The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1883-10-31
A MIDNIGHT rex DENTON.

Some time ago the wife OF n merchant
was suddenly awakened in the night by
the sound Of footsteps in her bedroom,
and the next moment the light oi
dark lantern flooded her face 80 near that
she could almost feel the heat and hear
the suppressed breathing Of the intrlld,
er. Her husband was from home, and
the only other person in the house ex-
cept herself was servant girl, who slept
in the story beneath. Her presence OF
mind did not, however, forsake her. IT
doubtless requires great amount OF
resignation and fortitude in woman to
listen to, without screaming, the ran.
sacking OF her store Of valuable laces
and the appropriation OF her icwclry;
but the lady, very nationally deemed her
life worth all the lace and diamonds IN
the world, quietly closed her eyes and
awaited the result. ,.
The light was withdrawn from her
face, and she heard the rustling Of silks,
the picking Of locks, and occasionally Il
low whisper Of surprise or disNppoint-
ment. Then there was silence Tor full
minute-it seemed an hour to hcr-and
soft iooistcp 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 ard motionlcBs in its scruiiniz'ng
RAYS. fearful that the least movement
might impcril her life. What 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 he forehead did she spring up
and half shrek:
"Who is in this room?
"Hush r. responded voice in a
hoarsc whisper. while rough land was
laid on her shoulder: "Speak nothing
ard 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 spranl
from tho bed and touched lighted
match to the burner, then sank into
chair, completely prostrated with Tho
danger through which she had passed
Recovering she looked round to ascer
tain of what she had been plunderd.
The drawers were all in the .ntmos
confusion, but, strange to say. little o
nothing was missing. A casket OF Jew
clry was open on the bureau, but til,
diamonds ami gold were all there. BE
side the casket she discovered a liltl
roll Of paper containing ring which haO
been given to her many years before
and which had been in her possession
ever since. Half bcWildercd nj the sin
gIlar proceeding she was about % cas-
the paper from her when her eye caugh
the marks of apcncil uponit. She care
fully opened 1t and read
"'rhis ring, which once was mine
tells me III whose house | am. 70,
know / am an outlaw-thc world know
it, and ] do not care to deny it; but
fallen as | am, cannot rob you, Maria
Forgive me and God bless you.
"HENEY."
This explained all. Falling on he
knees, she prayed for him who ha,
written the scroll. And who wa
, "Hcnry?'
Ten years ago he loved that sam
, Maria, and he would have made her hi
wife-for she had promised TO be his
had he not taken to drink and gambling
aud finally forged the name OF his en-
, ployer, for which he was given n HON
, in convict prison. When he wa
, worthy of her love he gavchc that rlnl
and she had kept it in remembrance {
|, what he had been. This il The stor
, of the ring.
. On the return Of the husband the vii
: related to him the adventure and shove
. him the note; but he never attrmpte
) to arrest the burglar. Chicago Tr
Jltnc,