The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-05-12

on Win Dtru88iMI Auu PIC
carious existence, but they too
we're beginning TO pail upon the most
determined lovers Of gayety. when some.
thing 90 startling occurred that the whole
city was galvanized into new life.
The chief attraction at the theatre most
patronized that year by the fashionable
world, had been the debut Of two pretty
sisters, daughters ola clergyman whose
sudden death had left them nearly desti-
tute. Their daring choice 81 q histrionic
career in lieu OF following more beaten
tracks was considered proof that par
sons daughters were not exempt from
the proverbial wildness that Is at
tributed to parsons sons; and, while
the new departure shocked some,
Il impressed all. Even had the young
ladies not possessed decided talent,
curiosity would have rendered their
first appearance a success; as II was,
their good looks and cleverness combined
procured them quite an ovation. Nor
was the Juror short-lived. They played
through the whole season to crowded
houses, and were to leave Sydney on a
tour only while the votaries Of pleasure
recruited their faded health and spirits
atdinerent country places or quiet sea
side summer resorts.
The sisters had always acted together
in the Same play, and were excellent foils
one to the other; Elaine Warrington, the
elder, being tail and slim, and her voice
and features perfectly adapted to any
part that required synlpathetic rendering;
while the younger. Ada, was petite. with
the brightest possible eyes and o laugh
that rang through the huge theater like
the tones of q. silver bell.
II was only natural that they should
have many admirers; end, owing to the
fact that some former acquaintancss had
taken them up, and still invited them to
their houses, the attentions they received
were more serious and less dangerous
than those usually offered to pretty act
resses unprotected by either fathers or
o husbands care. Indeed much indigna-
ton had been felt by the chaperons in the
place when Gerald Weare. the son Of the
weaithiest ship-owner in Sydney, plainly
and pointediy eyinced his admiration for
one of them. The question that for
long time agitated society was which OF
the two sisters Gerald Weare had fallen
N loyes with for they we're always togeth-
81, and consequently 1t was .difIicult to
determine; one day, however, curiosity
was satifled by his assertion that. he had
proposed to and been accepted by Ada.
The excitement caused by this an.
nouncement had scarcely died away had
not, In fact, completed its allotted nine
days Of wonderment when there came SO
tragic an end to the romance that every
trivial feeling Of envy Of surprise was
merged In general thrill Of horror.
Ada, pretty, yidnts, light-hearted Ada
whose dramatic triumphs had been
crowned BY that last and best proof Of
her social success, was found lying on
the ground late one night In the public
gardens. her soft white garments wet
with g crimson stream that trickled
slowly from her breast, while a pale
half-moon shone upon her upturned face
and cleaning golden hair.
She was dead-had been dead for an
hour or more, the doctors said, shot
through the heart; and the pistol which
had done the cruel deed lay only few
yards away, as though the murderer had
cast 1t from him, mastered by an over
whelming adherence Of the tool he had
employed. This incautious act, CON-
;mitted as it seemed In defiance OF even
the commonest instincts Of self-preser-
Walton, appeared to make the discovery
OF his identity only matter of time.
With such clew the police could
surely command success!
The inquest, held on the following
morning, attracted an excited crowd:
and, as fact after fact was elected. each
serving to,point the finger Of suspicion
to one whom it seemed most terrible.
most unnatural to suspect, the interest
became SO strained, SO intense that
scarcely sound was heard in the close
" packed room.
Mr.. Gerald Weare was the first whose
evidence was taken. He was tall
young man, about twenty-three years of
age, decidedly good-looking in spite Of
his extreme pallor, with dark hair and
mustache, and large dark expressive
eyes, finely chiseled features, and a SEN
sitive mouth that trembled convulsively
- Nc 5tOOu up W Say WldL ne knew.
That was little enough.
On the night before he had been en-
gagged at dinner-party, and did not get
away till late. He had arranged to drive
his .fancee home; but, though he had
arrived before the time appointed, she
had already left the theatre.
How did you account for that ?n
asked the coYoner aharnlv
s supposed it to have been the result OF
some discrepancy between our watches.n
And did you not go to her house to
discover If your supposition was cor
rect r was the coroner's next query.
Certainly not !" answered Mr.. Weare,
with some warmth. 'It was past
eleven o'clock, and too late to intrude
upon the privacy Of ladies living alone,
When did you speak to her last ~
!. ] spoke to her last in the after
noon, at rehearsal
ttAnd you parted with her on good
kn.sTtar 90 xvaa fha Taovf r,aaoffo., .o1.uI