Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1886-10-16
A TRAGEDY OF EVIDENCE
BY wILKIE COLLINS.

At that memorable period in the early
history Of the United States when Amer
lean citizens resented the tyranny of
George LII. and his parliament by de-
stroying a cargo Of taxed te- Bristol
trader arrived in the harbor of Boston,
having one passenger on board. This
person was young Englishwoman,
named Esther Calvert, daughter of q
shopkeeper at Cheltenham and niece of
the captain of the ship.
Some years before her departure from
England Esther had suffered from an
affection associated with deplorable
public event-which had shaken her at
tachment to her native land. Free, at a
later period, to choose for herself, she
resolved on leaving England as soon as
employment could be found for her in
another country. After weary interval
OF expectation, the sea-captain had OBJ
tanned a situation for his niece as
house-keeper in the family of Mrs. An
derkin-a widow lady living in Boston.
Esther had been well practiced in do
nestle duties during the long illness of
her mother. Intelligent, modest and
sweet tempered, she soon became ia
vorite with Mrs. Anderkin and the mem
bers of her young family. The child
rem found but one fault with the new
housekeeper; she dressed invariably in
dismal black; and it was impossible to
prevail upon her to give the cause. 1t
was known that she was an orphan, and
she had acknowledged that no csl.5l
Of hers had recently died-and y,s
persisted in wearing mourning. Some
great grief had evidently overshadowed
the life of the gentle English house.
keeper.
On the day before he sailed on his
homeward voyage the sea captain called
to take leave of his mece-and then
asked if he could also pay his respects
to Mrs. Anderkin. He was informed
that the lady of the house had gone out,
but that the governess would be happy
to receive him. At the interview which
followed they talked of Esther, and
agreed so well in their good opinion of
her that the captain paid long visit.
The governess had persuaded him to tell
the story of his niece's wasted life.
But he insisted on one condition.
'f we had been in England" he said,
II should have kept the matter secret
for the sake of the family. Here, in
America, Esther is stranger-here she
will stay--and no slur will be cast
on the family name at home. But mind
one thing! trust to your honor to
take no one INTO your condolences
oepting only the mistress of the house."
More than 100 years have past since
these words were spoken. Esther's sad
story may be harmlessly told now.
In the year 1852 young man named
John Jennings, employed as waiter at
q Yorkshire inn, astonished his master
by announcing that he was engaged to
be married, and that he proposed retir-
ing from service on next quarterday.
Further inquiry showed that the young
woman's name was Esther Calvert and
that Jennings was greatly her inferior in
social rank. Fer fathers consent to the
marriage depended on her lovers success
in rising in the world. Friends with
money were inclined to trust jennings
and to help him to start business Of
his own, If Miss Ualvert's father would do
something Tor the young people on his
side. He made no objection and the
marriage engagement was sanctioned
accordingly.
One evening, when the last days OF
Jennings service were drawing to an
end, gentleman on horseback stopped
at the inn. In state of grea. agitation
he informed the landlady that he was on
his way to Hull, but he had been 60
frightened az to make it impossible for
for him to continue his journey. A high
wayman had robbed him of his purse
containing 20 guineas. The thiefs FACE
As usual in thoee dsys) was concealed
mask; and there was but one
ence Of bringing him to Justice. It
tho travellers custom to place q pri-
mark on every gold piece that he
6 Nd with him on . journey; and the
b guinness might possibly be traced
shaw