The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1883-10-24
A sudden hush had fallen on the group
IF young girls, but now 30 noisy and jubi-

u youAB SiAaSt oue AuN w hoiSy atiiu judi
liant.
Very well,' said Miss Meeker, primly.
81 am to take it to her, please said
Netis Holly.
e prefer to take it myself" said Miss
Meeker, and she glided out of the room.
How very strange of her p said Netis.
The other girls made no comment. Not
a word was spoken,--bu in an instant Netis
Holly felt the magnetic thrill of disapproval
in the atmosphere.
. Girls" said she, impulsiyely, 9 have
done anything to offend you 2"
A brief silence ensued, then Miss Sell
wood spoke, inditferently
g You ought to know best" said she.
"Come, girls-madame wants us in the
gymnastie hail.
The girls rustled out, soft, perfumed
cloud Of muslin. ribbons, and lace-and
Netis Holly was left standing alone,
What do you mean ?" she asked herself
in sort of panic. Why do they treat me
so? Is it because l am shabby and they
are exquisitely dressed? Because am soil
tary and they are surrounded with friends
Oh, why is the world SO cruel 2"
But poor Netis Hollys eyes were thor
oughly opened, the next day, when Nine
Fay.lli called her to her room.
Netis, " said she, abruptly. Nine. Fa-
yalli was fine upright old lady, with silver
.resses brushed, a Ia pompadoar, away from
her forehead, and calm gray eyes which.
according to her pupils, could see
through and through anybody" have
trusted you !'
:" hope have done nothing to forfeit
your trust" said Netis, looking up with
wondering eyes.
My child, said Nine. Fayalli, with
distressed face, lyon know that great
many things have disappeared from the
schoolrooms and dormitories of late ?'
q Yes," said Netis, :" I have heard then
talking about it,
"And,-do you know nothing about
hem, Netis ?"
81, madame 2"
" regret to tell you, Netis," said Nine,
Favalli, firmly but erayely, that suspicion
has fallen upon you. And find it neces
sary to send you away"
Poor Netis stood, chill and pallid with
terror, in the middle of the room
ooh, thinl,-I think must be dream
ing,n said she. oh, what have | don,
that people should think such thing posi-
BILE z"
" am sorry for you, Netis," said Nine.
Favalli, her face hardening at what she
deemed the girls audacity, q but believe
me, child you are setting out upon the road
to ruin. Confess, -and 1 will endeayor to
obtain for You situation in some place,
where the shadow of this disgrace will not
follow you. Put all your crime behind you.
and begin new life. My housekeeper
Miss Meeker-"
. There it is passionately interrupted
Netis, " there is the secret Miss Meekel
hates me She has always hated me, since
took the part of poor Bridget Graw, The
seryant-inaid, whom she prosecuted so Sht
is my enemy"
Hush Netis," said Nine. Fayalli
Miss Meeker is a most estimable person
in whom l have every confidence. will not
hear her ill-spoken of. Leave me, now
and prepare to leave Melworth Hall before
the day is over. would have been yom
friend, if you had controlled your revenge
full temper and malicious tongue. But now
| feel that can no longer take your part
Not another word! !" as Netis would have
polen. Leave me, say !"
So poor Netis Holly crept up stairs, feel.
ing as if some terrible cyclone had passed
across her heart. She packed her poor little
wooden trunk with many salt tear dropped
INTO its depths.
g They all shun me as if l were just out
Of plague hospital" she thought. "No
one speaks to memo one even looks n
me-"
Except little Libby Lawes Libby broke
away from the band of girls as they troop
I'D across the corridor with averted faces,
md ran up to her side.
''Netis," she whispered, i" here is a rose
from my own little bush And don't be-
ieve word of all this No, not one single
word /"
"Oh, Libby" sobbed Netis. 6 HEAVIER
bless you for those words2 1t won't be 8,
hard to bear-now ~
Half an hour afterward the expressmar
.ame stamping up the stairs for Netis' box
60 Look lively here, now !" said he. 81
amt none too much time for my train. This
ERE the article 2"
"No !" screamed Miss Meeker, emerging
from her own apartment in curl papers and
frilled dressing -gown-she too was to start
IN her summer vacation the same day
" that is mine! / don't go till the evening
train. Put that trunk down, porter! It's
the little wooden box in the corner that you
want J"
The expressman dropped the trunk in his
CONSERVATION. 1t was heavy and fell with
perhaps greater momentum than he had
expected-.the hinges burst open, the lid fell
off, and the contents rolled all about the
floor. Mime. Fayalli, on her way down from
the top floor, where little Lucy Brooks layill,
stopped in amazement The girls all rushed
forward from the doors of their various
rooms.
I" My gold locket !" said Miss Selwood.
my lace. edged handkerchief !" scream
sd Libby Lawes.
@ My ear-drops !" said Alice Cakes.
q My Indian scarf I" exclaimed Abby Hill
ton.
And so the mystery was all solved at last.
Miss Meeker, the devout quotor of Scripture
IL, Al