Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-12-03

mitted such wealth of jewels to be buIie
with his aunt.
II "They are the jewels she ought to haV
! worn on her wrdding- day." thought Jane'
remembering how she had brought ther
,rth, and her lady had hidden her pu
them back in their cases, for they remind
ed her of scenes both pleasant and painful
which had taken place in the past.
This strange toilet completed, Slste
Glare tenderly swathed the pale face wit
the veil, and stood looking down upon
for long, long time. Indeed, she scenes
As if she could not persuade herself to turl
away from its contemplation. She wa
like one fascinated by vision; so motion
less did she stand, and with such fixed gaz'
lid she regard the dead.
Janet could also see the features of he
lady's countenance through the mist o
lace, though not with the same distinct
aess; but the CLEAN of the satin robe ant
civilizations of the diamo Ids were plainl!
revealed to her vision, and she gazed a
them with an emotion which would fair
have expressed itself in audible sobs. He
fears, however, enabled her to remain
quiet.
/. At length the clock struck two in the
morning; and the sound broke the spell
which appeared to influence Sister Clare
She started, passed her hand across hel
eyes as if suddenly awakened from sleep
and then seemed to recollect where she wa:
and what she was doing. The next in
stant she was carefully wrapping an EN-
broidered sheet around the dead, hiding
out of sight for ever the fair old face with
its tranquil smile, the fnery made for 8
young bride in bygone time, and the
priceless jewels which had come down to
the last female Of an ancient family through
many generations.
81 have fulfilled your desire, dear Lady
Maud, said Sister Clare aloud, as she turn.
ed aside in search Of something when the
swathing was concluded.
eff so," thought Janet, IL have moth
ing to do now but watch for an opportunity
of escape; but suppose there will be no
chance for some hours.,'
And she began to wonder how she should
pass the time without revealing her prox-
unity.
She was already socramped that it was
with difficulty she maintained her position,
especially now the excitement was at an end
| But fortune was more favorable to Janet
than she supposed. The something Sister
Clare could not find was her thimble, and
she presently RENE mbered that she had left
it on the little supper table on the stair
landing. It was needed Immediately, for
she was going to stitch together the ends
of the sheet which enshroudded dead Lady
Maud.
Taking, therefore, the small lamp which
was burning on the dressing-table, the
article, and the instant she had passed
through the door, Janet, breathing thanks
giving, accomplished her escape.
CHAPTER vi.
/ c1hOU Aldu AOIu LILO Win lOWOIS WAiCA oAC
had gathered at the lodge, on purpose that
she might have an excuse for going into the
park to see Roland Cavel the next morning.
But she was not to keep her appointment
so easily as she had imagined.
Scarcely had she left the house when she
met her rejected lover, who was returning
from an errand.
'.Ah," said he, the smothered fame kind
ling again at the sight of the woman al
whose feet he had so recently knelt,-''ah,
Miss Janet! taking the air again see you
mean to give them white roses in your
beautiful cheeks touch Of red, if possible. u
81 am not taking the air. answered
Janet, little annoyed at the encounter
''and have no desire to have red cheeks
Pm going after my flowers, which were lef,
at the lodge last night"
"By George!" exclaimed John; "what an
accident! But it's happily one as can be
cured in the twinkling of an eye. I'll fetch
'em directly"
sNo, thank you, JOHN" said Janet,
''Now am out, may as well 60.
"But it won't be any trouble" persisted
the enamoured footman. Indeed twill be
the greatest of pleasure -
"No. no." reiterated Janet, moving for
ward; "you'll be wanted at the house."
"Bosher the housep' answered the foot
man, gallantly. "The occupants especial
ly the females-is of more importance in
my estimation; and you be the most i'm
portant of all. I'd run to the lodge and
back in jifey. So say no more about it. +"
"Well, please 20 for them," said Janet
in desperation, .and I'll wait in the park. u
"Will you really?" said John, grinning
from ear to ear with delight. ''Upon my
honor that's kind. It looks like repenting.
go along" cried Janet, angrily, cor let
me do my own business!"
"But where shall find you when 1 come
back?' asked the footman, in no-wise dis
turbed by her tone.
ooh, I don't know answered Janet,
turning. away. "The park is not large
enough to be lost in, I suppose; and if you
have time to run for my flowers, you must
have time to look for me-
"Certainly- certainly, missH' replied
John, cheerily supposing that his mistress
was coquettish. wander whittier you
please; I'll bet true love can find you.''
And before she could reply, he was gone.
As soon as he was out of sight, Janet
made as much haste as she could to the old
oak tree near which she had promised to
meet Roland Cavel.
He was waiting for her, and fastened to
meet her as soon as he saw her approaching.
'"The few minutes have been standing
here have passed like hours" he remarked,
as they met.
'Indeed, l am sorry P' said Janet. 81
hope you have not been waiting long?'
'No," replied Cavel; mot long, which is
fortunate, for, if you remember, we did not
appoint time, SO either of us might have
waited hours for the other"
Janet smiled.
l