Charlotte messenger. [volume] (Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., N.C.) 1882-18??, 1886-08-21
WROUGHT BY A DREAM.

Miss NJ. is pretty heiress, whose name
for obvious reasons we must suppress;
Mr. r., is a young diplomatist who fan
cies he has every chance of becoming an
ambassador before the last of his short
cropped locks has deserted him. Mr.. r.
had heard of Miss NJ. as being the owner
Of wonderfully beautiful diamond neck
lace, and also as possessing more personal
attractions than are supposed to belong
To any but interesting paupers. Miss M,
on the other hand, had been Informed
that Mr.. II. was very decent sort of
fellow, with the smallest amount posi-
BILE of foreign officer swagger. They
met for the first time under Lady RS
roof, aud surveyed each other with mu-
tual interest from opposite sides of an
elaborately decorated dinner table. The
necklace came up to Mr.. RS expecta-
tions, but their owner surpassed them.
Not only was she pretty, but also viva
cious and evidently amusing-not
painted, dressed up doll, like the woman
beside him, got up for admiration and
incapable Of conversation. Not being
accustomed to admire without some sort
of return, he left the doll to the tender
mercies of his left-hand neighbor, and
devoted his attention to Miss M. They
had grown quite friendly over five
o'clock tea, and now exchanged tele-
graphic signs across the table about any
small episodes that arose during the din
ner. Mr.. II. thought he was getting on,
and became so engrossed that he ne
elected his favorite entree and had
scarcely time to do justice to the saddle
of mutton. But when the regulation ice
cream had made its rounds he noticed q
sudden change in the girl opposite to
him. She turned US white as her own
handkerchief, and leaned back in her
chair, silent and distracted, with wide
open eyes and parted lips. For the rest
of the time she scarcely talked at all, and
seemed incapable of rallying; but she
shook her head when he made a sign that
he was ready to assist her out of the
room, and kept her scat till the ladies
rose and filed slowly through the door,
lie would have given much to follow
them at once, because his curiosity was
wildly reused. He was sure there was
some mystery behind the scenes, for she
looked as If she had received shock
seen ghost, or discovered an unwished.
for friend. As soon as he could get
away he looked round the drawing
room, and seeing Miss NJ. sitting apart
from the other ladies, and turning over
the leaves of photograph book in evil
dent preoccupation, he made his way to
her, and standing before her, so as to
shield her from observation, asked in a
low voice ii he could do anything for
her.
She looked up IN surprise. Thanks,
don't want ANYTHING"
But you are annoyed or ili-one or
the other. shall never forget your
look at dinner"
"Did anyone notice it," eagerly.
''Not soul except myself. OF course,
don't wish to force your confidence,
but il | can be Of any service to you"
mo one can do me any good" hur-
riedly. "only l wish to heaven had
never come.n
He looked at her with genuine COM
passion, for he saw that she was shiver-
ing from head to foot.
''Shall fetch Lady R-p
'Not for the world Iwould tell you,
only YOU would think me so foolish, "
looking around to be sure that no one
could overhtar.
Il promise You won't" earnestly, as
he took a chair aud sat down Just in
front of her, so that she should not have
to raise her voice. pray, tell me"
''lt was only dream, with the ghost
of smile. LAST night thought was
being murdered for the sake of this neck
lace" playing nervously with the dia-
monds round her white throat, 'tnd
woke up struggling with a mana man
with long chin and reddish hair.
felt should know him anywhere, and ]
saw him to- day at tdinner"-with a shud-
der handing the liqucurs."
'Why, that was Bird, the butler. You
couldn't be afraid Of him"
II am" looking up at HIM with terror
in her pretty c;es II am sure he will
try ard murdw me tonight ! can't 20
10 bed. should never close my eyes, y
aud >hc shivcred again.
'You can 20 TO bed and sleep IN per
feet confidence I'LL tell you what Ill
do for you," and Mr. r. smiled, feeling
that he was making noble effort. "Our
rooms lie on the same corridor. I have
hears OF letters TO writc-worsa luck so
that must sit up. I'll keep my door
ajar, which won't be noticed, as there Is
a light in the passage. and my ears are so
shsrp that would defy any one 10 pass
wi,h"ut my knowing il. win that con-
tent your