Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1890-01-13
CHAPTER XVIII.

"Where:" eXclaims Millicent, as much
taken aback as even Lady ValwOrth can
desire.
Ground Madness neck"
ooh, you must have been mistaken
How could Nadine have q diamond cross
of such value:''
GLOW, indeed! She said she had been
given it by that man to whom she is en-
gaged-Paul Annerley"
GA city clerk! ImpOssiblel Dearest
aunt, you may be sure you have made
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; | am not deceived" says Lady
Valworth Her tone is that of one who is
sure of her argument. 1t is, indeed, so
strong, so unlike the usually vacillating
Lady ValWOrth, that Millicent is struck
byit. sit is my cross-the one belonging
to the diamond set Sir Thomas gave me
on my marriage, that is hanging around
her neck"
'But how could Nadine''-
eff you doubt it, said Lady Valworth,
with sudden vchcmence, f'let me have an
authority to prove that what I say is
right. Call Sir Thomas. He is over
there. Ask him. F." ''I.ar 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 interior
ence by an eloquent look from Millicent.
'True--true!' says Lady Valworth
signing. Il shall not speak to Sir
Thomas now but by and by shall call
his attention to it. Good heavens! Mill
cent this may mean the recovery of the
whole set
''Hardly l 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 I shall examine
Nadine, and
Not nOW-nOt until tomorrow night
has gone over our heads!' entreats Mill
cent, eagerly, willing to spare Nadine
shock. ''Why would you make unhappy
a guest in yOur house on the very eve of
Grants birthnight ball?''
This is the very argument of all others
to gain over Lady Valworth to her way Of
thinking.
Eyes All should go smoothly for
Grant, says Grants mother thought
fully. ''And Nadne-she-she may not
be to blame.'
"May not?'' Millicent's eyes grow dark
with indignant reproach. ''What can
you mean by such speech as that?
Nadine! Do you for one instant believe
that she has had any part in this strange
story of which you speak?''
my dear child, I would not hurt you
in any way, as you well know-not even
through another. And as for Nadine.
you can see yourself how highly esteem
her."
''Highly indeed, when you can hint at
scandal in connection with her.
81 have limited at nothing. I confess
own cross round another's neck. Do you
blame me for that?''
In her distress at having brought down
the anger of her sons 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 !, when deem her
innocent? Yet the connecting link be-
tween me and the robber of my diamonds
lies with her"
I" will not have her connected with this
ai3ctr il eny wy cries Miiliccnt. hotIy,
tears IL her eyes, ''IE eec!1iag for your
rl.asirg Ink, guu will ncrise1inctc her,
Grd tc.Fifg hcP and make her Wretcbed.
And she has hal nothing to da with it,
Haa sheY'