Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1892-09-15
Nechancsbwn Frederick County, Maryland Thursday September 49, 1897

they haven't chick or child, and for all
their shabbiness are very we'll off,
AS far as an early dinner went Mra.
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 a new cause for delay.
Poor Aunt Jenkins will never for
give us if we don't take letter from
YOU, she said. Jest sot down, Gusty,
and write line.
Mrs. Lester smiled down her indig-
nation and sat down to pen the note.
The gilt edged paper, pens and ink
were arranged, thoughts collected and
polite sympathy for Aunt Jenkins
rheumatism expressed, when Mrs. Les
ter found the bracelet exceedingly in
her way, and lmpatiently unclasplng it
flung it on the table.
It was the first time the diamonds
had ever been treated with such con-
/ tempt.
Just as Mrs. Lester had turned the
page ring at the bell startled her.
She felt lnstinctively that the Atwood 8
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 for an envelope and
returned to write the address all with
rs much speed as was consistent with
gentllity-and finally had the pleasure
of receiving parting salute from the
Trotters in the hall.
In Il moment more Mrs Lester rolled
lack the sliding doors and welcomed
her fashionable guests. There was no
vulgar social ability, no warming up
everything was cold and formal. In
due season the waiter brought in wine
and cake and the party nibbled and
slipped ID little. Mrs. Lester played a
waltz the rest said. "charmng." Mrs.
Atwood sang; her friends remarked,
"Lovely, indeed"
Then Mrs A. "really must CO. and
the Testers must be sure to spend an
evening with them,' and adeus were
said and the guests departed and Mrs.
Lester came to the fire yawnlng behind
her handkerchief. AS she lifted her
arm Mr.. Lester uttered an ejaculation.
Where is your bracelet, Augusta !?
My bracelet? Oh, how stupid am !!
cried Mrs. Lester. / took it OFT to
write to that tlresome Aunt Jenkins
and lett it on the table in the back par.
lor.'
And she arose to find it. In mo-
ment she called out:
George, the bracelets gone! !
The gentleman came to her aid. They
searched the noor--the whole room
both rooms all IN vain. The bracelet
was gone.
1T has been stolen said Mrs. Lester.
'One of the servants must have it,
said Mr.. Lester.
Mr.. Lester rang the bell.
Sam. send all the servants here and
come yourself
In five minutes the kitchen cabinet
appeared, looking as though storm
were brewing.
NJ. Lester arose to address them.
4 have something very serious to
say he said. 1 address everybody but
cook cook has not been upstairs and
cannot be suspected.
"A bracelet has been lost, said MIR.
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 you are consequently
implicated
At this a tumult equal to that Of
Donny brook fair arose.
None 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.
Some one in brass buttons Was pass
ing, and he called:
Policeman, step here a minute, ifyou
please and the next moment admitted
the official designated.
Rage and tears were now mingled,
and amid the partial lull Mr.. Lester ex-
planned.
You make charge against all Of
EN-, then, said the policeman.
Certainly said Mr.. Lester.
No other mortal could possibly be
suspected, said the lady.
.Then III proceed to business, said
the policeman. MY comrade is outside
Get your bonnets, young women, ard
don't make fuss, because you see It's
no USE