Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1898-11-05
DiQIlOld Cut Diamond.

EAdy Geraldine Mauleverer sat In
her dressing-room comfortably hab-
tied in dressing gown and slippers,
glsncing fondly now and again at a
large morocco case which stood open
on her dressing-table, and contained
sSegnifcent necklace of diamonds.
LADY Geraldine had just returned
from the county ball where her dress
had eclipsed that of every other wo-
man and her diamonds had outshone
al other consultations of gems and
she was consequently in an agreeable
frame Of mind.
Dear old thing said Lady Geral-
dine, half aloud. What should / do
without you? And 70 think how near
Jy I was to having to give up wearing
diamonds. What a nuisance il is TO
be har up, and have debts, and a hus-
band that has gone to the dogs and
disappeared, and does not keep one
supplied with pocket money. But
can still beat the other women
thanks to my own ingenuity-and no
one knows but Marie, who has eyes
like a lynx Heighol"
kady Geraldine sighed, and settled
herself little moro comfortably in
her chair. She was not a wenan
Whom one would naturally be en-
cTined to pity, but she had her troubles.
Married young to Capt. Mauleverer,
of the Blues, she had spent a year of
happiness, to be followed by tive years
OF estrangement and mutual re-
cTimination. Capt. MauIeverer proved
q bad bargain; bad in every sense Of
the word, and when three years after
the marriage the discovery OF a shady
Transaction in which he was involved
@anpelled his flight from the coun-
try. Lady Geraldine found the liberty
thus gained decidedly agreeable. She
Was clever, IL not intellectual, and a
general favorite at country houses.
Sire had inherited an income OF some
eight hundred year from an aunt
Which enabled her to dress with SEINE
extravagancs. and to keep UP q small
AeHse near York, which had come to
her as beQuest. Her most dearly be-
10vse possession was an old family
heirloom, q necklace OF diamond, re-
Get in the noderR style, AID worth so
1anch money that hsr friends had Of
Ten demonstrated with her on keeping
them in the house with no one to de-
feAd them but an elderly butler ana
. couple OF maids. Lady Geraldine,
However, laughed all such suggestions
TO scorn. She was not a nervous wo-
@Ga. and declared herself a match for
Any burglar.
While Lady Geraldine sat comfort
abF reviewing her triuAPhs of the
evening, she heard on the soft carpet
behind her . light football, and SUP
Yosed II was her maid.
You had Setter put them away In
tke safe, Marie" she said.
You are very kind" said a mascu-
liAe voice. IN low tones. That is ex-
body what propose to do. / have
$safe that will hold them admirably. u
With slight shrek the lady turn
edand saw, standing close behind her
the figure of tall man, dressed en-
tirely in black, and wearing silk mask
which concealed the upper part Of his
face. In his right hand he held a sill
YER mounted pistol, the muzzle OF
which was directed towards her heart
~Let me advise you not to make any
cutlery" said the stranger, whose
gently modulated voice contrasted
sdely with his threatening attitude
~ should be sorry to make any fuss
but really cannot afford to have thu
house aroused"
Lady Geraldine could certainly no
pc called nervous woman, and aftel
the first shock OF surprise, she rallied
her faculties amazingly, and smiled
while the color returned to her cheeks
~This is rather an unceremoniou
visit, isn't it?" she said. Gentlemen
for gather from your voice that yo
are gentlemen, and gentlemen do no
q rule invade ladies' rooms with re
vOlvers. and wearing masks-may
ask what you want?"
Il want your diamonds, nothing els,
Believe me-" replied the intruder.
my dIamonds7" cried the lad,
s,Surely you would not be so cruel a
20 rob me Of my chief charms7"
Pardon me-" said the visitor, "onl
time can do that"
Lady Geraldine laughed. For a
av0wed burglar" she said. you al
Immensely petite. Do not find It pay
IN yeur profession7 suppose it is US,
fnl to wAeedle serv1nt girls. but 70
see I am net q servant. and ana pro,
against AaAksrY. 4 diamond nsc1lat
for Compliment y rather toe kigb
price" ~ sSaEte :. sSss-s.- saeFe
T II do not exactly see" said the Surs
Ter. quite uHrufned. how you are goin
- avoid II. Johnson Is away, and ther
are only two women besides yourself
the house. think you had better max
the exchange with q good grac
though 1 can realize that you DO nj
enjoy your position"
Lady Geraldine looked keen1y at tt
man for few moments, and then. wit
her foot, pushed a chair towards hir
You are rather interesting" 81
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