Louisiana capitolian., 1881-05-12
consent tobecome the wife ofLord Wais-

as |, mother. Dissipation is written on
his countenance, and betrays itself even
in his conversation when in the presence
of ladies' AI4ts H
''You forget" retorted Mrs. Sylvester,
"that men in his position in life are ma
tnrally exposed to many temptations,
such as late hours, and possibly an over
plus Of wine on occasions; and-'
"Mother,' interrupted Maud, "do not
attempt to close my eyes to the truth; l
am not to be blinded by any hollow ex-
cuses or persuasions. ltell you again,
nothing on earth shall induce me TO mar
ry him. You may drag me to the altar,
and there ! will decline to utter the nec-
essary vows"
"Foolish girl commenced Mrs. Syl-
vester when she, was interrupted by q
long pull at the bell, and Immediately
afterwards the Honorable Augustus
Waistrill was announced.
Maud had quilted the apartment be-
fore he had entered it. e
Mrs. Sylvester, as usual, made herself
as agreeable as possible. She did not de-
spair Of conquering her daughter in spite
Of the determined resistance she was
evincing.
"a very pretty escretoire, that" said
the Honorable Augustus, who looked
paler than usual on this particular after
noon, and seemed nervous and restless.
'1t is, is it not ?" said Mrs. Sylvester,
rising. cit is so well fitted up. Come
and see"
1t was q splendid opportunity for Mrs.
Sylvester. Still further propagating the
idea of her substantial means, she mad
vertently as it were, but in reality on
purpose, opened small drawer in which
was deposited notes and gold to the
amount of hundred pounds.
''You keep your riches here, l see,"
said the Honorable Augustus, with a
smile.
''Only trine," said Mrs. Sylvester;
81 don't like to be without anything in
the house; but l never keep much at
home, in case OF accidents, such as fire,
Or
cor thieves" suggested Augustus
Waistrill
The truth was, Mrs. Sylvester had only
that morning cashed q check for quar-
ter's income.
The Honorable Augustus left earlier
than usual that afternoon but on that
night he was once more All inmate of
the little villa at Clapham f
He was terribly hard up, and since his
return to England had contrived to con-
tract debts. There were several debts
of honor that he knew he must pay, or
he would be secuted out of the society
of one or two people through whom
there was a chance of partially retriev-
ing his position. Mrs. Sylvester's store,
which she had brought under his notice.
was just the thing. He resolved to steal
it.
Soon after midnight he made his way
to the French window of the drawing
room at the villa, and dexterously re-
moving pane of glass, pushed back
the bolt and entered. A small jet of gas
was left burning in the room. Mrs.
Sylvester laborlng under the impression
that it would keep thieves away if they
saw the light.
The titled thief proceeded to force the
lock of the escrltoire. He managed it so
cleverly one would have thought he was
accustomed to it. AS he was placing the
gold and notes in his pockets, Mrs. Syl-
vester, who had come down stairs for a
book, being unable to sleep, entered the
room. AHi
In q moment she saw what Lord Wais-
trilPs son was at. Now she was not by
any means coward, and she dearly low
ed money. She rushed toward him with
out moments hesitation.
"You thiefw she cried-"how dare
you ?"
The Honorable Augustus Waistrill
turned upon her like tiger, and endea-
vored to hurl her to the ground. A terri
BILE struggle ensued, and, doubtless, the
thief would have conquered had not
timely aid presented itself in the shape
of Arthur Chambers, who soon disabled
the cowardly rufiian.
Chambers had been dining in the neigh
horhood with friend, and passing the
home of her whom he loved, had not un-
naturally fingered about the spot, look
ing up at the darkened windows, and
wondering If she dreampt of him. While
thus occupied he had seen the Honorable