Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1893-01-21

At noon as she went to make her few
purchases at the store she heard
reports of daring burglary that
had been committed the night
before. One of the robbers had
been killed and another wounded in the
arm. The police had the clue, but had
not arrested all who were concerned in
the crime. She bought newspaper and
began reading the details on her way
home. Fear and anxiety almost over
whelmed her.
Robert was still sleeping when she en-.
tered their lodgings. The police had
not yet arrested him, but how long
would it be before their home might be
invaded by officers of the law2 Seating
herself by the window she continued to
read the details of the burglary, her eyes
suffused with tears, her heart beating
painfully, her head in whirl. The
words seemed TO dance up and down the
page as she read that one of the robbers
had been wounded in the left arm. 1t
was Roberts left arm that was bandaged.
A description OF the criminal followed
in which Victoria was sure she recog-
nized her husband. Toe police were
said to be on the trail, and it was pre-
dicted that within twenty-four hours all
the burglars would be in custody.
A knock at the door made the poor
woman tremble SO violently that she
could not respond; she pressed her hand
to her heart; her limbs almost refused to
support her. The knocking was re-
peated. Nerving herself to the effort
and opening. the door, she encountered
a middle aged man of gtntlcmauly APP
pearauce. Victoria felt sure he was a
detective.
as Mr.. Desmond at home2" he askel.
"He is not, answered Victoria, coldly.
"Can you tell me when or where |
will ind him3"
al cannot" replied the wife; evil
you not leave your message with me2'
81 regret, said the visitor, politely,
"that | cannot do SO; my business is of
a private nature. l will call again"
He turned away. Victoria listened
breashlessly until he reached the foot of
the stairs, then she turned frautically to
the crib and clasped her baby close to
her breast, "Better, far better for Us
to die now and be beyond all the crime
aud suffering aud punishment of this
world" Then she thought of awaken
ing aud warning Robert, that he might
escape while there was time. 1t was
the most anxious moment Victoria had
ever spent even in that garnet room.
Overcome by the strain she sank to the
floor in a swoon. When she awoke she
was surprised TO find her husband gone.
For the moment she thought only of him
aud was glad that tt.eir humble lodgings
would not be the scene of his arrest; she
or feel and to be where anxiety aud fear
were unknown. Her glance happened
to res: on her sleeping baby's face aud
reyulsion of feeling swept over her. II
must be brave for the child's sake" she
murmured.
Another knock at the door startled
her. She opened it to tiud standing
there the same man who had asked for
her husband few hours before
"Is Mr.. Desmond at home now7" he
anxiously inquired.
"He is not, replied Victoria.
"You are his wife, are you not7"
81 am"
81 came from B Brothers" he con.
tinued, naming one of the largest bank
ing houses in the city. "Qute a sum
of money has been deposited in our
London house to your husbands credit,
aud we would like to have him call at
the office. This is our address," hand
ing Ter card. "Please request your
husband to come during banking hours,
and as soon as possible"
Tie stranger bowed and retired.
V Gloria hardly knew whether she was
swat ing or dreaming. The Earl must
have sent money, she thought; but it
was 'too late--too late, now" she pas
sionately cried.
Snatching the letter from the mautel
she broke the seal and read as follows.
Through my banker send YOU a thou
sand pounds More will follow should it be
impossible for you to make suitable business
connections with the first installment |
thought you unworthy Of trust after YOU
had brought misfortune aud disgrace uooa
wife and child by INDUCING your passion
for gambling. But / have the feelings of
father and have not lost sight of you. l
have heard of your energy and self denial,
your honesty an pride. Work is no dis
grace, not even the kind that you do.
hope you will profit by your expsrienss,
now you see that others muit bear the con
sequence of your recklessness ami extrava-
gance. Your wife and child have hal 10
suffer keenly for your folly.
"Too late" sobbed Victoria; "this
help is OF no use now" Then the thought