The Topeka state journal., 1897-08-16
OLD TIME MYSTERY.
ST viii not fell xon. sir y,

and the petite figure looked almost child
ish. But for the rounded, Hebeike form
and perfect outline one would have thought
her a child, little girl indeed with the
sunny hopes and dreaming fancies of child
hood, but these disclosed a womanhood
full of nameless grace, rich and rare in
beauty. Few knew the world as well as
she, this brilliant little meteor that had
flashed upon society, turning mems heads
and making many a fair lady mad with
jealousy.
But few months before she went to
New Orleans, the protegee of a wealthy
English lady who had for many years
spent her winters there. Her history none
knew, and until the events which procured
me an introduction to her none cared to
inquire. 1t was evident to all she was
loved by the lady as a daughter, but she
was presented to the world as her niece.
There was just the faintest discernible
accent in the rich, mellow voice and liquid
speech. The fair Canadian queened it
royalty over the haughtiest bellies. Men
said that accent charmed as none other
could. Royal beauties tried to initiate it,
but her fascination lay in her winsome
face and eyes, that seemed SO true, in the
passionate regret that fevered there at a
scene of woe, in the hand open as day to
charity.
AS she stood before me in her fierce an
ger thought had never seen being
lovely. The golden curls shaded face and
brow, and the chiseled lips had assumed
their haughtiest curve. Proud as queen
she looked, the indignant blood staining
neck and brow, while the cheeks flushed
and paled alternately, but the blue eyes
never lost their passionate flash or the
lips the curl of scorn.
The night before the house had been
robbed and casket containing diamonds
stolen. Myself and Mr.. 1. had been sent
E. - -,
1t was evidently the work of expert
enced burglar, and as he must have passed
through the room of Miss M. TO reach
the apartment of the lady from whom the
Jewels had been stolen 1 had asked Miss
NJ if she had heard nothing in the night
to excite her alarm. At my question,
which was somewhat abruptly spoken, she
hesitated and appeared unduly excited. l
felt surprised at this and repeated the
question:
"Did you hear or see anything during
the night?'
81 did, sir"
''May inquire what 1t wasp
81 decline to tell"
s'But why, Miss Mp
"I cannot inform you"
SAT all events you will tell me If you
saw or heard the person who committed
the robbery?''
81 both heard and saw him. Sir, you
will excuse me, but that may end an in
terYiew extremely painful to me will
say to you that I saw the person who came
into the house, saw the robbery commit
ted, but am withheld by reasons cannot
disclose from giving you his name or de-
scription."
The avowal was made in a low, choking
utteranoe that showed how profoundly the
young creature felt the shame of the dis
closure. Shocked and surprised, scarcely
knew what said, but remem Der appeal
ing to Mrs. NJ. to unite her entreaties with
mine to induce Miss NJ. to change her de-
termination or at least give a reason for
it, but she did not hear me. Her eyes
were fastened on the young girls face
with wild entreaty that thrilled me to
the heart. She seemed to understand why
the girl refused to tell, and, gazing for an
instant, threw up her hands, with a wall
like one broken hearted, and sank sobbing
to the floor.
"Miss M. this is very strange. You do
not wish me to think you confederate,
and. unless you tell me, what else am to
think?''
1t was then that her expression changed
and her face lit up with indignant excite
ment
81 will not tell you, STRIP
She paused for an instant, and read
her innocence in the look. Whatever the
mystery, she was not criminal.
"Think what you please. I will not tell
you
Before I had time to reply Mrs. NJ. rose
to her feet, and taking the young girl by
the hand turned to me.
"You are mistaken, sir, in your impress
sions. This is a family mystery. The child
is not to blame. Had I known it sooner I
should have dispensed with your services,
but you will oblige me now by retiring
and pursuing your Investigations no
further. -
1t was impossible to resist the grave
dignity of this grand old lady. We took
our leave in perfect whirl of amaZement
I confess to my share of curiosity, but ali
the events of that morning bewildered me-
I thought of nothing all that day save the
mysterious burglary. did not speak of
it to others, for it was evident that Mrs
NJ. did not wish it canvassed, and my own
powers of reflection were unable to solve it.
The next day I received note inclosing
fee for my trouble and enjoining the
strictest silence in regard to the events
which had occurred. OF course 1 obeyed.
1t was nothing to me, and tried to for
get it, but could not. No matter what
business engaged my attention, 1 found
myself thinking of that, and so a year
passed away.
One night a man was shot in drunken
brawl. He was a noted character, bur-
glar. I was near him when he fell. He
called to me. and bent bove the stricken
man, from whom the 1ifeblood was oozing
fast.
"Will you do me a favorf'
eff can-yes.''
"You know Mrs. NJ, the Enlgish ladys"
eyes"
"Tell her am deadl''
Unutterably surprised, would have
asked him more, would have questioned
him as to how the life or death of burglar
could interest her, but he waived me off.
did his mission Carefully as could
I impaired my intelligence. 1t was re-
ceived in silence-a silence like death.
The next day a single close carriage at
tended the remains to the tomb. 1t was
not long before a marble shaft rose above
70 ii, ir,snriratics,a Ilicl h.