Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1891-03-25

here" He glanced round tho ROOM and
could see nothing disturbed and hs was
satisfied.
It was several days before he went to his
money. drawer, and when he beheld it emp
ty he exclaimed.
"e50O stolen! Who could have taken iti
I'm sure didn't / will watch my servants
little closer, but l am most sure not one
of them would have done SO. But I'll be
on my guard any way. Aud if / should
find the rogue it will 60 hard enough with
him."
He had no clue to the theft, SO he could
Just let it take it's course; as TO the amount
he didn't care much about it because bs
had plenty.
A short whls afterwards, slr. Chesnel
was complaining and the doctor advised
him to spend while at the sea shore. HI
was broken down from SO much business
and must have some rest. He was wofr
out aud he knew it, too, and good res
would ealivea him. He was to have resi-
i'm immediately, s, he made arran gameuts IA:
soon as possible. aud about the time be Wal
ready to depart be sent for Mr.. Leighton t
come over to see him, and he made ar
rangements to leave the mansion in charge
of Mr.. Leighton. The next day found Mr.
Chesney at the seashore. He went to Sea
diff fine summer resort.
Several days after Mr.. Chespey's depart
ure, Mr.. Leighton was very anxious to en-
ter Mr.. Chesney's private office. Mr.
Chesney had cautioned him about going IL
there. He had been in there several times
before, but bis curiosity wanted to know
what was in that little closet, He begar
to think that there was something hidden
in there and he was not to know what il
was.
He went in there enc day; he was all
alone now, and To- ked the door on the in.
side TO prevent anyone from coming in.
And seeing the papers and books on the
table he was almost afraid they would
speak to him; he listened FIR moment, but
no sound was to be heard and he thought
then was his chance % search. He thought,
ssMr. Chesney is known to be an honest
ana upright man, what can he keep go
secretly in there? Well. it will not be long
till find ont" He peered round while,
and then he went to try to open the closet,
but finoIng it locked, he could not open it,
but after looking through the desk be
found key that opened the closet door,
but to stand at the door and look nothing
could be seen. He struck a match and
held it at the door, and he saw a very nice
ly finished little room which seemingly had
no other door; but very close observer
could detect one and this Mr.. Leighton did;
the same key unlocked both; then there
was nothing to be seen but dark dungeon
with no end. II will go further some
other time" he said, and left the doors as
they are, open, and went out On the piazza
to smoke cigar. Looking across the lawn
he saw approaching lady whom he lec-
orgnizsd as Miss Lillian Arlington, whom
he ardently loved and had warmly entreat-
ed to become his wife, which proposal
Miss Lillian Arlington positively declined.
This cold re rusal had aroused within his
bad heart desire for revenge, and as he
saw her coming in the distance he thought
revenge was near. So he quickly went to
his room and assumed disguise SO it
would be impossible to know him.
One evening while Miss Lillian Airing
Ton was boarding at the hotel, low kept by
Mrs Burleigh, she said to her.
II want to take walk and will be back
by supper-time."
Glancing at the clock she saw that it was
Just after four, but the evenings being long
she would have long walk before night.
1t was bes utiful evening. Everything
was bright and pleasant. The day bad
been warm, bat the evening was Dow cool
with pleasant breeza stirring whica made
one feel very much invigorated by the pure
air; and charmed by the beautiful scenery
and pretty flowers, and SO much to attract
her attention that she soon found she had
zone beyond her limit. She had taken no
notice of the distance. She was student
q botany, and bad spent most of her time
his evening in the search of wild flowers,
when, before she kneT it, it was growing
lark; the sun was setting below the horl
,op, and she had wandered two miles away
rom from home without even thinking
whether she could find her way back or
lot.
She said to herself, seeing in front of her
short distance fine mansion and man
IN the piazza smoking cigar.
II will inquire of that gentleman if it is
possible to get conveyance to the city,"
Not thinking there was any improperly
,r risk of any kind in approaching SO re.
ble-looking mansion, she quickened
lis stops and soon came to the near gate.
Mr., Leighton walked over to meet her in
lis disguise.
"Good evening Miss -" he said in
disguised voice so as not to betray him;
hat is, he tried to disguise his voice, but
ound it difficult. Only with difficulty be
his desire to call her by name.
II wish to see if you can find some way
or me to get back to London this evening.
came from there and am fatigued by the
ong walk and would be glad to get a con-
7eyance back. am guest at the Bur-
eigh hotel"
"Come 10, Miss Arlington believe, and
will see, perhaps can take you back"
"Thanks but promised 80 be there for
supper, end if you can't take me l must
ry else sheIe."
"Wel, come in and we will see about
&C."
"He must know me, but who in the
world is he? l don't remember of ever
seeing him before" ste said to herself
while walking over to the mansion wi h
him. Il remember of hearing voice
something like his, but who in the world
can he be?"
He led her into the private Office of Mr..
Chesney and told her to be seated, He
saw thst he had left the doors open and be
began by saying:
Before you start I want fe8 words
with Yon' -
We'll" she said after pause
She sat opposite the closet doors. Mr..
Leighton not thinking what he was doing
left the closet doors open, and thought lie
had better get her under control, 50 he be
gan by saying:
"Miss Li.litp, hardly think eau take
you, but you can stay here till morning and
will take you then, and you will be we'll
treated, l can assure you. Perhaps you
are thirsty and would like to have a cool
drink of water?'
"TLanks. And now I must 60" she
said rising, to go.
"You can not possibly think of going
this dark night"
"But must gn. If have to walk all
the way in the dark, Imust go.'
mo you can't possibly go back to
night be said, standing up to prevent
her from leaving him. "Sit down, must
have a talk With You first"
"Well, what d. you want with me. l
must go, "she said, still standing up
''Sit down and make yourself agreeable,
and don't act like a fool."
A coldschll crept over her as she heard
this, but she obsyed him and sat down She
though, 'ssill his voice seems familiar, but