Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1891-10-20

the valley, while the callaS, drawn up like
soldiers on guard were surrounded by
delicate, waving rn. And over it all
floated the fragrance of roses.
During my walk among the flowers I
had several times encountered a stout,
elderly lady, richly dressed, accom-
panied by very handsome young man
who called her "aunt, and whose blue
eyes looked into mine so earnestly each
time he passed that / turned away blush
ing. Presently found myself close be-
hind them. had stopped to examine a
large cactus, and they had evidently
halted for the same purpose The lady
lifted her arm to point toward the plant,
and / was admiring the long. beautiful
fringe on her mantle. when the crowd.
surging, pushed me against her, and it
became entangled about one of my ear
rings. The owner of the fringe, per-
fectly unconscious, hurried on to join
her handsome nephew, who was little
in advance, while l, much against my
will, was Obliged to keep pace with her.
The absurdity of the situation forced
itself upon me, and trembled with sup
pressed laughter. There l was being led
along like "a lamb to the slaughter,
vainly endeavoring to free myself with
out attracting attention and without in
juring my precious earring. Had not
there been young man in the case I
should have spoken, but had no desire
for that particular one to see me in such
q ridiculous position. But. alasl it was
to be. In despair gave frantic tug at
the fringe, that seemed to possess the
strength of a cable. 1t parted so sud-
denly that my clenched hand struck tho
broad back before me with such re.
sounding whack that the old lady waa
rendered quite speechless for moment.
"What in the world do you mean,
young woman2" she finally gasped.
irately.
~I-your fringe-my earring, stam
mered, turning scarlet as | saw those
blue eyes again looking into mine.
Did it hurt you or injure your ear.
ring 2" he asked kindly, as if he pitied my
embarrassment
"That is not the thing" the old lady
calculated Grossly, before / had time to
answer. "My fringe is quite ruined !:
several strands are gone. Ahl it il
caught on your miserable earring, that
did all this mischief, she said tartly,
stepping up to me to loosen it.
Then she dropped her hands with lit
tie shrek, and clutched me tightly by the
arm.
Gilbert lookl" she cried excitedly
"My emeralds. my stolen emeralds! All
you wicked creaturel"
"Hushi aunt, her nephew said in a
low tone. "That girl is not thief, and
there is more than one pair of earrings
in the world.
"There is otanother pair etlike mine, :"
she said decidedly, looking scornfully at
me.
1t had all taken place so suddenly that
] stood like one dumb; but now / cried
out passionately:
II did not steal them-I bought them
only last night.
The old lady shifted contemptuously.
and glanced suspiciously at my well
worn black gown; but her nephew said
gently:
Il believe you. and regret that my aunt
is 50 severe. Will you not come with us
to a more private place and tell us all
about it7"
He courteously offered me his arm, but
proudly declined it, and walked by his
side with head erect and burning cheeks.
j, Mildred Heath, accused of stealingi
We entered room at the end of the long
hall used as an office. but now quite de-
serted, and without further ado / began
tremulously--for lump would come in
my throat:
MY name is Mildred Heath, and am
q school teacher. saw. these emeralds in
= pawnbrokers window, and, although
it was foolish thing to do, admired
them SO much that bought them.
/ handed the jewels to their owner,
out her nephew interposed.
Keep them just one moment, Miss
Heath; ] am very glad to hear your ex-
planation, and beg that you will pardon
my aunt's hasty words. Now l think an
explanation is due you. My aunt. Mrs.
Radcliffe, had valuable pair of emerald
earrings taken from her hall table, where
she had careIessly left them. The front
door stood open at the time. We have
never been able to trace the jewels;
these may or may not be hers. Will you
kindly look on the rim Of the setting and
see if there is engraved there the letter
sR'?"
l looked at the setting closely, and
there, 80 small that the naked eye could
ecarcely see it, was the letter.
"Yes," said, ~the earrings are un-
doubtedly Mrs. Radcliffe's, and gave
them to her, when she was as profuse in
her apologies as she had been in her ac.
cusations.
Il have favor to ask of you, Miss
Heath" Gilbert Radcliffe said. Our
carriage is at the door, and should like
you to take us to the pawnbroker from
whom you purchased these earrings.
Through him we may locate the thief. {"
We drove quickly there. On entering
the dingy shop we saw young woman
eagerly displaying something to the pro-
prietor. Seeing US, she concealed the
article, and, pulling down her veil, was
about to make hasty exit when Gilbert
Radcliffe caught her by the arm, saying
quietly:
~What have you in your pocket,
Mary7"
The girl hesitated, then, bursting into
tears, handed him case containing sew
eral pieces Of jewelry, the property Of his
aunt. -Mary" was Blrs. Radclife's
maid. The pawnbroker being her