The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1902-01-04

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you'll have to go tomorrow after
noon," said |.
thanksgiving" said he. Its Il
beastly day to call, for you can never
know whom people will be dining.
However, l can't keep this thing any
longer
1t was about o'clock the next after
noon when I took leave of Stuart on
the corner nearest the Newell resi-
dence. He was very nervous, and as
adjusted the large chrysanthemum
which concealed the work of the moth
l perceived that the perspiration stood
in drops on his forehead. He is atllct-
cd with excessive baShfulncsS and was
sensitive about his attire. He is also
Invariably disturbed by any matter of
money, so that even so simple Il thing
is returning this purse with So il it
shook his nerve.
Concerning what happened after
ward ] am, of course, indebted to him
for all my information. 1t appears
that he gave his card to a butler of
formidable appearance and was usher
cd into a drawing room chillngly mag
niticent. He was surprised at its emp
tiness on this fcstal day, and his men
tai disturbance was increased by Il
guess that the family must be at din
that begins by the hero tearing the
heroine away from her turkey and
cranberry sauce.
1t was Il nervous time while Stuart
waited for this girl whom he had alb
surdly made the princess in many
dream castles. At last he heard Il step.
lie hastily glanced into Il mirror to as
sure himself that all was well and per-
ccivCd with horror that the chrysanthc-
mum had slipped out of place. He had
barely time to clasp his hand upon it
when Il lady entered the room.
She was very thin and nearly six feet
tall. Her features were unusually
sharp and her eyes small and indie
scrihably picrcius. She seemed to be
above thirty years DID, and an enemy
might have said forty.
Stuart looked il vain for any rcscnl-
blancc to the sweet face Of the old pho
tograph, and his heart sank within
him.
Miss Newcll:' he faltcred.
"No, sir said the lady, eying him
sharply. u am her aunt. You called
about the pockcibooE, bClicve""
Stuart was aware that his manner
was wavcring and uncertain, and he
observed that Miss Ncwclls aunt view
ed him with cold suspicion. What could
she fear? He had come voluntarily to
return lost property.
Il was with my niece when she lost
the purse" said the lady. I'm visiting
here for Thanksgiving. The folks are
all out. The purse was made of lizard
skin. There were some samples of silk
in it, some cards and $50 in money"
FIFTY dollars." repeated Stuart, and
his voice sounded to his own ears faint
and faraway.
Il said $50" responded the aunt
somewhat sharply.
"Ycs, yes; of course" said Stuart.
One hand held the chrysanthemum
and the other n handkerchief, with
which he mopped his forehead. His
wits were clean gone. He knew only
that he never could tell this fearful
woman that there had been only So in
the purse,
The truth was clear to him despite
his confusion. \ thief had found the
book, had taken out the SO, which had
been in plain sight, and had then toss
ed it away without finding the 81 IN
the little compartment. Eut how tel
such a tale to this creature with tho
gimlct eyes?
81 regret that | have not the purse
with me-" he stammcred. at was III
oversight. Being in the neiGhborhooC
unexpectedly. thought that | woult
drop in and relieve Miss Newelrs anX
icty"
''If the purse is at your lodgings
said the lady, Il will send servant
for it,
Stuart gaspcd. His brain whirlcd il
an agony Of thought. If he could pI1
this thing off till tomorrow. his chccl
would come, and he could supply til,
missing money. Better, far better, tina
he should starvc during the ensuing
month than attempt an explanation
that would leave him forever under