The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-06-14
THE STOLEN LOCKET.

In the elegantly furnished drawing
room of West End mansion sat young
man, evidently waiting impatiently for
some one; for, as slight noise was heard
on the landing, he would start and fix his
eyes eagerly upon the door.
At last he arose and, walking to the
window, watched with listless eyes the
crowd that passed. While thus occu.
pied, q girlish figure entered the room,
and, gliding softly to his side, touched
him lightly upon the arm; his quick start
and the loving, yet gentle, manner in
which he gathered her to his heart
showed at q glance that they were lovers.
She was of medium hight, of slender,
delicate figure, and possessed nameless
grace Of movement which, added to her
other charms, had won her the name,
among her many admirers, of "Nellie,
the Irresistible"
Guy Hartley had called, glad of an
excuse to acquaint Nellie of some ar
rsngement be had just completed with
regard to their soon approaching mar
riage; and after short time he reluc
family rose and left the house with a
firm, elastic tread.
Hardly had he taken his departure
when the front door bell again rang, and
once more gentleman was ushered into
the drawing room. The newcomer was
tall, with jet black hair, and look that
bode no good to an enemy. As he sank
into q chair, something glistening upon
the foor caught his eye, and as he rec
egpizea i be canla scarce refrain from a
long been the secret rival of Guy. And
now, as he held in his grasp tiny lock-
ct, which by some evil chance had be-
come detached from the bracelet on Mel
lies arm, he felt that he possessed an al
most certain means of revenge on Guy.
and stood, perhaps, a better chance of
winning the fair girl for his wife; for
the locket. as he knew, had been Guy s
first love-gift to Nellie, and was priced
as one of her choicest possessions.
At this moment the footman entered
the parlor. presenting Miss Pomeroy's
regrets and q request that Mr.. Acton ex-
cuse her for that afternoon.
Rising as the footman entered with
her message, and scarcely able to conceal
the pleasure it afforded him at this mo-
ment, when he was still trembling with
the fear of having been seen IS he hastily
hid the shining bauble in his bosom, he
left his compliments and departed.
Going directly to . jewelers., he pur-
chased . small ring with which he fast.
ened the locket securely to his watch
chain, and then sauntered down the
street in the hope of meeting Guy. His
wish was destined to be fulfilled; for he
Vas shortly gratified by seeing Guy ap-
preaching with serene, contented look
on his handsome face.
As they stopped to chat, Fred, as if
anxious to conceal something, placed his
hand carelessly on his wstch-chain; but
Guy, ~ was intended, noticed the action
and said, laughingly:
what is that you are so jealously
guarding. Fred? A love-token from some
fair LADY,"
Yes; but for fear that it might blight
your hopes in that direction, perhaps I
had better not show it you at present, ~
laughed false Fred, nervously.
"Oh, never fear for me-" said Guy.
''for have Gagged my bird, and so shall
not prove dangerous rival to your suit. /"
well, then, beholdp replied Fred,
removing his hand and disclosing to
view the tiny locket.
0uy suEucu polo ~ Oe8t0, out. mastef-
ing his emotion by violent effort, he
plsyfully insisted upon knowing the
name Of Fred's charmer.
"Oh, Gomez said Fred; "you are
feigning innocence; for surely you must
have often seen that trinket upon the
arm of fair Nell, the Irresistible who
has this day bestowed 1t upon me as
pledge Of her true love-"
Guy had stood rs If turned to stone,
and then passed on.
Fred watched him With q sardonic
snile, and thought to himself, "Ah, my
fine fellow, there's many Q slip 'twixt
the cup and the lip, "a you may find to
your cost. and then you will know the
eonsequences Of standing in the way Of
Bred Acton
That evening Nellie watched and lis
tsooa IN vain for the familiar footsteps,
ed ehs retired 70 rsst q last, ed and
AiGpirilsd.
n nsxt morning . servant entered
q ros0 Win . nols addrssssd 10 Mis-