The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1920-05-15
A HOSTAGE I'd
VANITY
BY OTlLLIA r. PFEIFFER

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Bard had invited her to the opera an,
for his sake she wished to appear a
her best, II needed no art to enhanc,
her natural beauty and gr.cefulness
bur like every young girl, self adorn
mebt appealed to her and the chance
OF her life TO particularly shine In tn,
eyes Of others lured her into a maze
Of trouble.
She had been the home teacher Of
little Nina and Paul Secrist. children
Of very wealthy parents, and both Mr
aud Mrs. Secrist were kindly indulg
ent 10 her and allowed her to share In
The best there was in the house. The
parents we're going away for a few
days ard Mrs. Secrist, who had learned
of Rogers invitation, spoke pleasan y
the morning of their departure.
You are at liberty to wear my opera
cloak tomorrow evening. Muriel, and
any of my trinkets of jewelry that
meet your fancy" she said.
"Oh. thank your" beamed the de-
lighted Muriel. you are too kind to
me-"
Il fear am working against my own
interest in encouraging Mr.. Bird to
some day steal you away from u.s."
said Mrs. Secrist smilingly.
oh. think there Is no danger of
that" responded the blushing Muriel,
but secretly hoped so.
Everybody about the house idolized
the charming girl who had smile and
Kind word for the humblest mental.
They all exhibited interest and SYM
patly In her anticipated evening of
enjoyment with the manly. handsome
Young fellow who was to escort her to
the opera. All the afternoon the house
keeper and the nurse took charge of
the children so that Muriel would have
ample leisure to prepare and dress
for the occasion.
About dusk Muriel went into Mrs.
Secrist's room of which she had been
left the key. She was enchanted TO
hlnk on the generous invitation to
use what articles OF jewelry she liked
and modest neck pin and ring with
with cornpiacent happiness. Pleased
ana satisfied with her choice. Muriel
was about to go downstairs when
CHANGING to open a drawer her eyes
were fixed upon an article of adorn-
ment that fairly fascinated her. In
enraptured ecstacy Muriel Toasted her
eyes on the beautiful necklace that
looked up at her from its nest Of satin.
ut is the lovely one that Mrs. Sc
crist wears on grand occasions. so
precious and envied." she murmured.
How careless to leave such valu-
able belonging in an unlocked drawer.
Oh, You beauties! How does II look
on me? Oh. II I dared-if dared !"
She thrilled and trembled at the |
suggestion of what a rare three hours |
pleasure she could have from wearing
this marvel Of worth and beauty. Her
breath came quick as she gazed upon |
her reflection In the mirror. How |
proud Roger would be of her! For
ence she could pose as a grand lady. |
indeed. Yes, she dared. Where was /
the harm7 She would return 1t SAFE
~ and no one would be the wiser"
You make one think of some roya,
qneen," Roger whispered to her as re-
moving her wraps at the opera house
she suggested the acme of royal opu-
ience. Muriel was In a fervent glow
of delight all that evening. The tender
parting words Of Roger rewarded her
Tor looking so lovely. She ran UP the
stairs TO her room satisfied, jubilant,
perfectly happy. and then
1.-THE necklace! it's !" fell from
her appalled, lips.
Well might the words almost scream
from her ashen lips. Well might she
culver and reel. She sank to a chair
gasping for breath. A cold horror
came into her face. Then she ran
down the stairs through the vestibule
even out to the curb, looking every
where. returning sick at heart. weep
Ing In despair that seemed to shroud
the world In darkness She restored
the opera cloak to its wonted cab
met and stole to her bed feeling guilty
AS some thief.
She passed restless night, in the
morning sending word to the house
Keeper that she was Ill. Roger called.
to go away anxious and Responding,
for she would not see him. What
would Mrs. Secrist say at the loss Of
her priceless possession? How could
she atone for this reckless dallIance
with vanity at such frightful cost?
Muriel dreaded the hour when con-
fession must come. She shrank down
among the pillows the second morn
NJ VIXEN she heard Mrs. Secrist In the
aall solicftously inquirfng about her.
'7he poor deari sounded the
'weetfy sympathetic tones. II must
'sAsols and nurse her. Tell the house
o b very quiet until our dear is quite
veil again."
"Oh. Mrs, Secrlst! the necklace -
'urst forth Muriel as the lady entered