The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-05-23
OLD LOVE AND BURGLARY.
iExehanRe.i


 Some time ago the wife of a merchant was suddenly awakened in the night by the sound of footsteps in her bedroom, and the next moment the light of dark lantern flooded her face, so near that she could almost feel the heat, and hear the suppressed breathing of the intruder. Her husband was from home, and the only person in the house except herself was servant. girl. who slept in the story beneath. Her presence of mind did not, ho owever, forsake her. It doubtless re- quires great amount of resignation and fortisude in woman to listen to, without screaming. the ransacking of her store of valuable faces and the appropriation of her jewelry; but the lady, very raticnany deemihg 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 The light was withdrawn from her face, and she heard the rustling of silks, the picking of locks.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 low whisper of surprise or disappointment it seemed an hour to her and soft footstep approached the bed, and the glare of the lantern again fell upon her lace. Through the closed lids of her eyes she saw the light, but remained calm and motionlcss in its scrutinizing rays, fearful that the least movement might imperil her life. What a moment of sus- pensel The light was removed from her face, and she felt that some one was leaning against the bed. Still she re- mained motionless, nor did she stir when the warm breath of the burglar fanRed her cheek. Not until his lips pressed her forehead did she spring up and half shriek, "Who is in this room ?"
 Hush! !' responded voice in a hoarse whisper, while rough hand was laid on her shoulder. "Spsak nothing and fear nothing" The next moment she heard the sound of re,realing footsteps, and the creaking Of a shutter, then all was still again. Satisfied that she was alone, she sprang from the bed and touched a lighted match to the burner, then sank into chair, completely prostrated with the danger through which she had passed. Recovering, she looked round 10 ascertain of what she had been plum dered.
 The drawers were all in the utmost confusion, but, strange to say, little or nothing was missing. A casket of jew elry was opened on the bureau, but the diamonds and gold were all there. Be- side the casket she discovered little roll of paper containing ring which had been given to her many years before, and which had been in her possession ever since. Half bewildered at the singular proceedings, she was about to cast the paper from her, when her eye caught the marks of pencil upon it. She carefully opened it and read:
 This ring, which once was mine, tells me in whose house am. You know I am an to deny it-but, fallen as am. cannot rob you, Maria. Forgive me, and God bless you. HENRY." This explained all. Falling on her knees, she prayed for him who had writ. ten the scroll. And who was Henry?" Ten years ago he loved that same Maria, and he would have made her his wife for she had promised to be his-had he not taken to drink and gambling, and finally forged the name of his employer for which he was given home in con, Mct prison. When he was worthy nf ..;e, love he gav. Ter that ring, and she had kept in remembrance of what he had oeea. This is the story of the ring. 1 ca the return of the husband, the wifi related to him the adventure, and showed him the note; but he has never at tempted to arrest the burglar.
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