The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1885-07-11
An Accomplished Rogue.

slightly above the medium height,
Of perfect form, with large, piercing
black eyes, and u wealth Of raven
trcsses floating over her shoulders.
A large canvas-covered trunk follow
ed her into the hall, and, after she
had been shown into the perlor, the
register, with pen and ink, was
brought for her signature, she nod
ded pleasantly tly-nodded with smile
that completely captivated the inn
pressible young clerk--and then, in u
very pretty Italian hand, she wrote
her name-"Miss Clara Dubois,
Philadelphia, Pa. "
Later, as the landlord politely es-
corted her to the supper room, she
informed him that she had heard of
his house-that it was quiet and
well kept, and that she had come
for a short rest and respite from the
din and the turmoil Of the great
city.
The good hosts was. grateful and
very glad the young lady had hon
orcd his house with her presence.
He would do what he could to
make her stay comfortable and
agreeable.
Very soon Miss Dubois got ac-
quaintcd with the guests ofthe house
and proved herself as intelligent
and entertaining as she was pretty.
She played well upon the piano
forte, but did not sing. She played
chess, too, though there was only
one person in the house to play
with her.
Boarding at the hotel was Mr..
Aaron Huntloy. He kept the prin-
ciple store in the village, and was
our postmaster. He was q man of
iive-and-forty, rotund, and good
looking, and had been widower
ten years. He had been a success.
full trader, and had been careful OF
his money, which he worshiped.
And it was Mr.. Huntley who
played chess with Miss Dubois.
He was very fair player, and she
was skilful. Yes, she was certainly
fond of the company of Mr.. Huntly
and it is not to be wondered at that
he should become fond Of her. She
was pretty, she was witty, she was
intelligent, and she had strong com
mon sense, and furthermore, she was
young and buoyant. What more
could he ask in wife ? If he
thought of dover, her conversation
of herself had convinced him that
her father was wealthy.
One evening Aaron Huntley came
from the parlor where he had been
radiant He had proposed and had
been accepted, lie managed tc
keep the sweet, blessed secret for
four-and-twcnty hours, and then he
| let it out to the landlord and was
congratulated. The store-keepel
was happy. He walked as one who
treads on air. He was smiling and
gracious TO his customers, and even
generous.
After this Miss Dubois was much
at the store, and, III her playful
happy way she assisted often in tho
postoilice, which was square room
partitioncd off in one corner of thu
building.
And so the days went on and
Aaron Huntley was certainly thu
happiest man in the village. Blu
one morning n thunder-clap strucl
him. He went to the store fndin!
the rear door ajar. He went to hi
safe and found that it had been op
ened and all the money takcn-th
savings of years ! Fully $1,000
had been stolen from the safe.
Miss Dubois was early at tn,
store and when she heard of he
lovers loss she endcavorcd to con
sole him.
Don't worry dearest" she said
"When my father comes l can hel
you. If this loss cripplcs you
shall be only for time"
"But, Clara, l would not have
appear | married you for your"
Naughty man, hush I! Will yo
not let me love you Il little ?"
What more could he say =?
When the stage arrived that ever
an old gentleman, with white hai
and beard and wearing an cnol
nous pair of green spcctacles, wa
helped out and, leaning heavily VI
ON his stout oakcn staff, hohble
into the hall. He signed his nam
upon the register in II trcmblin
struggling hand: "Dr. Seth Bun
pus, N. Y"
When supper was finished, Nil
Dubois took Mr. Huntlcy's arm an
retired to the parlor, and present.
afterward the white-hnircd ma
named DR.. Bumpus followed then
The two had seated themselves III