The Delta independent., 1898-07-22

sleeping together Ill the room adjoining
hers. Nothing Of theirs was disturbed,
while her watch, rings. bracelets, lcck-
ct, pins and heaven knows how much
frunpery, together with every ounce Of
the household silver, had been spirited
of. The foolish matron had not thought
of such possibility as this. She loved
display, and even their recent reverses
had taught no lesson of permanent value.
Hardly had Mrs. Barry been told OF
her loss-she was still in a half bewil-
dered state. passing her hand over her
heavy eyelids and striving to rouse her
self from the stupor that seemed to over
come her-when there came violent
lang at the front door, and Mrs Turner
bounced into the hall. Catching sight
of Nathalie at the foot of the bed, she
plunged impetuously into the room.
"Mrs Barry. Mrs. Barry! Have you
heard the news?" she cried. Mrs.
Gregg and Mrs. Freeman have been
robbed of every earthly thing they own.
Why, what's the matter-you 100: And
Miss Baird? Oh, I'm SO sorry! And you
heard nothing-ycu suspect nobody?"
And under cover Of the volley of ques-
tions addressed to the lady of the houso
by her excited visitor Nathalie stole,
sobbing, from the room. When Mrs.
Turner would have questioned her, the
girl was gone.
Even in the excitement and shock
consequent upon the discovery Of her
own losses Mrs Barry had noticed
escape from the room. When, therefore,
Mrs. Turner'S eyes dilated with enger
curiosity and she began rapid queries as
10 tho cause Of Nathalie's sudden exit,
the lady was quite prepared to parry.
"Nathalio has only been able to leave
her bed within the last two days, Mrs.
Turner. You know she's been wretohed-
ly i'll, and she is still SO weak and ncrv.
ous that EriGget's sudden and exciting
announcement shocked her greatly"
"The poor childl cried Mrs. Turner
"Do let me go up to her and see if I
cannot do something for her,"
"Rotter moi" answered Mrs Barry.
"I've found Nathalie always mere rap
idly RECEIVERS when left TO herself. You
con do something for me, though" she
hurried on. anxious to silence further
questioning and to rid herself of an i'm
the way. will you ask Captain Wal
ters to como to see me this morning and
Mrs. Stannard to join me as econ as she
can?" as
"Why. Of course, Mrs. Barry-any.
thing you wish. But l haven't begun to
tell you about the robbery yet. Just
think Of it! ALI Mrs. Gregg's silver is
gone a. well az all her lovely rings and
things. 1t seems like q judgment OH her
for being 80 careless I'm sure Captain
Gregg has warned her . dozen times
not 10 leave her vaiuables about. Don't
you think sop
e "Tbat it was . Judgment on her, Mrs.
Turner? Well, if upon her why not up
on me?'
"Oh, but you didn't lose half what
she did! Besides. you're very different.
What did they take from you! Not those
heavenly sapphires, I'm glad to see.
And Mrs. Turner's pretty, empty bead
was twisting in every direction in her
eagerness to appraise the loss.
''No, not my rings, but . basket Of
silver that we valued for old times
sake and some loose trinkets from tho
bureau. fear it's gene for good" said
the kind hearted woman, with sigh.
YET fow much greater IL Mrs gregg .
loss I'm SO sorry for her?
Oh. SO am l. and not man here OF
our regimen. to help in any way except
Mr.. Maynard. and he's half invalid yet
and mere boyF Disparagement of
Maynard in Mrs. Turner's liquid drawl
bad followed speedily upon bis defec-
ton. Finally, finding that Nathalie
wouldn't come down 30 long as she re.
mained ard that Mrs. Barry would not
encourage her to go up. Mrs. Turner
FASTENED away in hopes of breaking the
news elsewhere. She looked wistfully
into Mrs- Gregg's cren doorway as che