Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1890-01-15
A SECRET UNVAILED.
Mrs. Elliot's Experience as an
Amateur Detective.

1t is best on the whole not to read
your husbands letters until he hands
them TO you, and 1t is much the best
not to examine his pockets, except for
holes, then set aside whatever you find
there without an examination.
l believe little Mrs Elliot would
give any young wife that advice to-
day; but there was a time-we are all
fallible, being mortal-when she had
been married about two years, that
she made herself an amateur detective,
as far as her Frank went, and had
found holes that she could not explain
one that had something in 1t about
Clara particularly. 1t was only half a
letter, but it was suspicious.
Naturally jealous, she was too proud
to betray the fact intentionally; but
there is no keeping secret OF that
sort from the servants. They knew it,
other people guessed at it.
Her fancies about Clara-oh, who
was ClaraP-made her heart ache; but
rummaging and prying did not help
her.
When her husband was away-as he
often was-she suffered tortures. He
might, for all she knew, be leading IL
double Life. and 80 she steamed all his
letters open before she forwarded
them, and now and then found some
thing that might mean more than 1t
said, and 30 we come To an after
noon when she-Mrs. Llliot-came
downstairs dressed for dinner,
Tor which she always made careful
toilet, and met the waitress ascending
10 the upper floor The girls place at
chat moment was In the dining-room.
and Mrs. Elliot knew that nothing was
needed or forgotten that pertained to
the dinner; moreover, the girl had an
air OF secrecy about her. and seemed
70 be hiding something under her
apron.
What's that you have there, Rosap"
Mrs. Elliot asked, a little sharply.
The girl stopped, looked down, and
answered:
"Only letter, ma'am."
"For yourselfP" asked Mrs. Elliot.
mo. ma'am. for MASTER" said the
girl.
well, give 1t to me-" said Mrs. FL
hot.
The girl hesitated.
Indeed, ma'am, the lady said to.
give it to himself" said Rosa.
"A ladyP A beggar with a petition,
| suppose" said Mrs. Elliot
"a lady, ma'am, and she's gone,"
said the girl. "She wore a blue vail;
but nsver saw her before, I'm sure"
"Oh, very WELL" replied her mis-
tress. Give me the note. Mr.. Ell
liot Is shaving, and would not wish TO
be disturbed"
The girl gave q little impertinent
toss to her head as shel obeyed, and
hounced downstairs In q way that
made her mistress resofve|to give her
warning.
The trouble was tat the lady in the
blue vail had given Rosa some money
had whispered, "Mr. Elliot, and no
one else," and hurried away in sus-
picious manner.
Mrs. Elliot meanwhile stood turning
the envelope over. The address was
merely her husbands namo-Mr.
Elliot-and the edge Of the flap was
still damp, as II sealed at the door.
1t would open at touch-she could
road 1t and know its contents II she
chose.
II do choose" she said the next
moment, and the edge OF the envelope
rolled back and slip OF paper fell
out On it were written these words:
Dear Francs Meet me at the usual place 10
you can dodge your wife. CLARA.
A moment more and the letter was
rosealed, and Mrs. Elliot, trembling
with anger. stood leaning against the
window frame. She felt that the dread
that had been upon her had taken
shape at last.
However. she would not be hasty.
She would wait until she was sure that
he desired TO receive the letter. II he
did not obey the summons IL would
prove 70 her that he was true to her.
Then she worald tell him what she
knew, and ask his confidence.
She carried the letter downstairs
with her, and placed IL at his place,
and as he opened II she watched him
closely.
II ceryinly did not seep to pleass