortly
after left the house.
] He was deeply impressed with what