The central record. (Lancaster, Ky.) 18??-current, 1920-07-01

days and Mrs Secrist. who had learned
of Rogers Invitation. spoke pleasantly
the morning ~ their departure.
'You are at liberty 60 wear my opera
cloak tomorrow evening. Muriel. and
any OF my tr.nkets ~ jewelry that
meet your fancy" she said
'Oh. thank you" beamed the de-
lighted Muriel. you are too kind 70
me-"
Il fear ! am working against my own
Interest Ia encouraging Mr. Bird o.
some day steal you away from US"
said Mrs. Secrlst smillngly
"Oh, think there IL no danger 81
that" responded the blushing Muriel.
but secretly hoped so.
Everybody about the house idollzed
the charming girl who had a smile and
a kind word for the humblest mental.
They all exhibited interest and sym
patty In her anticipated evening OF
enjoyment with the manly. handsome
young fellow who was 10 escort her 90
the opera. All the afternoon the house
keeper and the nurse took charge OF
the children 80 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 10
think 81 the generous invitation 20
use what articles Of Jewelry she liked
and n modest neck pin and a ring with
a neat setting were chosen and worn
with compliment happiness. Pleased
and satisfied with her choice. Muriel
was about 90 20 downstairs when
CHANGING 20 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.
'It Is the lovely one that Mrs. Sc
crist wears on grand occasions. so
precious and envied." she murmured
How careless 10 leave such a valu-
able belonging In an unlocked drawer
oh. you beautiesi How does II look
on mel Oh, II I dared-lf I dared :"
She thrilled and trembled at the
suggestion Of what 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 herr For
ence she could pose as a grand lady.
indeed. Yes. she dared. Where was
the harmi She would return Il safe
iy and no one would be the wiser"
you make one think OF some royal
queen" Roger whispered 20 her as re-
moving her wraps at the opera house
she suggested the acme Of royal opu-
lence. Muriel was In a fervent glow
of delight all that evening. The tender
for looking so lovely. She ran up the
stairs 10 her room satisfied. jubilant.
perfectly happy. and then
The necklace it's gone" fell from
her appalled, lips.
Well might the words almost scream
from her ashen lips. Well might she
CULVER and reel She sank TO chair
gasping for breath. A cold horror
came into her face. Then she ran
down the stairs through the vestibule
even out 90 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 20 its wonted cab
met and stole 90 her bed feeling guilty
as some thief.
She passed a restless night. in the
morning sending word To the house
keeper that she was III. Roger called.
20 20 away anxious and Responding.
for she would not see him. What
would Mrs. Secrlst say at the loss OF
her priceless possesslonf How could
she atone for this reckless dalliance
with vanity at such frightful costi
Murlel dreaded the hour when con
fessIon must come. She shrank down
among the pillows the second morn
ing when she heard Mrs. Secrist In the
hall solicltously inqulring about her.
THE poor dear" sounded the
sweetly sympathetic tones. Il must
console ana nurse hef. ieil the hou,c
TO be very quiet until our dear is quite
well again"
"oh, Mrs. Secrist the necklace"
burst forth Muriel as the lady entered
the room. aud then she was dumb As
her startled eyes fell upon the neck
lace In Mrs Secrist's hand.
"Yes. I found Il caught In the lining
Of my opera cloak. II Is only the repli-
ca. you know. worn for ordinary occa-
sion. The real necklace 10 AZ my bank
ers. Why, my loye-quick quickl"
screamed Mrs. Secrist. Miss Murlel
has tainted away"
II was 20 arouse sobblng out In tho
loving arms OF the kind-hearted LADY
the wretched story Of her two days u