Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1896-11-26

Snc PAUSED hafsre the door and
Knocked softly.
The deep. rich, vibrating voice Of
the lady babe her enter.
Alma opened the door, crossed the
enchanted threshold. and stood within
the heretofore prohibited apartments
The room in, which she found herself
was one OF the most lofty and spac-
lOus In the mansion. 1t was the front
one OF Il magnificent suite OF apart
ments. that had been splendidly fitted
up for the first reception of Mrs. Ell
verton rs a bride. It was situated d.
rectly over the drawing room. and
had a large bay window that CON-
manded a view of the terraced lawn
and beautiful lake. But that window
was now closed, and the room was
lighted up for the night. 1t was sump-
tuously furnished. A Turkey carpet Of
the most brilliant colors covered the
floor. The chiffoniers, stands, tables,
chairs and even all the frames and
woodwork We're CT rosewood and gold,
giving the tout ensemble a peculiarly
rich effect. The coverings of the chairs,
foot-stools ana sofas were all Of GRIM
son Salln ana gold.
The curtains at the windows were
also of crimson satin aud gold, with
inner hangings of fine lace. The walls
We're lined with splendid mirrors,
reaching from ceiling to floor, and null
tiplying a hundred-fold the scenery Of
the room. The whole was brilliantly
lighted up by chandelier that hung
from the center Of the ceiling.
In the midst of all this glitter of
light and glow of cclcr. in a luxurious
chair, beside an elegant table, sat a
lady. who, under any circumstances,
or from any spectator, must at once
have riveted the closest attention.
She was apparently about thirty-five
years Of age, Of tall, justly proportion
ed, stately figure, around which flowed
tie rich folds of a crimson velvet robe.
Her features We're of the purest classic
type. Her complexion was deadly
pale, in contrast with her large, dark
eyes. jet-black eyebrows, and raven
black hair, that lay in heavy shining
bands upon her marble cheeks.
Come hither, Alma," she said. in
that rich. deep. luscious voice which
ever thrilled the bosom of all who
heard it.
Alma approached and stood before
her mother. Her heart beat fast; she
eagerly hoped for some demonstra ton
of affection on the part of the lady.
Vain hope!
Mrs. Elverton took from the table
beside her a sealed packet. and, hold
ing it in her hand while She spoke, she
said:
Alma. have sent for you to en-
trust you with secret mission. to
which think you will be faithful"
"Oh, mamma, how happy you make
me by trusting me. Oh, yes, 1 would
be faithful unto death in any matter
YOU should confide in me-" said Alma
fervently.
Enough. believe you. To come to
the point. l have just heard that that
unhappy girl has been le-arrested and
committed to prison. 1 have the
strongest reasons for believing her in
nocent. though in great peril. These,
my private reasons, it is not neces-
sary to divulge, since they would have
no weight with judge or jury. But 1
have the deepest interest in the ac-
quittal of that girl, and in the discov-
cry. if possible, of the real criminal. 1
fear that though wealthy heiress.
Eudora Leaton is without available
funds to engage the best counsel,
which is always very expensive.
Therefore, Alma, wish you, to-mor-
row morning, to take the close car
riage, drive over to the prison, and
place this packet in Eudora Leaton's
hands. Tell her it is to be used in her
defense, and is sent by one who has as
deep a stake In her trial as she has
herself. But do not tell her from whom
it came. Do you understand me?" said
the lady, placing the package in the
hands Of her daughter.
Yes, mamma. and I will faithfully
do your Grand"
go, then"
Mamma, will you not embrace me
for this once in our lives?" pleaded
Alma. holding out her arms.
Go! go! go! go, girl, and leave me.
Is this the advantage you would take
of the very first visit permit you to
my prcsence?" exclaimed the lady ex-
citedly.
Mamma. pardon me. I go; good
night" said Alma resignedly as she
withdrew from the splendid misery Of
her mothers private apartments.
She retired to her chamber, full of
wonder that her parents should be un-
consciously so unanimous IN their anx-
iety for Eudora Leaton's acquittal. and
that she should be the confidant of this
unsupported unanimity.