Johnstown weekly Democrat. (Johnstown, Cambria County, Pa.) 1889-1916, 1889-08-09

came with passionate sobs, for she was
little more than child even yet. "I
would not steal II was starvingp
THE money is gone. No one else has
been in the room"
81 know nothing of it,
But they searched for it-under the
Aole, among the papers, In the rubbish
Agnes had gathered up, in the table
drawers, even, with hot cheeks and
trembling fingers, in the pockets and the
dress of the nursery governess.
Then, with Mrs. Lockwood firm in her
accusation, but promising secrecy, Agnes
went to her home
Her mother was as angry as her elf,
neither as yet looking at the loss OF sit
uation, the peouniary trouble, as Sc
riously as at the base falsehood OF the
| accusation
They had quieted little, though their
pale faces told the story of their recent
agitation when Dudley Lockwood called.
straightforward and frank, as il was his
nature to be in all things, he asked:
"What is the trouble between you and
| Mrs. Lockwood, Miss Agnes?"
And Agnes, white now as ashes, but
calm, told the story. In her heart she
| gave Dudley pure, true love, anl she
| s'c6ened as she spoke, over the shame
AN'A t'tNA ASAI +At'f tlLtI OLlt lOllk lObF. Oh
utteramazement said flerceIy:
u always said she had mono of the
| Lockwood character 70 euspect you
of-Why, Agnes Agnee she must be
| mad p
II was good to hear the truthful ring
OF his voice, to see his great frank eyes
liked upon her with such perfect trust
and love. But Agnes only said, mourn.
fully:
The money is gone p
"Nnat OF that? If fifty times $50
were gone, utterly, entirely, it would
not excuse her for such a monstrous ac-
cusation. Mrs Churchill, you know the
hope l have cherished; you know your
husbands approval of it. Give me per-
mission to speak to Agnes. l was con-
tent to wait while she was happy and
where | could often see her. But now"
"Iou must wait till 1 am no longer
suspected interrupted Agnes. Il know.
too, Mr.. Lockwood-for my father told
me-the honor you have paid me; but |
will not let you be carried away by your
pity and Indignation"
And, though he pleaded his love, and
Agnes, raised above maidenly shyness by
tne crisis in her life, confessed her own
affection, she was firm. Not until he
was leaving them, vowing to clear up
,ne painful mystery, did Agnes ask
Did Cassie fret for me?"
''She is sick, feverish, and complains
OF sore throat
"She did take cold, then, sleeping on
the floor?"
Il suppose SO. Tom was going for
Doctor"
\ few last words and he was gone,
leaving two sore hearts far lighter for
his cordial sympathy and tender love.
Somehow it would all comeiright, Agnes
felt convinced, when she nestled down
beside her mother, saying
Cassie will miss me at bed time. Mrs,
Lockwood has no genius for storytelling,
and Cassie must have stories told her till
she falls asleep"
Two days passed, and there was no
message or call from Dudley Lockwood,
though Agnes felt no doubt about the
giyer of basket of freshly-cut flowers
left without card or word at the door.
But on the third day he came.
Have you had scarlet fever?" he asked.
'Oh, yes. Has Cassie scarlet fever?"
Yes, and she is dangerously ill, calling
continually for Aggie. Ms Lockwood
sent me here with this message: Tell |
Agnes that the doctor says the Irritation
and fever are greatly increased by Cas-
sizes constantly fretting for her and beg
her, for the child's sake, to come to US
Will you go?"
81 will go.
Very sravely. fully appreciating the un-
pleasant task before her, the awkward |
ness of meeting Mrs. Lockwood with that |
mysterious loss still unexplained, Agnes |
answered
But when the child, the little golden.
haired darling she loved, greeted he |
with glad eyes, whiSpering over and |
over, "Aggie Don't go away, Aggit! |
she was glad she had not denied the baOy /
wish.
"Uncle Dudley stay, too" Cassie said.
land my mamma. Aggie, where is my
pretty peep-show:' she said, presently. |
reminded by Agsie's coming OF her la5;
toy.
"In the nursery closet. Shall get
for your"
mo, you will stay away again. Uncle
Dudley will get it.
"a green pasteboard box, with a round
hole in one end, Agnes explained. Au4
Dudley, as much n slave as anv OF the g.
to the little ones caprices, went for tie
He came back very pale and very
grave.
Lorna" he said, quietly, unheeding
Cassie's outstretched hand, will you
look in where / did at this round hole?'
"tsnawn Mrs. Lockwood said, inpa-
ticntiy; but she took The box and
looked in.
Pasted and well plastered down with
at the other end OF the box. di-
fect.y where she looked was a $50 bill,
the pictured side exposed:
THE lost note! Oh, Agnes can YOU
ever forgive me r she cried, dropping the
box into Cassie's eager hands.
"Aly pretty peep-show," said Cassie.
agnes will put in the paper dolls"
And Agnes took tho hand Mrs. Lock
wood stretched across the bed and said.
softly:
II am glad it is found"
You will stay with Cassie2'
"If you wish
But Dudley only permitted tho stay
until The little one was quite well again,
when now govcrness had tobe found.
For Miss Churchill had to return home
to assist her mother in the prepuraU.ou
OF simple trousseau, her last economy.
Tor as Dudley Iockwoods wife she com.
mands suili lent health to us @ $50 bills
I 5ne wishes, lor pretty picture play,
things. IN. Y. Ledger.
o.Ti NihiIlst's suicide.