Frederick citizen., 1895-01-18

the meaning Of which he did not un-
derstand.
What do you mean by looking like
that at me?" demanded his master.
Sahib," uttered the man, with the
utmost difference, your servant meant
nothlng. He was only wondering II you
had met Chester Sahib on your way
home"
why should have met him?" de-
manded Manvers, a little uneasily.
Because" replied the man, "the
Chota Sahib (by which term natives
are In the habit of designating persons
in the lower grades of the civil serv-
iee). because the Chota Sahib has
paid long visit to the Meni Sahib to-
day, and fancied you must have met
him."
A pang of jealousy shot through the
majors heart. So Grantley Chester had
called, and Bella had said nothing to
him regarding his visit. What was the
meaning OF this? For a moment he
felt inclined to go and demand an ex-
PLANTATION from his wife, but the pal
try meanness of such a cause deferred
MIN, for 1t would be beneath him to go
with a tale he had picked up from one
OF the servants. He therefore restrain
ed himself. but Bella, whose percep-
ton had been rendered unusually keen
by the dread which had taken possess
sion OF her. at once detected the con-
straint her husband had put upon
himself.
couple of days passed by and the
majors manner grew colder and yet
more cold, until Bella, who really loved
her husband, was driven to the verge
OF distraction. She had never received
her ring from Grantley Chester and
this added greatly to her trouble, for
she felt that her husband In his pres
ent frame of mind might ask for it
at any moment. At length she could
bear her state Of suspense no longer,
and sent a note to her brother, James
Rickson, requesting him to call upon
her without moments delay, on
matter Of the most vital Importance.
Bella has got herself into another
scrape, suppose" muttered her broth
er, with shrug of his shoulders, and
ordering his buggy he drove over to
the residence of the Manvers at once.
He had not seen his sister for three or
four days, and was much shocked at
the change in her appearance, her eyes
were heavy and swollen. and there
were deep black rings surrounding
them.
20, James," exclaimed she, with
half sob. as soon as her brother enter
ed, this is kind of you, I think
should have gone mad If you had kept
me waiting"
Bella, my GIRL" uttered James, with
a GhaIyp nf tha
you have been up to some of your
tricks again. Upon my word, now
that you are married to a thorough
good fellow like Manvers, you ought
to pull up and try and make him
happy"
At any other time Bella would have
replied sharply to this piece of ad-
vice, but to-day she was too utterly
broken-hearted. and so with many sobs
she told her brother of Grantley Ches-
ter's visit. of the injury done to the
ring, and his promise to get 1t re-
paired.
"And do you mean to say the fellow
has never returned it?" exclaimed
Jack Rickson. why, he is quite ca
pable of showing 1t about and declar-
Ing that you gave 1t to him as a gage
d'amour."
Perhaps he has had some difficulty
In matching the stone," suggested Bel
la, land may bring it to me at any
moment
Bring it to your retorted her bro
ther; why. he Is off to Europe to-
morrow, so there is small chance of
that. Well, could not have believed
1t OF him. for with all his conceit and
vanity. thought the fellow was
gentleman"
Upon hearing the announcement Of
Chester's almost immediate departure.
Bella sank back In her chair in a half
fainting condition.
'There-there." said her brother.
soothingly, do not give way; I will go
over to his bungalow and get the
ring, but promise me not to get into
such scrape again."
Il wasn't bit in the wrong: in
deed I was all coldness and disdain."
answered Bella. smiling through her
tears at the thought Of the discom-
fited Adonis.
"Ah! daresay." uttered James. with
little laugh Of incredulity. "but don't
try It again. Well. will go over to
Chester's and make all right.
As soon as James Rickson arrived
at the bungalow Of the extra-assistant
commissioner. he saw that rumor had
been correct, and that Grantley Ches-
ter was making preparations for an ear
~ start. Portmanteaus and packing
cases were standing In the verandah
and porters were clearing away art
icles Of furniture which had been
purchased BY dealers In second hand
goods, who had their place of business
in the Mozuff-mugger bazaar The
owner Of all this impedimenta was
seated In q wicker-chair. talking to
respectfully dressed native. AS soon
as he perceived James Rickson, he
rose languIdly from his seat and said:
"Ah, Rickson. come to take leave of
me. en-? Very kind Of you, I am sure.
Won't you take something after your
drive. brandy and soda, Ell? Kitma-
CHAR. brandy shrab. belatee pani lao"
mo, thank YOU" returned Rickson.
little distantly. Il have come here
On business. not to drink"
"Ah. know" replied Chester.
.Y0uve come to make a bid for INV
grey Arab; well. you are In time. for
he has not gone yet. Just wait a mo-
ment until ! have settled with this
extort|oner. Gunesha Lall, and then
win attend TO you. Now yotl prince OF
cheats" continued the extra-assistant
commissioner, relapsing into Hindus-
toni. listen and win make my offer
for the last time. one hundred and
fifty rupees for the diamond and the
expense Of setting 1t. not one anna
more; take e or leave It,"
but cherisher Of the poor" ex-
c|o|med <he native jeweler. eagerly. I
should |o1c II accepted such a sun,.
+ 1H/w Any one hundred ,rd ~.-.