Bennington semi-weekly banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 1894-1902, 1895-10-29
A STREET TRAGEDY.

The torrent of homeward travelling hui
mainly was flowing down Piccadilly. The
city man, warned by his physician that If
growing dyspepsia was to be checked he
must walk to and from his work, trudged
manfully homeward. The clubman wan
dered more leisurely to his diggings to
dress for dinner A white petticoat here
and there flashed out from the trousered
throng.
At the corner of Half Moon street there
was mOmentary block-a swearing cab
man delayed to hurl volley of oaths ut n
smart brougham across which he had in
exousubly drawn. An appreciative audi
ence in the front rank Of the walkers
laughed, though what there was to amuse
in the coarse language it was hard to sec.
Suddenly there was quick, bright
flash, n ringing report, dead fall of
body and woman seized and pinioned by
prompt and powerful arms. Then the
walkers gathered round and enjoyed tho
tragedy even more than they had appreci-
atcd the blasphemy.
The victim, who was dead as nail in
door" proved to be Lord Charles Sum-
mers. The Nemesis, a true daughter of
night, was Julie Panton, demimon-
dame as impulsive and dangerous as she
was dissolute. And her wantonness and
recklessness brought her this way to the
gallows. The wonder lasted for nine days,
and then the puppy's eyes were opened
What the world wondered at was that
Charlie Summers, of all people, should
have proved licentious. The husband of
woman who was as charming as she was
beautiful, he and she had passed for pat
terms to all contemplators Of matrimony.
And now, of sudden all dignity, all hon
or, was gone. Death and ignominy had
como at one blow. In truth, it was an in
glorious heritage that his offspring drew
at n stroke Nor was tho horrid acquisi-
ton all, for dispossession was at its heels
and victinized them too.
"My money go to the children of prof
ligate dog Not farthing of it! Let the
litter starve for all care, and the sooner
the better!' And the Opulent uncle nursed
his wrath and his govt.
"No, no." he went on $50 long as
Charlie showed himself a gentleman after
he married-althOugh mind you, always
said he'd be better as bachelor-so long
he might look forward TO inhcriting my
money. But now there's an end of him
and his, so far rs I'm concerned. Pm sorry
for the young woman, his wife, but she
took her chance, and it's turned up q
blank. Now it's Edwards turn" (This
was Lord Edward Summers, Charles twin
brother, double and alter ego.) "And
Edward, as long as he shows himself
gentleman, shall walk in Charities shoes.
Not that l look upon Edward as paragon
of virtue. On the contrary fear he's not
altogether Joseph. But, then, I've no
reason to suppose that his peccadillos are
vulgar, and draw the line at vulgarity"
And the old gentleman gave a grunt Of
satisfaction, as much as to say, "NOw,
think that's very virtuous and proper
view to take of life"
Having thus delivered himself, Lord
StonehOuse called for pen and ink and
wrote, commanding a visit from his nephew
and clearly limiting that the corner in his
heart which Nephew Charles had occupied
was now "to let, " and Edward might be
its tenant during good behavior
But it is open to doubt whether the old
misogynist would have been so ready to
replace the one by the other had he known
that the two brothers had been equally
enamored of Miss Flora Carew, and that it
had only rested with her to decide whether
she should become Lady Charles or Lady
Edward Summers. However, the secret
had been kept, and Lord Stonehouse never
even dreamed Of 1t. And the next day
Lord Edward called on his uncle, as he
was hidden.
Edward, F" said the old peer, "this is
devilish nasty busncss"
AhIt Is