Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1895-05-29

Come, then," said Mrs. Ruthven, and
led the way into her bedroom, where
her maid was kneeling beside a huge
dress basket which she was packing. Va
riOus garments were scattered about, and
the beautiful ball dress Of the previous
night lay over a sofa.
"Are you going away, then? p exclaimed
Nora, seeing these preparations.
"Yes; l leave tomorrow. feel can
cot shake of the nervous terror which
oppresses me while I stay here; besides,
want to be in London. Give me my
jewel case. Virginie, and you need not
wait"
Mrs. Ruthven walked across to the bay
window, In which a long, low, cushioned
seat gave room both for herself and her
visitor, and drawing q work table near
her. placed the large square case upon it.
MY poor lost rubies and diamonds had
case Of their own," she said, as she
unlocked the one before her with a little
golden key which hung round her neck.
"These are mere whims and oddities" /"
abe continued, as she displayed a variety
OF costly artistic trifles on the first tray,
and then proceeded to lift the others con-
tanning opals and diamonds, pearls tur-
quoises, quaint, richly barbaric pieces
Of Indian jewelry enough for two greedy
women.
"If you have all these left, you are
not so much to be pitied," said Nora
laughing.
'My dear Miss L'Estranse, my rubiea
are worth more than all those put togeth-
er. Besides, my poor father collected
them for me, and had them set for a we'd
den (he was at my wedding, you know,
hna nd q oIoti ~ ;al <oll I'm
me that the Queen had scarcely anything
o surpass them. 1t Is a dreadful blow
.osing them, assure you"
"Yes. I can quite understand It." said
Nora, land I think you bear the loss
With wonderful eQuanimity."
Mrs. Ruthven smiled, and looked
ireamily out of the window.
Mnrsden's ardent sympathy, his eager
less to accompany her to London, to
comfort her In every possible way, had
been IN immense consolation. As she
did not speak for a moment or two, Nora
rose and went to look at the ball dress.
"What a lovely gown. You were like
picture as you came into the ballroom.
Why. Mrs. Ruthven." STOPPING and gently
moving tho lace drapery on the body
with her fingers. 'you drop your abundant
Jewels about like the possessor of fairy
nine! Here IL a diamond among your
ace"
She held 1t out rs she spoke
Mrs. Ruthven came forward with an air
Of surprise, and stood gazing at 1t as If
tupefed.
How could 1t have come there?- she
exclaimed, and stopped short
at Is a stud! Is it not like one Capt
Shirley, or some one, wore last night?"
asked Nora.
"Shirleyw repeated Mrs. Ruthven slow
ly. HE never had stone like that"
She paused again, then, taking and plac-
ing 1t in her Jewel case, she added: ut
is mine. It Is the center Of one Of my
earrings, which takes out to form a stud.
1t belongs to some 1 seldom wear. Vir-
Einie Is really too careless. She must
her Jewel case sharply, ''ths only part
the butterflies on my sleeves. I suspect
he had not time to tear them off," She
shivered. "Is 1t not a horrible thought! :!
That wretch STOPPING over me, touching
me while I was insensible! Pray ring
the bell, dear Miss L'Estrange. I do
30 want a cup of tea. You will stay and
have one with me, will you not7 You
sheer me-"
'I shall be very glad"
"Come into the next room then" said
Mrs. Ruthven, adding, II shall not scold
Virginie before you, 1t might hurt her
feelings, and she Is a clever maid, but
she must have been handling my things
carelessIy to let that diamond drop"
(To be continued)