The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1892-09-10
UNJUST SUSPICION.

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
as we'll as anybody, and by dint of care
ful shopping and divers maneuvers
only known to people who, like the Les
ters, sacrifice everything to outward
show, accomplished her object and had
asmany new bonnets, cloalSs and dresses
as fashion deems necessary.
But the pride of Mrs. Testers heart
was vested in her diamonds. She had a
ring, pin, earrings 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 produced
TO enhance the splendor of the lady's
appearance, and at other times were
Kept under watch and ward in casket
which was locked in box, the key of
which, suspended from a ribbon, re-
posed day and night next Mrs, Testers
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 antici-
pating no change in her domestic ar
rangements, but to her surprise the mo-
ment she entered the hall her eye
encountered, perched on the two hall
chairs, mammoth valise of dingy yell
low and a large basket with two
handles.
HWhat are those, Bridget?' she said
faiptIy. Bridget Uttered.
"They're luggage, num-" she said.
you've got company, an ould gintle-
man and an ould lady. They're in the
back parlor, and they bid me say nothin,
bekase they'd like to give ye a pleasant
surprise"
"A pleasant surprisel' muttered Mrs.
Lester, and with anything but happy
expression on her countenance she sailed
toward the back parlor.
There on either side of the fire sat an
old lady and gentleman-cer certainly very
clean and tidy and perfectly respectable,
but with as little pretense to fashion as
Noah and his wife.
Mrs. Lester summoned up a smile.
"Aunt and Uncle Trotters, declare, ("
she said
81 knowed you'd be astonished," said
the old lady.
"Well, how are you bothf" said Mrs.
Lester.
"Oh, we're middlin, said the old lady;
"but Aunt Jenkins, she's had rhe'matiz
a year, poor soul, and Toms children
have got the whoopin cough awful, and
SaFy's boy tumbled off the barn, where
he hadn't no business to be, and put his
shoulder out, and Pete Brown, he's lost
three COWS and a calf and half his
chickens"
After this remark there wss a pause.
The old gentleman broke it.
when a thing has got to be got over,
it's best done. You won't be offended,
hope, Augustaf'
Sat WHAT" asked Mrs Lester.
"You see twas better'n not coming at
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 'em for a
year. Says l, she'll excuse us, seein we
hain't no time, but have got to 90 by
the night train, Next time, says l, well
stay a week. Now you amt offended
Mrs. Lester rang the bell.
Take my cloak and bonnet uI
stairs" she said to the girl, land tell
cook to have dinner early"
Then Mrs. Lester smiled and sat down
in all her splendor before the fire tc
listen to accounts of the Smiths pigs
and Browns cow, and how Sally
Sprigg's help stole the best tablecloths
until a well known ring at the bell an,
nounced Mr.. Lester Thereupon his
lady for once played the affectionate
wife and ran to meet him.
Aunt and Uncle Trotters are here,
she said.
Mr.. Lester scoWled.
"Gracious heavensl" he calculated
land the Atwoods are coming to spend
the evening with us. They are stop
ping at the Fifth Avenue hotel for a
few days"
"UBele and aunt are going inmedi
ately after dinner said Mrs. Lester
''and fortunately I've ordered it early
Don't be cross, George, for You know
they haven't chick or child, and for all
their shabbiness are very well Of"
Ae far as an early dinner went Mrs.
Lester did her part; but the Trotters
were slowgoing folk,
when at last the bonnet strings were
tied and the gloves on, Aunt Trotter.
bethought her Of a new cause for delay
Poor Aunt Jenkins will never forgive
rs u We don't take letter from You,
abe said. "Jest sot down, Gusty, and
write line"
Mrs. Lester smiled down her indigna
hon and sat down TO pen the note,
The gilt edged paper, pens and inl
were arranged, thoughts collected an(
polite sympathy for Aunt Jenkins rheu
Snatism expressed, when Mrs. Lestet
konnd the bracelet exceedingly in he
Aey, and impatently unclasping it fun
itson the table
1t was the first time the diamonds hat
ever been treated with such contempt.
just as Mrs. Lester had turned tn
page q ring at the bell startled her
ehe felt instinctiyely that the Atwood
1Aq arrived, wound up her letter witt
regrets that fear Of OBTAINING Aup
aud Uncle Irotters prevented her writ
ipg at length" folded ii, sealed II
crpssed the room for an envelope am
rstuFned to write the address-ail witt
enqph speed as was consistent witt
gephhty-and finally had the pleasur
oleeetYing a parting salute from tn
ItotteFs In the hall.
~ asmQment more Mrs. Lester role,
haokeibe sliding doors and welcome.
ifa9hionable guests. There was n
klgAr aociahility no warming up-every
tpif was cold and formal. In due sea
49p fhe waiter brought IN wine am
caP and the party nibbled and slpped
1ttie. Mrs, Lester played a waltz; th
faaid, Charming Mrs. Atwoo
siaper friends remarked, Lovely
Aaqn Mrs. A. really must 60" an
the Lesters must be sure to spend Al
gffung With them and adieus wer
afnd ths'guests departed and Mrs
tIa came 70 the fire yaWning bahinI
handkerohiei As she lifted be
ltlt ~, Lester uttered an ejaculation.
''fihfro ia your bracelet, AugusiaFo
Napceleti Oh how stupid amt
rEI LAftr. "a foof, IL r6f n