Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-05-01
CHAPTER XVIII.

CHAPTER XVIII.
 "Wheref' exclaims Millicent, as much taken aback as even Lady Valworth can desire.
 Round Nadine's neck''
 "Oh, you must have been mistaken! How could Nadine have diamond cross of such value?''
 'How, indeedl She said she had been given it by that man to whom she is en- gaged-Paul Annerley."
 "A city clerk! Impossible! Dearest aunt, you may be sure you have made a mistake. These French jewelries are so good nowadays They copy so exactly the fine old designs that one is easily de- ceived when brought face to face with them.''
 ''No; I am not deceived" says Lady Valworth. Her tone is that of one who is sure of her argument. It is, indeed, so strong, so unlike the usually vacillating Lady Valworth, that Millicent is struck byit. 1t is my cross-the one belonging to the diamond set Sir Thomas gave me on my marriage, that is hanging around her neckn
 'But how could Nadine''-
 Eff you doubt it, ,' said Lady Valworth, with sudden vehemence, ''let me have an authority to prove that what I say is right. Call Sir Thomas. He is over there. Ask him." ssDear Lady Val worth, but you know you would not like to distress Miss Roche,'' puts in Gerald Massareene who has been perforce list ener to the disclosure and who now feels he must take prominent part in the dis cussion.
 He is amply rewarded for his interfer- ence by an eloquent look from Millicent.
 ''True-truep' says Lady Valworth signing. "I shall not speak to Sir Thomas now but by and by shall call his attention to it. Good heavens! Milh- cent this may mean the recovery of the whole set."
 :, "Hardly think. These matters drift. By piecemeal they enter the windows of respectable jelwelers, and all the research in the world will not bring to light the real offenders.
 "Still, it gives hope. shall examine Nadine, and-'
 "Not now-not until tomorrow night has gone over our heads!" entreats Milli- shock. "Why would you make unhappy guest in your house on the very eve of Granit's birthnight ball?'
 This is the very argument of all others to gain over Lady Valworth to her way of thinking
 "Yes. All should go smoothly for Granit," says Granit's mother thought fully. "And Nadine-she-she may not be to blame''
 "May not?' Millicent's eyes grow dark with indignant reproach. "What can you mean by such a speech as that's Nadine! Do you for one instant believe that she has had any part in this strange story of which you speak?"
 HMv dear child I yyo111d pot h,,rt Uo,, in any way, as you well know-not even through another. And as for Nadine, you can see yourself how highly I esteem her.'' ....
 "Highly indeed, when you can hint at scandal in connection with her.''
 1T have hinted at nothing. confess I am horribly distressed at seeing my own cross round anOther's neck. Do you blame me for that?''
 In her distress at having brought down the anger of her son's fiancee upon her head, and her agitation at seeing again a portion of her lost diamonds, poor Lady Valworth is reduced to the very verge of despair.
 ''Be reasonable, Millicent. At least, grant me justice. I have said nothing to Nadine. Why should I, when deem her innocent? Yet the connecting link be- tween me and the robber of my diamonds lies with her."
 Twill not have her connected with this affair in any way" cries Millicent, hotly, tears in her eyes. "In seeking for your missing link, you will incriminate her. and terrify her and make her wretched. And she has had nothing to do with it. Has she?''
 She turns almost defantly upon Massa- reene, who up to this has been silent.
 s'Do you think she has?''
 IA thousand times nor' declares he gently. 'Miss Roche and deceit of any kind seem to me as far apart as the poles. It stands to reason, too, that if she had known anything of the lost diamonds, she would hardly have worn them here.'' He is so earnest. so eager in his speech, that Millicent, with her eyes full of tears, lays her hand on his. This act repays him for many things, and makes him trebly Nadine's friend. And his argu- ment, too goes home to Lady Valworth, so that two causes are gained If the latter had ever permitted herself to have any doubts, they now vanish into noth- ingness, and only Nadine's pale, pure face rises before her. On such face no guilt could lie!
 My dear, I meant nothing-nothing, so far as Nadine is concerned" she cries in agitation; "but, of course, it is only natural that should desire the return of my diamonds-Sir Thomas diamonds. If Nadine can help me to Q solution of this difficulty, shall forever hold her in my debt.''
 "Who gave this cross to herr" asks Millicent suddenly, if a little coldly.
 ''The man to whom she is engaged. Paul Annerley she called him. The man she is going to marry"
 "You present him to me in the light of either a dupe or swindler.'
 GA dupe, most probably. He may, however, be of use to us in the discovery of the missing stones.''
 ,"It will distress Nadine very much to have her lover accused of being an out sider in this affair."
 ''I do not see that" says Massareene, quickly, who is as honest as he is fulfilled of love. eff he can lead justice to it's ends, why should he not be used? Miss Roche, I am sure, would be the very last to pre- vent that; and so, when you come to think of it''-looking at Millicent-"w would you.''
 'Well-perhaps, But Nadine must not be teased now. Not tonight. To-mor- row night perhaps, when the ball is over but not before.''