The weekly messenger., 1891-08-01

Of opinion, as great almost as the differ
ence in the personal appearance OF the |
ladies themselves. In that difference, IN |
fact. Law the strength of the friendship. |
Florrie was Il tall dark brunette, with an
abundance of black hair, a loud, rather
masculine voice, and still more mascu-
line manner, dress and tastes.
1t was six o'clock in the evening, ana
Grace Riyington, after an early dinner,
had gone up TO her own room for the I'M
portant and laborious work Of dressing
for her first ball.
1t had been fine, calm day for No
vember the fire of wood had all but
died out. and the window was still aJar
as her friend had left it in the morning:
But as it grew darker and colder, and
the serious business of the night had to
be begun, Grace closed and fastened 1t,
and going to the opposite side OF the
room. sat down in front OF large
cheval glass, and, as many petty girl
has done before took a calm survey oil
herself. and determined to wear the
white dress.
As she looked at the glass, into which
the tlickcring fire now and then threw
ftful touch of light, she was suddenly
startled by slight rustling sound behind
her. as a mouse dashed out and scampered
across the floor: and then, turning her
head. she saw, to her utter horror,
lair of eyes watching her from one cor
ner of the room. among the curtains,
where the mouse had sprung out.
For a moment she was utterly para
/ lived with dread, and not daring, or
able, to move, was about to cry out for
help. Luckily for her the cry was stified,
and then, with a sort of desperate cour-
age. she turned back to her old position
and again looked into the glass, as II
nothing had happened. Atthe very first
glance the two terrible eyes seemed to he
fixed on her from among the dark folds
of the curtain, and she shuddered as she
looked. 1t was clearly some scoundrel
who had hidden himself there for some
plan of robbery, and her life for the mo,
ment was in his hand. and all depended
on her success or failure in lulllng HIN
into belief that his presence had moi
been detected.
After minute of sharp thought he'
usual resoute will prevailed her courage
rose and her plan was formed. Without
rising from her chair she drew up to hel
side a small writing table, calmly light
! ed wax candle, and began writing
, series of pretended notes, sealing ant
addressing each, as if for post. Over TIT
fourth of these notes she seemed to tax,
much trouble, and, as if not satisfied Will
: it. began to read aloud short bits OF /
as she went on, with an occasional wore
, of comment: "We depend on your beln:
here, my dear Jennie, in good time 70
night. whatever the weather be; and
,, send this by special messenger to sa
: that we shall keep you until morrow
, / have heaps of birthday presents t
show YOU, and the lovelicst dlamon'
!, necklace" As she uttered these word
q she suddenly stopped and said, as II
. a whisper to herself 'Why, what
goose | am, Old Foster. the jewele'
has never sent back the rings and neck
> lace, though be faithfully promised
should have them in good time this morn
i ing. Jane must go for them at once
O | shall not get them in time"
7 Then. having sealed up and directe
= the last of her pretended notes, 81
. walked with trembling steps to the bel
h rope, pulled it, waited for m0men
and next unlocked a drawer and too
=, out her iewel-case. As she did so, II
W door opened, and the servant appeare'
:, "Jane." said her mistress, "tell ldchar
= to take this note TO the Grange, and lii
!, to Dr. Forbes at once. There are I
= = answers; but as he comes back, call
-, Foster, the wal atchmakcr's, with the oth
a note, and ak for my rings and neck IA
1. which lie had TO clean. As It's Settli
-, late. be had better take the pony. II
20 necklace he can put into this box; Ost
~ has the kew" And with these words s.
:. handed to the servant her precious Jew'
case. In another moment the door W
of shut, and Grace once more alone WI
o,. the pair Of eyes watching her intent
,.s from behind the curtain.
a. Jane was slightly puzzled, but beng
-, well trained servant, Obeycd her III
;ri tress's order. Here, Richard, sa
she; "Mi,s Grace says you're to take
- pony as sharp as you can, and leave th'
- notes at the Orange and at old Forbes
nv and as you come back, call ut rosie
ny for some rings and necklace that's
81, go into this case.
IN five minutes he was on his W.
90 The three notes he carried with h
on were duly delivered, and read W
he amazcment by the recipients. The
,nr TO Dr. Forbes ran thus:
he "Nv dear Doctor: Don't be alarm
nj, thouch | b., YOU to come straight t.
mauor-hoase when You nave read this.
mo nothing 10 ii. servants. but make your
=; quietly up to the Oak Room. whert wait
III coming Cnclc is away at the ma3lstra
or, meeting. Lose not a moment.