The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1895-03-02
A CAsUIST.

The circumstances that led to Ernest
Marsden's withdrawal from London have
never been properly explained His dis
appearance excited some comment, for
although Marsden was by profession sub
ordinate, it had been his humor to occupy
positions of direction in his spare time as
relaxation for his more serious toll. He
was well known political organizer and
speaker as well as an occasional contrib
utor upon economic questions to the
monthly reviews BY day he was employed
at an office in Cornhill. 1t was there that
| made his acquaintance. Our duties
brought us IA great deal together, and a
considerable intimacy sprang up between
us. Marsden' relations were all dead and
he was once good enough to say that I was
the only friend he possessed in the whole
world
Things were in this condition when |
called one night mt my employers private
house on business matter that had been
overlooked wa, shown into the drawing
room. From an adjoining apartment
could hear at intervals the voices of two
men in violent alteration. After a time
Mr.. Henderson appeared in the drawing
room and asked me to accompany him into
the other room Ernest Marsden, the only
occupant, received me with grateful
smile.
II have asked you to take part in this con-
vers'tion, " said my employer, because I
believe you to lie friend of Mr.. Marsden's
and likely to advise him at a verv critical
moment in his career. You were away this
afternoon from the office and are Therefore
ignorant of whit has occurr d. have beer
robbed, and your friend is the only posi-
bic culprit. At half past twelve today an
amount OF $50 was paid to me personally
in gold and notes B fore going out
locked it up in the safe in my private room
Il safe to which you and Mr. Marsden have
the only other keys Mr. Marsden. whom
left at work in my room went out about
ten minutes Later. | am assured by the
clerks in the outer office that no one else
entered the room during my absence.
returned in half an hour. The safe was
locked, but when | opened it found that
the gold f4o) had disappeared. l have
told Mr. Marsdtn that if he ', i'll make a
clean breast of everything and restore the
money he may retire from my employment
quietly and without scandal"
This statement upset me good deal. |
hoped, OF course, that my friend could
clear himself of the accusation NV own
position in the matter was none too pleas
ant. Although had leave of absence for
the day, had been obliged to come back
for my purse, which, by strange over
sight, had left in the pocket Of my Office
jacket. Unfortunately | had returned to
the office about 1870 o'clock. Finding
the door of Mr.. Henderson,s sanctum
unlocked = the door, | mean, opening
directly into the passage had slipped in
and out without apparently those in the
outer office having noticed my return
Marsden, however, had met me on the
stairs. To make things more ugly, | had
that very day come into the possession of
sum of money under circumstances that
could not have been made public. To nv
great relief, Marsden made no reference to
our meeting, although aware, no doubt
of the effect it would have in diverting
suspicion from himself
The scene that followed was very pain
full one. Marsden insisted on his innocence
and bitter speeches passed on both sides
| fanced at one time during lull in the
storm that caught the sound of some one
weeping in the next room. The conference
broke up, having come to no conclusion
Mr.. Henderson, whom contradiction always
dashed into fury, followed Marsden into
the hall, threatening him with exposure
and imprisonment. Suddenly the drawing
room door burst open, and a tall, proud
looking girl swept into the hall will
not attempt to repeat verbatim what she
said. Some of it has escaped me, and the
rest, without her dark eyes and imprisoned
bearing, seems ordinary enough. Marsden
had proposed to her year previously and
had been refused. His cOnstancy in the
face of every encouragement had touched
her very deeply, and lately she had come
to realize that her feelings toward him
were completely changed Under ordinary
circumstances she would have waited for
him to address her again. OF his continual
devotion he had given many eloquent if
silent, demonstrations, and now that his
fortunes were at their lowest she asked as a
favor to be allowed to stand by his side
and to fight his battles against all the
world. At the end of this speech, which
was delivered with an inconceivable eleva-
ton Of manner, the girl would have flung
herself upon her lovers breast, but he
repulsed her with strange gesture.
Don't touch me, Lucy" he cried passion
ately. 81 stole it,"
Two hours later | went round to Mars
denis lodgings, for, in spite Of his confession,
felt sure that my friend was not guilty OF