Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1898-12-23
DiolIOlt oII DIl|lOId.

bIutilViih WI DiNiiSH
LADY Geraldine Mauleverer sat in
her dressing-room comfortably ha0-
tied in dressing gown and slippers,
glancing fondly now and again at a
large morocco case which stood open
on her dressing-table, and contained a
magnificent necklace Of diamonds
Lady Geraldine had just returned
from the county ball where her dress
had eclipsed that Of every other NO
man and her diamonds had outshone
all 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 to think how near
ly was to having to give up wearing
diamonds. What a nuisance 1t is to
be har up, and have debts, and nus
band that has gone to the dogs and
disappeared, and does not keep one
supplied with pocket money. But l
can still beat the other women
thanks to, my own ingenuity-and no
one knows but Marie, who has eyes
like a lynx. Heigho!"
Lady Geraldine sighed, aud settled
herself little more comfortably in
her chair. She was not a woman
whom one would naturally be en-
clined to pity, but she had her troubles.
Married young to Capt. Mauleyerer,
Of tho Blues. she had spent year OF
happiness, to be followed by two years
Of estrangement and mutual re-
elimination. Capt. Mauleverer 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
compelled his fight from the coun-
try. Lady Geraldine found the liberty
thus gained decidedly agreeable. She
was clever, II not Intellectual, and a
general favorite at country houses
She had inherited an income Of some
eight hundred a year from an Suns
which enabled her to dress with some
extravaganza, and to keep up a small
house near York, which had come TO
her as bequest. Her most dearly be-
loved possession was an old family
heirloom, a necklace Of diamond, re-
set In the modern style, and worth so
much money that her friends had Of
ten demonstrated with her on keeping
them in the house with no one to de-
fend them but an elderly butler and
A couple OF maids. Lady Geraldine.
however, laughed all such suggestions
to scorn. She was not a nervous wo-
man, and declared herself a match for
any burglar.
While Lady Geraldine sat comfort
ably reviewing her triumphs of the
evening. she heard on the soft carpet
behind her a light football, and sup
posed 1t was her maid.
"You had better put them away in
the safe, Marie" she said.
"You are very kind" said a mascu-
line voice, In low tones. That is ex-
actly what l propose to do. l have
a safe that will hold them admirably"
With a slight shrek the lady turn
ed and saw, standing close behind her,
the figure OF a tall man, dressed en-
tirely In black, and wearing a 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
outcry," said the stranger, whose
gently modulated voice contrasted
oddly with his threatening attitude.
Il should be sorry to make any fuss
but I really cannot afford to have the
house aroused"
Lady Geraldine could certainly not
be called a nervous woman, and aftei
the first shock OF surprise, she rallied
her faculties amazingly. and smiled,
while the color returned to her cheeks.
This is rather an unceremonious
visit, isn't IT," she said. Gentlemen
for gather from your voice that yot
are gentlemen. and gentlemen do moi
a a rule invade ladies' rooms with re
volvers, and wearing masks-may
ask what you waht?"
"I want your diamonds, nothing else
believe me-" replied the intruder
.Nv diamonds7' cried the lady
surely you would not be SO cruel al
10 rob mo OF my chief charms"
Pardon me-" said the visitor. "onll
time can do that"
Lady Geraldine laughed. For al
avowed burglar" she said, you arr
Immensely polite. Do not find 1t payi
I'm your professioni | suppose 1t Is use
full to wheedle servant girls, but yo,
see I am not a servant. and am proc
against aattsry. A diamond necklac'
for a compliment 10 rather too high
price"
~T do not exactly see" said the burg
Ter, quite unruffied. "how you are going
TO avoid H. Johnson is away. and there
are only two women besides yourself IN
the house. think you had better make
the exchange with good grace.
though I can realize that you do not
enjoy your position"
Lady Geraldine looked keenly at the
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