The Portland daily press., 1892-09-24

they haven't chick or child, and for all
their shabbiness are very we'll off" -
AS 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 Trotters
bethought her of new cause for delay.
"Poor Aunt Jenkins will never forgive
us If we don't take letter from you"
she said. 'sJest sot down, Gusty, and
write a line"
Mrs. Lester smiled down her indigna-
ton and sat down to pen the note.
The Gilt edged paper, pens and ink
were. arranged, thoughts collected and
polite sympathy for Aunt Jenkins rheu-
matism expressed, when Mrs. Lester
found the bracelet exceedingly in her
way, and impatiently unclasping it flung
it on the table.
It was the first time the diamonds had
ever been treated with such contempt.
just as Mrs. Lester had turned the
page a ring at the bell startled her.
She felt instinctively that the Atwoods
had arrived, wound up her letter with
regrets that "fear of OBTAINING Aunt
and Uncle Trotters prevented her writ
ing at length" folded it, sealed it,
crossed the room fore an ,envelope and
returned to write the address with
as much speed as was consistent with
gentility-and finally had the pleasure
of receiving parting salute from the
Trotters in the hall.
In moment more Mrs. Lester rolled
back. the sliding doors and welcomed
her fashionable guests. There was no
vulgar. sociability no warming up-every-
thing was cold and formal. In due sea-
son the waiter brought in wine and
cake and the party nibbled and slipped a
little. Mrs. Lester played waltz; the
rest said, Charming" Mrs. Atwood
sang; her friends remarked, "Lovely,
indeed
Then Mrs. A. 'sreally must co." and
the Testers must be sure to spend an
evening with them" an1 a;iieus were
said and the guests departed and Mrs.
Lester came to the fire yawning behind
her handkerchief. AS she lifted her
arm Mr.. Lester uttered an ejaculation
"Where is your bracelet, Augusta
my bracelet? Oh, how stupid amp
cried Mrs. Lester. Il took it off to
write to that tiresome Aunt Jenkins and
left it ON the table in the back parlor."
And she arose to find it. In a mo-
ment she called out: ssa.e755.
George, the bracelets gomez
The gentleman came to her aid. They
searched the foor--the whole room
both rooms-all in vain. The bracelet
was gone.
1T has been stolen, said Mrs. Lester.
lone of the servants must have it"
said Mr.. Lester.
Mr.. Lester rang the bell.
'sSam, send all the servants here and
come yourself"
In FIVE minutes the kitchen cabinet
appeared, looking as though a storm
were brewing.
Mr.. Lester arose to address them.
Il have something very serious to
say" he said. ~ address everybody
but cook; cook has not been up stairs
and canuot be suspected.
"a bracelet has been. lost" said Mr..
Lester, clearing his throat; "a diamond
bracelet. All of you have been in the
back parlor, where it was left upon a
table, and all of ypu are consequently
Implicated"
At. this a tumult equal to that of
Donnybrook fair arose.
'sNone of us touched your bracelet"
and fists were shaken and language not
to be recorded was used. In the midst
of the tumult Mr.. Lester opened the
window. e sEs .3psls
Some one in brass buttons was pass
ing, and he called:
policeman, step here minute, it
you please" and the next moment adj
mitted the official designated.
Rage and tears were now mingled,
and amid the partial lull Mr.. Lester
explained.
'sYou make a charge against all of
em, then" said tie policeman.
Certainly" said Mr.. Lester.
s.No other mortal could possibly be
suspected" said the lady.
'sThen I'll proceed to business, said
the policeman. "My comrade is out
side. Get your bonnets, young women,
and don't make fuss, because you see
it's, no use."
Bridget shrieked, Ann tore her hair,
Sally sat down upon the floor, Sam
roared and cook wept aloud from SYM
pathy, and at that juncture came ring
at the bell.
The policeman opened the door and
in rushed Uncle and Aunt Trotters out
of breath.
We've run the hull way" gasped
Uncle Timothy. "Openin my valise for
to find my specs I took out lot O.
things, and must ha' put this back
among 'em. If hadn't been a relation
I'd "a died"
And out upon the table came from the
depths Of the yellow valise Mrs. Testers
diamond bracelet.
!. The Trotters staid all night, and at 6
O'CLOCK dascanded To the Kitchen In find