Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1892-02-24

=
delicate, waving rn. And over il all
hoated the fragrance Of roses.
During my walk among the flowers |
had several times encountered a stout,
elderly lady. richly dressed, accom-
panied hy very handsome young man
Hho 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 10 examine a
large cactus, and they had evidently
halted for the same purpose. The lady
lifted her arm 70 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 70 Join
her handsome nephew, who was little
in advance, while /, 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 was being led
along like "a lamb to the slaughter,
vainly endeayoring 10 free myself with
out attracting attention and without in
iuring my precious earring. Had not
there been a young man in the case L
should have spoken, but had no desire
for that particular one to see me in such
a ridiculous position. But, alas! it was
TO be. In despair gave frantic tug at
the fringe, that seemed 90 possess the
strength of cable. 1t parted so sud
denly that my clenched hand struck the
broad back before me with such re-
sounding whack that the old lady was
rendered quite speechless for moment.
What in the world do you mean,
young woman" she finally gasped,
irately.
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 ptied 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. All! it Il
caught on your miserable earring. that
did all this mischief, she said tartly,
stepping up to me 10 loosen it,
Then she dropped her hands with a Ii:
tie shrek, and clutched me tightly by the
arm.
"Gilbert. Iook!' she cried excitedly
any emeralds, my stolen cmcralds! Ala
you wicked creature!"
Hush! aunt, her nephew said in y
low tone. "That girl is not a thief and
there is more than one pair of earrings
in the world,
"There isnot another pair set like 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;
Il did not steal them-I bought them
only last night"
The old lady shifted contemptuously.
and glanced suspiciously at my we'll
worn black gown; but her nephew said
gently:
II believe you. and regret that my aunt
is so severe. Will you not come with us
b a more private place and tell us all
about itl"
He courteously offered me his arm, bui
Eproullv declined it, and walked by his
side with head erect and burning cheeks.
|, Mildred Heath, accused of stealingl
We entered room at the end of the long
ball used as an office, but now quite de-.
aerted, and without further ado / began
tremulously-fo a lump would come in
NY throat:
My name is Mildred Heath, and am
a school teacher. saw these erneralds IL
q pawnbroker's window, and, although
it was a foolish thing to do, l admired
them so much that bought them.
| handed the jewels to thSir owner.
but her nephew interpoaed.
keep them just one moment Miss
Heath; | am very glad to hear your ex-
| nlanation, and beg that you viii pardon
my aunt's hasty words. Now ] think an
explanation is due you. NY aunt, Mrs.
Radcliffe. had a valuable pair Of emerald
earrings taken from her hall table, where
she had carelessIy 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. VIII you
kindly look on the rim of the setting aud
rec if there is engraved there the letter
.R2"
l looked at the setting closely, and
| there. 50 small that the naked eye could
| scarcely see it, was the letter.
Yes, / said, the earrings are un.
doubtedly Mrs. Radcliffe's, and gave
them TO her, when she was as profttse ia
| her apologies as she had been in her &C,
cusations.
Il have favor to ask Of you. Mss
Heath, Gilbert Radcliffe said "OIr
carriage is at the door, and should like
sou 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'a hasty exit when Gilbeit
Radcliffe caught her by the arm, saying
quietly;
What have you in your pocket,
Mary Z"
The girl hesitated. then, bursting into
tears. handed him a case containing sew
eral pieces Of jewelry. the property Of LIS
aunt. Mary was Mrs. RadcliGe's
maid. The pawnbroker being her
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