Waterbury evening Democrat., 1894-05-05

OUS DIOSlIdIIOU, was CO1utCGdOOAAS3
good effects of her journey and material
ly increasing Miss Barclays perplexi-
ties Recalling Mr.. Howe's voice and
looks, it did not seem possible that they
were deceptive If so, then she knew
nothing whatever of physiognomy. She
would never again trust mans tongue
and eyes.
However, he was sincere! She felt
that he was actuated by kind motives
and having this faith to sustain her she
entered the bank building with a GER
tain degree of courage. To have even
one friend or even to believe in the pos
session of such treasure is a source of
wondrous consolation.
1t did not occur to Miss Barclay to
stop at any grating for information, and
in her abstraction she did not notice that
she passed unobserved to the presidents
room She had lost sight of the fact that
the day was Saturday and the hour af-
ternoon.
Mr.. Messenger was seated at his table,
apparently very busy. He acknowledged
her entrance with. a nod and proceeded
with his writing. This reception was
dispiriting The matter that was vital
to her was nothing to this man but
routine business appointment to be
coolly considered in its turn. Miss Bar
clay found herself watching him. His
gray suit was immaculate; single dia-
mond glistened beneath his delicate tie.
Presently he folded his letter, addressed
and stamped it, dropped it into basket
near the table and then turned slowly,
fixing his gaze ON Miss Barclays face.
81 don't think can offer you any en-
enlargement in regard to what we were
discussing" He spoke with some hest
tation and much emphasis. 1.-THE bank
officers are very much incensed. Barclay
had been in their employment fog over
20years. They trusted him and gave him
what they considered an ample salary.
think they have the sympathy of the
community in their determination to
bring him to justice"
Miss Barclay spoke with an effort
She seemed to be pursuing her fleeting
courage: IF they had been more careful
years ago, they might have discovered
that he was living beyond his means.
We did not inherit money; his wife had
none. Surely in all this time they could
udN0 uC was ylSil1uS W
temptation -
81 know that argument, What are
we to do? We must trust son body. So
you would place the responsibility on
the bank and urge that the temptation
made the thief. "
1T made the opportunity. l suppose
he began by taking small sums. "
Eyes, and specializing with them, in
tending to replace what he borrowed, as
he expressed it. There are men who take
pride in being trustworthy. We supposed
him to be one of them. If opportunity
made the thief, we would have no honest
men or women. The world moves on
trust. fear, Miss Barclay, that moth
ing of much weight can be urged in your
brothers. defense. -
"You might then have mercy Give
him at least his freedom. Let him go
where he is unknown and try to support
his family
"You are importunate. 1 did mention
letting the thing go. "
"And did no one feel sorry for us? l
think 1 should have sympathy for
mans family under similar circum-
stances 1t would not hurt you and
them to be merciful. Good people should
be the most charitable. "
1--WE all can theorize as to what we
should do under certain conditions l
can understand that you are accustomed
to an expensive style of living 1 believe
you wear diamonds. Miss Barclays
glance fell beneath Mr.. Messengers keen
survey of her face and figure. Then she
felt her cheeks growing warm. Had Mr..
Howe betrayed her? Was Mrs. Barclay
correct in her surmise? "Luxuries are
very acceptable to your sex, l will ad-
NIT, and you are all quite willing to en-
joy them, no matter how they are OBJ
tanned. You ask no questions. Vanity
and ambition are the ruling passions
When the bubble bursts, you want SYM
pathy for yourself, mercy for the chief
offender. Why? You do not deserve it
Your brother was not i'll treated Why
did he not come forward like q mat and
say that he could not live on hts salary.
We thought it an ample one, but Is He
was useful man to us no doubt such a
demand would have been honored
GA straightforward course is always
the wisest But that would have led to
discussion. We might have questioned
his need of luxuries. 1t was easier to OBJ
tain them by fraudulent methods. An
explanation might also have drawn at
tention to his habits, and he certainly
could not have justified his personal .ex-
penses. Had he denied himself and tried
to secure future provision for his fam
lily even by wild speculations, think
we could make greater allowance for
him. You must admit that his selfish
indulgence swallowed up his salary and
an amount Of money which used to be
regarded as an independent, ample for
tune Lack of principle is the secret of
your brothers. fall An honest man
would starve with millions within his
reach lean assure you that Barclay
formed a scheme for enjoying stolen
wealth, which shows not only perfect
generalization. but rare skill in its con-
ception and execution. I think we were
unfortunate when we left SO much in
the power Of such a man. You will have
to consider his lapse in its true aspect
and nerve yourself to the coming events.
His present refuge is known to the po-
lice, but there are some legal formalities
to be settled before he can be arrested.
Miss Barclay sat immovabae, pale and
voiceless, watching Mr.. Messenger
face Underlined horror and sickening
sensation of weakness chained her to
the strong Office seat Hope and courage
vanished; she was conscious only of mis-
cry. Gradually she became aware Of Mr..
Messengers voice and his long, thin fin
gers touching her arm. She shrank from
the contact and caught her breath as If
frightened
II am NOS SO unkind. a. you think