Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-11-17

the keyhole, and Catharine began to laugh
1t nv lack of skill. Atlength. however,
I opened the casket, and my eyes were
dazzled BY the contents. Under . blue
velvet cushion glittered . set of diamonds.
| Catharine stepped to the door and called
her master; but no sooner had he glanced
at the casket than he rudely seized my
hand, saving, 1.-The brooch with the large
diamond in the centre il gone"
shook like . poplar leaf. was about
to throw myself on my knees, when l
heard Catharine's voice.
How can you think" she said, l was
here!"
"Be still! We will examine you toor'
He called his wife. and then turning to
me, said that he should search me while
his wife did the same to Catharine.
And seeing that honest maiden outraged
by such odious suspicion, l yielded myself
to his hands. But never can tell what
felt at that moment. I felt no longe. like
man, or even slave. but like some vile
animal. An act OF cruel injustice was
committed against me. After this. the
fault of which was guilty myself seemed
but a petty and childish thing.
My anger grew still greater when an
other servant suggested that Catharine
might have hidden the diamonds in her
hair. and saw the poor girl as pale as
death with her braids all unbound.
Naturally the counsellor found nothing
on Catherine or on me. remember that
in parting l said to the young girl BE
patient; will make up to you all you
have suffered through me-"
The affront had suffered paralyzed my
conscience. | sought often to see Catha-
rine, but seldom successfully. She said
she was afraid that if we were often seen
One day, however, she met me with joy
full expression.
"God be thanked! We are now COM
pletely justified. My masters sister has
written him that she forgot to put the
brooch into the basket"
"And is not the counsellor going to beg
my pardonP'
HE wished me to do So" she replied,
land asked me to do so for him." At the
same time she begged me to hold no re-
sentiment because of what had happened
to me.
You may have committed some secret
fault" said she. accept what you have
suffered as an affection"
never felt 80 happy before. | told
Catharine that | would yet be rich and
would give her beautiful carriage har
messed to four horses. and she promised
to be faithful to me, should come for her
on foot. The thing had done still seemed
nothing in comparison with the humilia-
ton had offered.
Palm Sunday having come decided on
the instance Of the Palatin to draw my
money in order to try my fortune in the
world and make Catharine my wife. |
wished the Palatin to accompany me to
the bank, but he refused.
| entered the counting room. Coun-
seller Menninger was there. At first l
was frightened and then the sight of him
gave me new ardor He was the man
who had insulted me. While waited the
sweat tickled down my limbs and my
book stuck to my fingers as if it never
could be shaken off.
At last my turn came. The counsellor
put on his spectacles and looked at my
book. | cOnld hear no sound but the
tickings of the clock. My heart knocked
hard against my side.
You have been very economical" said
the counsellor. will you have coin or
paperP"
said would have paper and he gave
me little roll of notes on each of which
was written, 400 crowns" | trembled
so that could hardly hold those notes in
my hands. aud when he asked if the right
sum was there, 1 could only nod my
affirmative. Suddenly he looked attentive
ly at me.
"Are you not the locksmith," he asked,
whom | summoned on Christmas eve?"
YES" said I.
81 am delighted to see you again. l
beg you to forgive my unjust suspicion of
you, which must have caused you pain.
III render you a service it will give me
pleasure. But what is the matter? Are
you ill?''
81 fell on my knees crying, "No, no;
| am a scoundrel. Take back your
And l told him all
The counsellor was a good man. He
saw my despair and spoke to me kindly.
My dangerous companion was obliged to
leave the city. l was affianced to Cath
arine in the counsellor's house, and he
aided me to establish myself in the city
l ought to add that before lett the saw
ings bank burned my little book.