The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1895-03-09
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THE LOST NECKLACE.


young woman and little poodle dog that
she addressed as Chico. 1t seemed to ME
that somewhere, and not very long ago,
j had met my fair companion before.
81 sat for some time >anly trying to
recall the circumstances of our meeting,
but the more pondered on it the more
hopeless seemed the task.
"a little later on, looking up, | found
that my companion was without book OF
paper So, taking an illustrated magazine
from my satchel, | offered it to her. She
thanked me and smiled sweetly. After u
time grew tired of my novel and resolved
to attempt little conversation with my
neighbor. | asked her if she was going
to Nice. She replied that she was and
went OH to say that her sister, whom she
had expected would 90 with her. had dis
appointed her at the last moment. She
however, could not wait until the following
day as her father, who was at Nice for his
health, had wired to return at once.
''Shc spoke of her dislike for travelling;
that as the compartment reserved for
ladies was full, she had BEEN Obliged to
enter mine. She was sorry to intrude,
but the train was about to start, and the
guard had told her all the other seats were
taken.
81 fastened to assure her that ! was
glad of the lucky chance that had given
me so charming companion. She smiled
and asked me if was to be long at Nice
She chatted on about the place, mention
ing the names of many well known people
who, she said were her friends and whom
| should no doubt meet
'As the evening wore on she opened a
basket containing dainty lunch. Would
/ share it with her.? The cook evidently
had ridiculous idea OF her appetite Why
there was enough for six?' This seemed to
he the case. So as we were by this time
very well acquainted, | accepted her
invitation, and We were soon doing justice
to really excellent lunch.
''What charming creature she isl
thought. How Edith will like her.
Growing confidential, spoke of my visit
to Nice and of the dear girl awaiting me
there. She seemed interested and listen
ed patiently to the recital of my fair ones
many charms. You will meet her and
can see for yourself if all | say of her is not
truer | exclaimed. She will be very
grateful to you for having made this stupid
journey pleasant for me-
eve will drink her health" cried my
companion gayly drawing small silver
flask of exquisite Workmanship from the
depths of her basket | always carry
little cognac with me in case of sickness,
she explained Opening the flask and
filling a dainty glass with the amber
liquid, she handed it to me, with radiant
smile TO Edith health she said
"a drained the glass. 1t was brandy OF
the finest quality | had ever tasted She
seemed to read my thoughts.
you are a judge Of good liquor That
is Otard OF 1870.
Taking the glass from my hand, she
poured a little of the liquor into it and
barely touched it to her lips
. ''You must not Judge my good wishes
by the amount | take. | wish you all the
happiness that life can give, but | cannot
drink as you men do. TO me it is simple
II medicine
''Soon after this began to grow sleepy,
and as my companion did not seem inclined
to talk | made myself as comfortable as
circumstances would permit. turned my
head toward the window, through which
the surrounding country could be st en-
dimly in the moonlight az we rushed along
and resigned myself to a night Of comfort.
The next thing it was broad daylight |
awoke with a dull pain in my head and
sense of WEAKNESS that my sleep had rather
increased than diminished,
my companion was sitting by the win
dow reading the book had given her the
night before. On perceiving that ! was
awake she put down her book and remark
ed that | was sound sleeper and that she
enyied me- She had passed wretched
night and was glad that we would soon be
in Nice. | thought of Edith, whom |
should now see soon, and then Of the sur
prise had in store for her.
81 hoped that the necklace would please
her, and then, for the first time, it occurred
to me that perhaps it would have been
better if had consulted some woman Of
taste before buying it, A brilliant idea
struck me-my companion was just the
one to decide. | would ask her opinion.
1t was not too late to change the necklace
for something else if she thought it not
suitable. | was sure she would tell me
candidly just what she thought.
"Unbuttoning nay coat, drew the pack
aye from my pocket and laid it on my lap,
Removing the wrappings, | opened the
little blue casket. For moment | couldn't
believe my eyes-it was empty!
81 turned quickly to my companion.
She was leaning forward motonless, breath
less, her face pale and in her eyes look