Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1898-09-30
Diamond CIII DiQIIOIt.

BIulIlVIlA ONi Blulliullu'
Lady Geraldine Mauleverer sat in
her dressing-room comfortably hab-
tied in dressing gown and slippers,
glancing fondly now and again at
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 wo-
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 l was to having to give up wearing
diamonds. What a nuisance it 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"
Lady Geraldine sighed, and settled
herself a 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. Mauleverer,
of the Blues, she had spent a year of
happiness, to be followed by two years
of estrangement and mutual re-
elimination. Cant. Mauleverer proved
a 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 flight from the coun-
try, Lady Geraldine found the liberty
thus gained decidedly agreeable. She
was clever, If not intellectual and a
general favorite at country houses.
She had inherited an income of some
eight hundred a year from an aunt
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,
hr,xx = faY
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 tall man, dressed en-
tirely in black, and wearing silk mask
which concealed the upper part of his
fece. 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
81 should be sorry to make any fuss
but l really cannot afford to have the
house aroused"
Lady Geraldine could certainly moi
/ be called a 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 unceremonioui
visit, isn't it?" she said. Gentlemen
for gather from your voice that 20,
are gentlemen, and gentlemen do no
a a rule invade ladies' rooms with re
volvers. and wearing masks-may
ask what you want?"
Il want your diamonds, nothing else
believe me-" replied the intruder.
MY diamonds?" cried the lady
surely you would not be so cruel a
to rob me of my chief eharms?"
Pardon me- said the visitor, "onl
time can do that"
Lady Geraldine laughed. For Al
avowed burglar" she said, you ar
immensely polite. Do not find It pay
in your profession? suppose it is use
ful to wheedle servant girls, but 20
see l am not a servant. and am proc
against hattery. A diamond necklae
for a compliment is rather too high
! mice"
Il do not exactly see," said the burg
Ter. quite unrufEied. "how you are goin
to avoid it. Johnson is away, aud ther
are only two women besides yourself
the house. think you had better max
the exchange with a good grace
though / can realize that you do nc
enjoy your position"
Lady Geraldine looked keenly at th
man for a few moments, and then, wit
her foot, pushed chair towards hin
you are rather interesting" sh
said. "Sit down for a few minute
80 toI n IN afa