Frederick citizen., 1895-01-18

cosnlzant OF your tender passages with
captain Horsfall. OF the dragons, and
Lieutenant Petikote. Of the Cromarty
Highlanders?"
Scandal-pure scandal" returned
Bella. with an affected laugh, though
her cheek redeemed a little, but there
Is no need to talk of such matters, and
So Mr.. Chester, wish you a pleasant
voyage, with more congenial ocupa-
tion on your return to your native
land.''
Cold-hearted coquette." said Ches
ter to himself. II suppose she wants
TO draw me into an open declaration,
TINS Is the worst of being so fascinat-
ing. And are we to part thus?" he ad-
ed' aloud, springing to his feet. Mrs.
ManVers-Bella-will you not say one
KIND word to the miserable wretch who
VIII leave his heart behind him?'
Come, come. Mr.. Chester, you know
that that is a physical impossibllity
| you could not do without one in real
lty, and If you are speaking in a senti-
mental manner, you will require it to
divide amongst the fair ladies at home.
NO, no, Mr.. Chester. be guided by me,
and take your heart home with YOU"
Grantley Chester could hardly be-
| l1eve his cars, was he, the Adonis of
Bayswater and the pet Of so many
bloomsbury drawing absolutely
being chaffed by the wife Of a major
| OF Irregular Horse? 1t was too much,
| quite too much
We'll, Mrs. Manvers," answered he, q
| little sulllily, 'it seems to me that we
do not understand each other; how
ever, I suppose you will not object to
shake hands with a fellow, and wish
him good-bye?"
why should II" asked Bella, calling
| up the most innocent look she had at
her command. Goodbye, Mr.. Chester,
and good fortune attend you. If 1 were
you, however, l would not cultivate my
dramatic powers, as one day they may
be misunderstood, and lead you into
trouble" She extended her hand as
she spoke. 1t was a very pretty little
| hand. with diamond ring sparkling
| upon the third finger. BY sudden i'm
| pulse Grantley Chester grasped 1t tight
ly, and bent down his head towards II.
Before his lips could touch 1t, Bella
drew it quickly away. and in so doing
struck the finger upon which the ring
was. sharply against the back Of a
chair near which she Stood
How dare you. SIR" she said, Angri-
ly. How dare you take such an un-
warrantable liberty?"
II really beg your pardon. Mrs. Man
vers." stammered the modern lovelance,
good deal taken aback. II had NO
intention of offending you"
Never mind the intention, sir, the
offence has been committed" answered
Bella, Indignantly, land now, l will
thank you to relieve me of your pres
ence."
Chester saw that he had made a
false move, and like skillfll general
prepared for rapid retreat. when a
sudden cry of alarm from Bella arrest
ed his movements.
what is the matter?" exclaimed he,
stopping abruptly.
"See." answered Bella, 'T have knock
ed diamond out of my ring. 1 shall
never find 1t again, for those wretches
Of servants will steal it. if they come
across 1t, when they dust the rooms" "
Her bright eyes were suffused with
tears, and Grantiey Chester thought
that she had never looked so exquisite
ly bewitching.
"Yes," continued she, land II H. had
never have happened. oh. what will
| Charley say to me?''
Surely Major Manvers will not be
| angry at what was q mere accident"
suggested Chester.
1T was our engagement ring" Sob
bed Bella, "and only a day or tive ago.
1 noticed that the setting Of one of the
stones was little gone: I showed 1t to
ho Y.Ii Nd ha -.
it, until I had it looked to, for said he,
If one of the original gems wero lost,
should look at 1t as a terribly bad
omen, and you know how very super
stitious I am I am sure he will never
forgive me for being so negligent and
obstinate. o. what shall do-what
shall do?" And. overcome by the pic
ture of her husbands wrath, Bella sank
into chair. and covering her face with
her hands, gave way to a torrent OF
grief
Come. come" remarked Chester.
really panied at the misfortune which
his folly had caused. I'VE viii easily
remedy this. Entrust me with the ring.
and I will have the missing stone re-
placed. and no one need he any the
wiser, except our two selves"
WIN V1 t~utty ScV <4tta QOue ASK
ed Bella. Il am afraid to trust any Of
the servants. they have all been with
my husband long time, and / think
they are nothing but set Of spies"
Trust It to me-" again repea ted
Chester land I will send It back to
you without delay"
yourself. but for pity's sake. lose no
time shall be on thorns until have
1t on my dneer again. Now. 60: your
visit has been too long one already"
Endeavoring to throw an expression
of the utmost sympathy into his face.
the disconnected Lothar1o took his d.
parture, leaving Bella plunged into 4
depth OF very uncomfortable thought.
She was aroused from her state az
apathy BY the appearance OF her hur-
band. who wae IN an extremely good
temper.
"Well. little woman remarked he
how have you been getting along TO-
day? I am tired out. and shall fee1 a11
the better for q drink. BY the wav
did you not get that diamond securely
fxed?"
The question Was simple enough M.
to Bella's guilty conscience. ID nounded
like the kneIl Of doom.
THE diamondr' sho rcoIIed- .ob
yes--fhat II to say no-nok vet. +:
''Well.' returned tile Major. II .ha1I
pass through the bazaar Tomorrow &o
II you Give me The ring. / WIN leave Il
at Cuneeha L>t|I The Delhi 13weIIer,.
place. and be WIN ee| & 1xed .|| right