The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1899-05-10
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Lady Geraldine Mauleverer sat in
her dressing-room comfortably haD-
tied in dressing gown and slippers,
glancing fondly now and again at
large morocco case which stood open
on her dressing and contained
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 I was to having to give up wearing
diamonds What a nuisance it is to
be har up, and have debts, and 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. Heigho!"
Lady Geraldine sighed. and 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. Mauleverer,
Of the Blues, she had spent a year CT
happiness, to be followed by two years
of estrangement and mutual re-
elimination. Capt. Mauleyerer proved
a bad bargain; bad in every sense Of
the word, and when three years after
the marriage the discovery of 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 year from an aunt
which enabled her to dress with some
extratagance, 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 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 light football. and sup
posed it 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 I propose to 90. I have
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 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 after
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 you
are gentlemen, and gentlemen do not
a a rule invade ladies' rooms with re-
yolvers, and wearing nasks-may I
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 as
to rob me Of ny chief charms?"
Pardon me-" said the visitor, "only
time can do that"
Lady Geraldine laughed. For an
avowed burglar" she said, you are
immensely polite. Do not find it pays
in your profession? suppose it is use
full to wheedle servant girls, but you
see 1 am not a servant, and am proof
against fattery. A diamond necklace
for compliment IS rather too high
price
"I do not exactly see" said the burg
lar, quite unrufiied, how you are going
to avoid it. Johnson is away, and there
are only two women besides yourself in
the house I think you had better make
the exchange with good grace
though l can realize that you do mol
enjoy your position
Lady Geraldine looked keenly at the
man for few moments, and then, with
her foot, pushed a chair towards him.
"You are rather interesting" she
said. "Sit down for few minutes.
and let us talk. You will find cigar
cites in that case, and Meraschino i1
the cellaret."
The burglar took the chair offered
him, but declined both tobacco ano
liquor, on the ground that he never
smoke or drank in business hours.
Don't you find that mask rather un-
stuffy?" inquired the lady.
IF you would like to take it or, doD
mind me in the least.
And have my description in the pa
per tomorrow" replied the burglar.