The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-09-13
9icl,mond 1ispatth.
ru,,pspAY SEPTEMBER 10. 1889.



A BURGLAR FINDING HIMSELF IN THE HOUSE,
or MS OLD LOVE, DEPARTS WITHOUT
BOOTY.
From the Louisville Courer-JouFpall
Some time ago the wife OF a merchant
was suddenly awakened in the night by
the sound Of footsteps in her bedroom,
and the next moment the light OF dark
lantern flooded her face so near that she
conld almost feel the heat. and hear the
suppressed breathing OF the Intruder. Her
husband was from home, and the only per-
son in the house except herself was ser
vant.girl. who slept in the story beneath.
Her presence OF mind did not, how
ever. forsakc her. It doubtless requires a
great amount OF resignation and foTtitude
I'm woman 10 listen TO, without screaming,
the ransackng Of her store OF valuable laccs
and the appropriation OF her iewelry; but
the lady, very nationally doeming her life
worth all the lace and diamonds In the
world, quietly closed her eyes and awaited
,hc result. The light WAS withdrawn from
her face. and she heard the rlstling OF silks,
the picking Of locks, and occasionally a
low whisper OF surprise or disappoint-
ment. Then there was silence for full
minute--it seemed an hour to her-and n
soft footstep approached the bed and
the glare OF the lantern again fell upon her
face. Through the closed lids OF her eyes
she saw the light, but remained calm and
motionleSs i'm its scrutiniZing rays. fearful
that the least movement might imperil life.
What a moment OF suspense! The light
was removed from her face, and she felt
that some one was leaning against the bed.
still she remained motionless, nor did she
stir when the warm breath Of the burglar
famed her check. Not until his lips
pressed her forehead did she spring up
and half shrek, "Who Is in this room Z"
Hush!" responded voice in hoarse
whisper, while u rough hand was laid on
her shoulder. "Speak nothing and fear
nothing The next moment she heard
the sound Of retreating footsteps and the
creaking Of shutter; then all was still
again. Satisfied that she was alone, she
sprang from the bed and touched a lighted
match to the burner, then sank into a
chair. completely Frustrated with the dan
ger through which she had passed. Re
covering. she looked round to ascertain OF
what she had been plImdered. The drawers
were all in the utmost confusion, but.
strange 20 say. little or nothing was miss
ing. a casket OF iewelry was open OH the
bureau, but the diamonds and gold were
all there. Beside the casket she discovered
little roll OF paper containing ring
which had been given to her many years
before, and which had been IN her posses
sion ever since. Half bewildercd at the
singular proceeding, she was about to east
the paper from her, when her eye caught
the marks OF pencil upon it. she care
fully opened it and read:
"This ring, which once was mine. tells
me in whose house am. You know am
an outaw-the world knows it, and / do
not care to deny il; but, fallen rs | am,
cannot rob you, Maria. Forgive me, and
God bless you. HENRY"
This explained all. Falling on her knees,
she prayed for him who had written the
scroll. And who was "Henryi' Ten
years ago he loved that same Maria. and ne
would have made her his wife-for she had
promised TO be his--had he not taken to
drink and gambling, and finally forged the
name Of his employer, for which he wGs
given n home in convct-prson. When
he was worthy OF her love he gave her
that ring, and she had kept it in remem-
brance OF what he had been. This is the
story Of the ring. On the return of the
husband the wife related to HIM the adven-
ttre and showed him the note; but he has
never attempted to arrest the burglar.