Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1907-07-17
Kitty and
The Cabinet.
By JOHN BEAUMONT.


you think | stole the ring why don't
you say so and search me-,
Vincent cried Eivia. .'how can you
say such a thing?'
I'm simply putting into words what
Miss Celeste has been limiting for the
last ten minutes" he cried.
Celeste may have been unfortunate
In her remarks said John Noailes
soothingly, but she meant nothing of
that sort"
Vincent Chester laughed. Ever since
Miss Celeste Noaiies descended upon
her brothers household at the death of
his wife she had fought Vincent lie
was hoy then. but even then in love
with Elvia, and Miss Celeste had high
err ii.eas of matrimony for her very
attractive niece.
This evening the two had been ex-
.amlning ring. and somehow, none
knew how, 1t had disappeared They.
had hunted all over for 1t. but 1t could
not be found. and 1t was to be expect
ed that Miss Celeste's acid tongue
would but thinly veil her suspicious
thoughts.
IF Mr.. Chester's conscience Is I'M
easy" chuckied Miss Celeste, II can
understand that he takes to himself
purely impersonal speeches"
Vincent turned to Mr.. Noailes. twill
you search me. sir?' he asked.
Nonsense cried his host Celeste.
for heavens sake keep still Ny boy
no one believes that you would steal
anything-except one thing
He patted Eivia's shoulder meaning
ly to explain his last sentence and
thereby added fuel to Miss Celeste's
name.
II don't see why he should not be
searched" she fumed. 1.-The ring was
here moment ago. and now 1t Is
gone"
"You see." said Vincent. Again
ask you to search me-"
"My boy. you were not day old
when l first took you in my arms"
said Mr. Noailes. II would as soon
accuse myself of crime as to believe
1t Of you"
"Well. IL you won't" said Vincent
briskly. an have to do it myself.
guess"
Rapidly he turned out the contents
of his pockets. spreading them on the
table. John Noalles sprang forward as
though to stop him. but Elvia laid a
OBTAINING hand upon his shoulder,
ut Is better So" she whispered. ut
Ia the only way to convince auntie."
They stood silent until the things
had been returned to Crawford's peck
cts; then Mr. Noaies stepped forward,
This should satisfy you. Celeste" he
said sternly. Il want to tell you that
If you ever raise the question again
shall not condone your second offense.
VERY WELL" said Miss Celeste. with
shrug OF her shoulders. Since
seem to be so much In the way here
l suppose that Mr.. Crawford will per
init me to retire"
She swept grandly from the room.
leaving the three to face each other
uncomfortabiy. All knew that Miss
Celeste was not satisfied and were
fearful of her next outbreak.
Each tried to appear ut ease. but the
presently Crawford made an excuse
for taking his departure. Elvia fol-
lowed him to the door.
"will you drop In tomorrow even
ingT she asked. I'VE shall probably
be able to tell you then where we
found the ring"
II am afraid that I cannot get
T. 20 IN s.fF
you find 1t, viii you write?'
won't you come over:' pleaded FL
via. but Vincent shook his head. He
had been shocked by the accusation,
and not even the belief OF Elvia and
her father could salve his wounded
feelings yet 1t seemed almost as
though he were passing out of Elvia's
life.
Up In her room Miss Celeste was sit
ting at her writing table while her
busy pen covered sheet after sheet OF
note paper Not until she had written
dozen pages did she cease her work,
and then, going over to her bureau,
she unlocked the upper drawer and
drew tllerefroln paper covered book
with gaudy title page. From the In
side of this she clipped coupon, which
she ATTACHED. 10 the letter before slip
ping it into an envelope.
A year before while visiting the city
she had been tempted to visit yaude-
Vile theater at which a man and To-
man known as the X-Rays were Great
ing sensation with some mind read
ing accomplishments. Always inclined
to the supernatural. she had been
greatly interested by the Rays accom-
plishment and had slipped back the
next afternoon to purchase some Of the
books which gave her the right TO ask
questions by mail.
Once or twice since then she had con-
suited the oracle, and now she was
writing for advice as to the where
abouts of the ring. 1t was we'll Tor
her faith that she was not present at
fha answering of her question.