The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-03-04
had once made bright the low, widO
rooms and old fashioned garden.

Eat nlSnU the Judge nOIne was DILL
liant with many lights, for Miss Law
renee had organized amateur theatricals
to enliven her time in Cloverdale, and the
clitc of the place was to assist in them.
To John Stratton had been given part
with the beauty herself, and he was full
of pride and pleasure with never
thought of the pathetic face that had
looked into his that snowy evening. In
the old farmhouse Maysie sat disconso-
late, with her thoughts far away at that
bright scene in which she had no share,
picturing Miss Lawrence more beauti-
full than ever. and in Johns blue eyes
that look of devotion that had stolen her
own heart away. The old people nod
ded before the fire, and at last Maysie
could stand it no longer, but throwing
on her long brown cloak with its close
hood made her way to the hill on which
stood tho judges mansion.
Her only thought was to see for her
self what John was doing and to pierce
her heart with the sight of her rivals
charms. SO she never saw the figure
that followed her, amazed TO see her out
i'll the cold night On she went, and
reaching the house took her place close
to one of the long windows opening nn
to the snow covered lawn, there to press
her small, pale face close to the glass
and peer i'll at the busy figures who, the
thcatricals over, were dancing to the
music of the band. the notes of which
Maysie never will forget to the end of
her life. Once she came near being de-
tcctcd, for Miss Lawrence, leaning on
John Stratton's arm, opened the window
by which she crouched. saying aloud
that the air of the room was oppressive
for all it was so cold outside. But, hid
ing under rose tree that gripped her
with its thorns, Maysie was unseen in
the brief moment it pleased the capricious
belle TO stand III the icy air.
They went away after that, and the
poor girl saw John, who did not dance
leaning against the wall looking after
Miss Lawrence, waltzing with another
man, with his heart in his eyes But all
Mt once the unseen watcher saw the lady
clasp her hand suddenly about her
throat. with the gesture of one who had
missed something. and then the dance
came to an end, while every one Joined
i'll the search for the lost object. Miss
Lawrence Went hastily to the window,
and throwing 1t open said in her high,
clear voice, Il must have dropped it
when l stood here" And then before
Maysie could spring away-a movement
all the company saw-shc was seized by
tho arm. her rivals fingers closing on the
tender flesh with strength that held
her fast.
You have my diamond cross. girl and
are now trying to run away with it,
and dragged the terror stricken child
into the midst Of the gayly dressed as
scmbly.
Give it to me mt once, and You can go
free for all | care" said Miss Lawrence.
plying in spite of herself the white faced
little creature whom she had often seen
gazing after her with such wisiful eyes
that could not, however. touch her into
leaving her lover. Maysic turned her
face to John. who stood amazed and be-
wildcred, looking from one TO the other,
for he thought that Miss Lawrence must
have some grounds for her accusation.
but never darling to Maysie's side. rs she
half expected him To do. The poor girl
turned sick and blind and would have
fallen to the floor. but mt that moment
an indignant voice behind caused heranu
all the company to give their attention
10 Trucman Ellis.
How dare You accuse that young lady
of theft! Do You not know who this is?
This is Miss Maysic Bruce, who is as III.
capable OF the act as an angel in heaven
And look. Is not that Your eros; caught
III the lace of Your BOSOM
Miss Lawrence looked down and flush
nll f.,.. Il
jewel from the torn place in the lace.
then stammcrcd ont an apology to faint
ing Maysie. but Trueman Ellis paid 30
heed, but passing his arm about his poor.
little love led hcv from the room. John
Stratton followed ana would have taken
her from him with tender words of con.
triton. for in that moment he had found
out that he loved Alaysic and that tie
glamour thrown over him by Miss LAW
renee WAS but for an hour, but Trueman
stcrnly put him aside, and Maysic. bury
ing her face i'll her true lovers breast.
would not look at him. but. clinging TO
Iruclnan, let him lead her home
Miss Lawrence found to hor chagrin
that she had lost her whilom lover and
went home in Il few days CARRYING a
memory with her that did not fa(sAQur
John sought Maysic the next 81
pleaded with her TO give him lifTk the
love he had Sighted, but though she for
gave him readily enough. for her nature
was too sweet TO bear resentment the
recollection of his avertcd face in hct
hour of need was too fresh for her To
ever restore him TO his old place in hex
heart, and i'll the spring she married
Trueman Ellis, who had won her that
dreadful night. Villa Lloyd Jackson in
PHILADELPHIA Times