The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1881-06-29
CHAPTER Y.
THE MYSTERIOUS MESSAGE

Among the hons of New York society was
General CRANKY Dumont, of the United
States Army, a man of about thirty-fve;
that is TO say in the fairest and fullest period
of mans life. An accomplished gentleman,
q statesman and soldier, CRANKY Dumont
was one of those men who add lustre to So
, ciety. 1t was little wonder, then, that he
should be proud, not with the paltry pride
of the purse-proud parvenu, but with the
noble sentiment of high-born gentleman,
who Scorned a mean or dishonorable action.
He had reached the age of thirty five with
out having married, because he had never
met with any woman whom he had cOnsid-
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-
Lnan-youth, beauty, innocence, candor,
truth, all that can make even the highest
rank yet more elevated by adding to it the
Inherent nobility of virtue.
He 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 lie
was also loved. He little knew how seldom
the heart goes with the hand among the hH5-
house flowers of the world the artideidlly-
cultured beauties of fashionable life
The soft blue eyes met his with loving
light in their azure depths. The rosy hTS
were parted in a gentle smile. Was ii pos
sible he could look for deceit in such q face:
The General spent much of his time -
Mr. Ovington's mansion on Madison Avenue
He was privileged visitor at all hours, for
Mr.. Ovington, who had long known and
respected the wealthy soldier, and was only
too glad to welcome him as his future SON
in-law.
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 silvery strokes.
''Eight o'clock" he said; 81 thought it
was later. viii stroll up the avenue and
call upon OYington Maud was out when [
called this morning, but l am sure to find
them at home tonight, for there is nothing
much in the way of amusement to call him
out"
He put on his hat and left the clubhouse
He was doomed to disappointment, for
when he reached Mr.. OvingtOn's house he
was informed by the servant that Miss
Maud had complained Of q headache and
had retired to rest some time before his ~
rival Mr.. OVington was alone in the
library.
The General turned away with a sigh.
''Tell Mr.. Ovington that will call to-
morrow" he said, as he quilted the house,
by his disappointment.
He had left his carriage at the door of the
and returning to it he told his
coachman to drive him to Wallack'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; 4 feel q reStlessncss
which / cannot overcome. | am going to
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 /
the clubhouse, a man, who had been stand
ing for some time in the shadow of the pOr-
leo, strolled slowly away in an opposite
direction.
The performance at Wallack's was not
over until after eleven o'clock, but General
DumOnt grew weary of the entertainment,
md left the house little before the hour
struck. He found the space before the thea
re almost entirely deserted except by his
own carriage, and gentleman and two
aides, who we're waiting for a stage.
The night was dull and foggy, and the
amps before the theatre struggled vainly
With the mist.
As he was about to step into his carriage,
. hand was laid upon his arm, and, turning
ound, he found himself face to face with a
nan. This man was dressed in tattered
and had his features concealed
partly by an old SLOUGH hat.
The General put his hand in his pocket,
md was about to draw out his purse, but
he man seemed to divine his intention.
ut is not your money that 1 want" he
aid. 81 am sent here by one who would
peak to you upon a subject that is very
lear to your heart. If you value your good
lame, follow me!''
''But who are you, and where would you
axe me?' exclaimed the General
eff you value your good name, follow
mel" repeated the man in exactly the same
one as before. ''She who sent me to seek
GU babe me say that and nothing more"
1T was woman then who sent your"
eft was
The General paused for moment.
What if this mysterious summons should
oncern Maud Ovington?
That thought was enough.
81 will follow you" he said.