The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1893-08-04
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third, mounted the high steps and au-
thoritatively rang the bell.
1t was early spring, the air was soft,
the night still, and the sharp clang echoed
for momeSt before the door was opened
by trim waiting maid. The moonlight
revealed to this maid II boyish looking
fellow, who held carefully in both hands
a howerpot containing most beautiful
azalea in the full bloom of its pink bios.
sons The maid involuntarily smiled as
she saw the lovely flower, and the smile
was answered by an engaging one from
the young man.
as Mrs. CORTLAND at home"
"No, sir"
"Dlr. CourtlandT
mo, sir. They are at the tneater"
An expression Of disappointment cross
ed the youths face, and he hesitated as
if puzzled.
won't yOu step in?"
After an instant's pause the man did
so. threw comprehensive glance about
him and said, II promised to deliver
this plant to Mrs. CORTLAND herself
but it's long way up. and l believe I'll
leave it"
He had one of those pathetic voices in
which there is an unconscious appeal,
and this. together with his frank blue
eye and pleasant manner, created sym
pathy for his disappointment in the
maids heart so she received the plant
carefully from him and was about to
place it on hall chair when the man
gently interposed. Excuse me; I'd rath-
er you'd put it in a safer place"
Surely" and as the plant was heavy
the maid went slowly down the long
hall, turning her back completely. The
man dropped a card on the chair, pushed
the door to with loud slam. and with
astonishing agility and hghtness sprang
up the staircase, disappearing before her
return.
We'll he might ha' waited" she NUT
tered, throwing the card into the silver
salver, and the man, who paused in the
hall above, heard her descend into the
basement.
he smiled, listened, stepped into the
dimly Lighted library, passed through
two dressing rooms into the bedroom
beyond, turned up the gas slightly, and
with a lightning glance TOXIN the apart
ment and its appointments. AS he had
calculated, the room was prepared for
the night, so he ran little chance Of
being disturbed.
He touched nothing until he caught
sight Of gray coat thrown carelessly
over a chair. This he seized, thrust his
hand into the inside pocket and drew
forth with evident satisfaction letter,
which, hastily examining, he kept. He
then replaced the coat with precision,
lowered the light, listened intently and
prepared to descend, when the click Of a
night key was'heard in the lock.
The owners Of the house had returned.
A pause. Footsteps on the stairs.
Double portieres draped the doors. He
slipped between them.
Mrs. CORTLAND entered, turned up the
light and with negligent grace threw off
a long opera wrap revealing that she
was beautiful woman in full evening
dress, tall, slight, blond. For a full
minute she gazed at herself reflected in
the cheval glass, then discontentedly sat
down before it and commenced unclasp.
ing the ornaments from dress and hail
and arms,
A we'll built man with plain face and
fine carriage entered and stood silently
regarding her.
"Tired, Gertrude" Mr.. CORTLAND
asked kindly.
"No."
"SickY'
mo"
"What them"
Bored so bored"
: why not have gone to the operaY'
II have heard 'Lohengrin' until
hate It,"
Gertrude" tenderly, "you are no
unhappy You love meT
Yes" indifferently.
''Then what troubles your
r "Rothin9. Everything is so tedious
l ana weary Of people, weary Of clothes
weary OF my6eH
And weary Of meY''
: His wife did not answer, perhaps di
1 not hear.
t Mr.. CORTLAND pondered intently, look
e ing at her u.iously as she unwound
long scarf from her throat. Suddenly h
8 crossed the room, and taking up the gra,
a coat put his hand into one of the pockets
y where is that letter."
+ What letter. asked his wife, startle
e by the sharp tone of his voice.
Q 1.-The letter left in the pocket Of thi
coat"
The man behind the portieres started
81 saw no letter, replied Mrs. Court
land. rising
, You have stolen itr' his voice increa,
8 ing in harshness as with mechanics
u courtesy he handed her the scarf she Ii
IS fall.
: "Richardr'
"Stolen II, say
/ He was a powerful man. His bro,