Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1892-09-15
UNJUST SUSPICION.

lived as much like their friends and
neighbors, who were fortunate enough
to have an income double or treble that
which they possessed, as possible.
In particular, Mrs. Lester had deter
mined at the outset that she would
dress us we'll as anybody, and by dint of
careful shopping and divers maneuvers
only known to people who, like the Les,
ters, sacrifice everything TO outward
show, accomplished her object and had
as many new bonnets, cloaks and dress
es as fashion deems necessary.
But the pride of Mrs. Testers heart
was vested in her diamonds. She had
a ring, pin, ear ring, and bracelets,
handed down, so far as the stones went,
from Mr.. Testers family and reset for
his bride shortly after their wedding
day. On state occasions these were pro-
duced to enhance the splendor of the
lsdy's appearance, and at other times
were kept under watch and ward in a
casket which was locked in box. the
key of winch, suspended from ribbon
reposel DAY and night next Mrs. Les
ter's heart.
Without these diamonds, Mrs. Lester
often remarked, she would feel like
nobody
Consequently, when Miss Arabella
Tiptop espoused Mr.. Augustus High
flyer, and the pair gave their grand re-
ception prior to their European tour,
Mrs. Lester donned her jewels and in
gala attire proceeded to make her call.
1t was a formal affair and soon over,
and Mrs. Lester returned home antlci.
pating no change in her domestic ar
rangements. but to her surprise the mo-
ment she entered the hall her eye en-
countered, perched on the hall chairs, a
mammoth vaise of dingy yellow and a
large basket with two handles.
What are those, Bridget?' she said
family. Bridget Uttered.
They're luggage, num- she said.
you We got company, an ould glntleman
and an lady. Tnevre IN the back par
! lor, and they bid me say nothin, bekase
they'd like to give ye a pleasant sur
prise.
"A pleasant surprise y muttered Mrs
Lester, and with anything but happy
expression on her countena nee she sailed
toward the back parlor.
There on either side Of the iile sat an
old lady and gentleman certainly very
clean and tidy and perfectly respecta-
Bile, but with as little pretense to ia h,
ION as Noah and his wife.
Mrs. Lester summoned up smile.
Aunt and Uncle Trotters, | declare,
she said.
i knowed you'd be astonished,' said
the old lady.
We'll, how are you both ? said Mrs
Lester
oh, we re middlin, saiI the old lady
but Aunt Jenkins, SHE'S had rhe'matlz
a year, poor soul, and Toms children
have got the whoopin cough awful, and
Sury's boy tumbled off the barn. where
he hadn't no business to be, and put hls
shoulder out, and Pete Brown, he s lost
three COWS and calf and half his
chickens.
After this remark there was a pause
The old gentleman broke it.
When ii thing has got to be got over
it's best done. You won't be offended
l hope. Augusta p
AT what p asked Mrs. Lester.
You seee twas better'n not coming al
all, but we've got to run away right
after tea. My wife says, 'Lor. Timothy
what will Gusty and her pardner think
of us after not bein to see en- for Il
year Says I. she'll excuse us, seein We
hain't no time, but have got to 81 by
the night train. Next time, says |
we'll stay a week. Now you amt Of
Tended?
Mrs. Lester rang the bell.
Take my cloak and bonnet up stairs,
she said to the girl, 'and tell cook te
haye dinner early.
Then Mrs. Lester smiled and sat dowr
in all her splendor before the fire tt
listen to accounts of the Smiths pig
and Browns COW, and how Sally
spriggs help stole the best tablecloths
until a well known ring at the bell an
nounced Mrs. Lester. Thereupon hi
lady for once played the affectionat'
wife and ran to meet him.
Aunt and Uncle Trotters are here,
che said.
Mr. Lester scowled.
Gracious Heayens!' he calculated
.and the Atwoods are coming to spene
the evening with us. They are stop