The Democrat. (Scotland Neck, Halifax Co., N.C.) 1884-1896, 1885-06-18


the most dreadful things, adding under
his breath, ''It makes my blood run cold
10 think of it, and you must excuse me,
Tor | will say no more"
This was enough. Several guests who
| colors congregated in that lady's room
to verify Mr.. Vandeville's statement, but
also to satisfy their own curiosity.
The door of large closet which sepa-
rated the two rooms was purposcly left
open, and ordinary conversation could be
! easily heard.
| Mrs. Vaudeville looked virtuous and
important; her husband disguised and
abashed. A tiny clock ON the mantel
be distinguished, and the listeners be-
came interested.
Suddenly low voice broke the op-
p1cssive stiffness; but the confused jum-
| BILE of undcrtones was too indistinct, and
disappointment was plainly visible on
every countenance.
After few moments of inaudible con-
versation, the voices grew louder and
still louder, until, the occupants of
Mrs. Vandeville's room, in their excite
ment, exhibited signs of Immediate be-
trayal
That lady made an imperious ges-
ture, and the eavesdroppers listened
brcathlessly to the following dialogue:
81 will hear no more, l tell YOU
What have l to live fer? l placed my
honor in your hands, and how have you
repaid me:"
''Indeed. Harold, have always loved
you, always been faithful to you'll"
''Harold ~ echoed Mrs. Courtenay, the
Vandevilles' dearest friend. "Thcn his
name isn't Frank, after ALL"
"Hushr'
TIE stern voice continued:
ooh, Marion!'
'Marion" calculated Mrs. Courtenay
in horror; "why, she said her name was
Eleanor"
''Hush" murmured the assembled
party again.
ooh, Marion, you dare assert your in
nocence, knowing that hold the actual
proof of your guilt here in my hand2
| What is this letter, but an avowal of
love for the man whom have taken by
the hand and called friend, and who de-
ceives me beneath the very roof we both
call homc?"
''Gracious mc!'' whispered Miss Mer-
ton, gentle spinster of forty. ''lIe
must mean brother Fred. You know
how outrageously she tlirted with him. :"
"Silence!'' said Mrs. Vaudeville.
"Harold, have mercy; do not shut me
out from your heart. See, upon my
knees plead to you. In memory Of the
many happy hours we have been to-
gether, listen to me, and Il can explain
al.''
''How drea lful" gaspcd Miss Mer-
ton; ''and they pretended to be bridal
couple"
Enough! not one word. Tonight
you leave me forever"
HOh! this won't do at ALL" cried Mr..
Courtenay, who was usually an extreme
ly quiet and punctilious man. Scmc
thing must be done. The propriety of
this establishment ought to be main
tanned. A departure at such an hour
would be ruinous. and create disagrccable
gossip. Mr.. Vaudeville, you must knock
at these peoples door and tell them all
is known, that no scene will be permit
ted. Tomorrow they will be more than
welcome to take their leave; but by all
means beg them to make no disturbance
at midnight. We will follow and in
dorse anything you may consider proper
to say"
The party fell in line, and in another
moment were facing Mrs. Winsum's door,
from whence faint cry was at this in
slant audible.
Emboldened by this sound, Mr.. Vande-
Vile raped hastily, and hearty 'Come
in - responded.
! Duchiprr bor 1,ncl,opl ocilo on1 II ro w,
ing Mr.. Courtenay by the arm, Mrs. Van
deville entered the room, followed closely
by the remainder of the party.
! The picture that confronted them was
decidedly embarrassing. Frank Win
sum, comfortably cnsconced IN a capa-
cioas rocking chair, held his small wife
upon his knee; her fair arm was about
his neck, her golden hair mingled with
his chestnut curls as their two heads bent
over yellow covered book.
"Oh, my!" said the little woman,
springing up; ''is this surprise party !?
Fra%k, dear put on your coat" and,
with her face suffused with bushes,
she ratified on: You see, we came to
our room early this evening, because
we were getting up a little plan for
something new; so we've concluded
1t would be good idea to arrange a
series of private theatricals; but, as
you've caught us reading over play
book; you shall be taken into the secret
at once; therefore, with dramatic
gesture--''enter all and choose your
parts"
81 think, my dear Mrs. Winsum, that
we already have the characters best
suited to u.s." said Mr.. Courtenay, who
was honestly ashamed of his share in
the conspiracy.
"Why. l don't understand you. What
characters do you mean?"
''Those of busybodies and fools;;" and
thereupon the whole story came out.
The next day two trunks marked
"Vandeville'' were conveyed to the sta
tion.' Mr.. and Mrs Winsum became
greater favorites than ever. and roar
ing farce was the only result of what
had promised to become "Almost a
Tragedy"
Growing Gold Mines.
The famous Comstock lode is still
growing; that is, the causes which pro-
duced the great vein are vet in Opera-