The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1881-04-02
conversation when in the presence of la

dies.
"Yvu forget" retorted Mrs. Sylvester,
that men in his position in life are natur-
ally exposed to many temptations, such as
late hours, and possibly an overplus of wine
on occasions; and"
Mother" interrupted Moud, ado not
attempt to close my eyes To the truth; am
not to be blinded by any hollow excuses or
persuasions. tell you again, nothing on
earth shall induce me 10 marry him. You
may drag me to the altar, and there will
decline to utter the necessary yowsp
" Foolish girl" commented Mrs. sylves-
ter, when she was interrupted by long
pull at the bell, and Immediately after
wards the Honorable Augustus Waistrill
was announced.
Maud had quilted the apartment before
he had entered II.
Mrs. Sylvester, as usual, made herself as
agre cable as possible. She did not despair
of conquering her daughter in spite Of the
determined resistance she was evincing.
IA very pretty escritoire, that" said the
Honorable Augustus, who looked paler than
usual on this particular afternoon, and
seemed nervous and restless.
"lt is, Is it not ?" said Mrs. Sylvester,
rising. at is SO well fitted up. Come and
see."
1t was a splendid opportunity for Mrs.
Sylvester. Still further propagating the
idea of her substantial means, she, inad-
vertently as it were, but in reality on pur-
pose, opened a small drawer in which were
deposited notes and gold to the amount of a
hundred pounds.
"You keep your riches here, see,' said
the Honorable Augustus, with n smile.
"only trAe," said Mrs. Sylvesteri
don't like to be without anything in the
house but never keep much at home in
case of accidents, such as fire, or
"or thieves" suggested Augustus Wais-
trill.
The truth was, Mrs. Sylvester had only
that morning cash I'd a check for quarters
income.
Tho Honorable Augustus left earlier 'han
usual that afternoon bat on that night he
was once more an inmate of the little villa
at Clapham.
lie was terribly hard up, and since his
return to England had contrived to contract
debts. There were several debts of honor
that he knew he must pay, or he should be
secuted out Of the society of one or two peo-
pie through whom thers was chance to
partially retrieve his position Mrs. Syl-
vesier's store, which sho had brought under
his notice, was just the thing. He resolved
To steal it.
Soon after midnight he made his way Ia
the French window of the drawing room al
of glass. pushed back the bolt and entered
A small jet of gas was left burning in the
rom. Mrs. Sylvester laburing under the
impression that it would keep thieves away
ii they saw light.
The titled thief proceeded 10 force the
lock of the cscritoire. He managed 1t 81
cleveily one would nave thought he was ac
rustumed to it, As he was placing the gold
aud notes in his pockets, Mrs. Sylvester
who had cnme downstairs for a book, being
unable In sleep, entered the room.
In moment she saw what Lord Was.
trilis son was at Now she was not by
any means y coward, and she dearly loved
money. She rushed toward him witt out d
moments hestVtion.
"Ynn thief!' she cried-"how dare You?
The Honorable Augustus Warstrill turn.
ed upon her like a tiger. and endcavored t,
hurl her to the ground. a terrible strug
gle ensued, and, doubtless, the thief woulc
have conquered had not timely aid pre- sent
ed itself in the shape of Arthur Chambers
who soon disabled the cnwarflly rulIian.
Chambers had been dining in the neigh
borhood with friend and passing the hom'
of her whom he loved, had not unnatural
; ly fingered about the spot, looking up at th'
windows, and wondering if she dreant o
him. While thus occupied he had seen th,
Honorable Augustus slip through the gate
, and wondering what his object could be a
that hour Of the night had followed an,
watched him.
"And this" said Chambers, bitterly, ad
dressing Mrs. Sylvester, sis tho thing +
whom YOU would, had il beer in your pow
er, have married your noble-hearted daught
D er. Alas, alas, madam! your thirst 70
J.. social distinction has made very fool G
r you. And now, sir" turning to his prison
er, "you must come with me-nnd you
must accompany us-to your fathers house.
"You have no right to take me any
where" said Augustus, doggedly.
:, "Would you prefer going to the lookup 2
/ asked chambers-"ior that is your only a
; tentative"
So the thief was taken into tho presenc
- Of his father and thus saved from publ
exposure and penal servitudc, much to b
fathers delight.
A year later Arthur Chambers was unite
| 10 Muud