The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-03-08


scribed in the police list.
Mr.. Maurice gave an involuntary start,
and turned very white. Up to that mo-
ment he lad not suspected the drift Of
Mrs. Briscoe's artless remarks, hut he
now realized that they had an unpleas-
autly personal bearing. II it was true
that the bracelet had been recognized by
the police he was placed in most awk-
ward predicament. Inquiries would be
made about him which might lead to
damaging diselosures-even form the
subject of criminal charge. Mr..
Maurice was so utterly Disconnected that
he did not attempt to conceal his agita-
ton.
Good Lord" he exclaimed, wiping
away the beads Of perspiration that had
gathered on his brow. You are joking
Mrs. Buscoe. l don't remember ever
selling you bracelet. he added, in des-
peration,
Dear mel What short memory you
have, Mr.. Maurice" said Mrs. Briscoe,
with a wicked little laugh. "Here is
your own receipt, in which the bracelet
is especially mentioned. There is no
doubt about its having come from you,
and thought would warn you of what
has happened, because shall have to
mention your name"
'Why should you, Mrs. Briscoe?" fal.
tered Mr.. Maurice. "Of course the po-
lice are mistaken about the bracelet, but
still, it is most unpleasant for a respec-
table tradesman to have his name men
toned in connection with an accusation
of this kind. Is it absolutely necessary
that you should mention my name, Mrs.
Briscoe?" he asked, eagerly.
How can 1 do otherwise?" said Mrs.
Briscoe. II am sure to be asked how I
came by the bracelet, and l certainly
shall be bound to tell the truth about it;
besides, why should l not? You may he
put to little inconvenience, but that is
unavoidable. No doubt the police will
institute searching inquiries about you,
and investigate your antecedents, and
so forth. But, after all, Mr.. Maurice,
you have nothing to fear"
"Of course not; never said had"
replied Mr.. Maurice, trying to look I'M
concerned, but in reality trembling at
the lady's words. Still, 1 wish you
had-had consulted me before you identi.
fed the bracelet"
"That is precisely what l am doing"
returned Mrs. Briscoe, lifting her pretty
eyebrows. ''How dull you are, Mr..
Maurice. ought, perhaps, to have
mentioned that was out when the in
spector of police called to see me this
morning, and only heard what he came
about from the servants. 1t appears the
wretched girl declares she found the
bracelet, and unless come forward and
claim it as my property, she will proba-
bly, be acquitted 1.-THE police will impound
the bracelet, and the whole affair will be
shut up"
eff you had only mentioned that be-
fore" said Mr.. Maurice, feeling mex
pressibly relieved, and beginning to
breathe more freely.
well, 1 never imagined you would be
so much disturbed by what has taken
place." returned Mrs. Briscoe, smiling.
TT was the merest chance that thought
of coming. Of course, if, for some rea-
son or other, you wonld rather did not
claim the bracelet
For the reasons have stated, I would
rather you did not, ma'am," interposed
Mr.. Maurice, with involuntary earnest
ness. II am sure on do not wish to be
hard upon the girl, and would be willing
to give her an opportunity to mend her
ways"
q have no consideration whatever for
the girl" said Mrs. Briscoe, frankly.
"She deserves to be punished, ana if she
gets off it will be entirely on your &C
count. OF course, 1 must be com
pensated for the loss of the bracelet"
Certainly, ma'am, certainly" replied
NJ, NTa,,;oa with olacrify
That is the whole question. What
we say of the bracelet, Mr.. Maurice
said Mrs. Briscoe, with her most bewitch-
ing smile.
II will either give you hundred
pounds in cash or another bracelet of the
same description, returned Mr.. Maurice.
"Of course, I don't wish you to be a
loser by your considera ton for me-
"a hundred pounds!" repeated little
Mrs. Briscoe, turning up her nose dis
dainfully. IF that is the value you set
upon your reputation and your good
name, l am sorry l have wasted time
in come here to assist you to preserve
it."
81 don't understand what you mean,
ma am" said Mr.. Maurice, rather faint
ly. eff you don't think flOO is enough,
perhaps you will prefer to select some.
thing from my stock"
Upon my word, Mr.. Maurice, your
offer is simply contemptiblew exclaimed
Mrs. Briscoe, rising from her seat in
dignantly. "As you evidently don't OBJ
ject to acquiring notoriety as receiver
of stolen property, I shall give evidence
AGAINST the GIRL without the smallest