Year: 1871

spent in looking over the contents of the
old gentleman's desk, / saw her grasp what
appeared to me to be a small box or casket
close and lock the drawer, and then waving
her hands aloft, with u singularly trium-
phant gesture, hurry from the room. That
this young woman had been guilty of theft
/ was perfectly aware also, felt sure that
she was some relative of the proprietor of
the mansion and more than all did l real
ize that the fearful consequences of this
work would react upon an innocent and
formerly highly esteemed member of the
household. How did l know this ?" Per-
haps | reasoned from cause and effect with
out really being aware that such was the
case. Perhaps, having been let to see this
strange performance, was peculiarly acted
upon as to the result. However that might
be, it seemed that the troubled future of
that family was thoroughly daguerreotyped
upon my heart. After while the old gen
tleman entered the library, followed by an
elderly lady took to be his wife; then a
young gentleman-I had often noticed him
beforehand last of all the lady in white,
with wide scarlet sash and neck-ribbon.
Soon after young woman, whom had al
so often seen in the garden, apparently the
governess, as she always had n little curly
headed boy by her side, entered, leading
the urchin for the sole purpose, it would
seem, of bidding them all goodnight. The
4 4,o l. IL, =. 1.


ressed him for a while, and after short
frolic with each one he was led off by roy
erness. Then the young gentleman drew
the shades and | saw no more that night.
1t was some time before / could sufficiently
Danish the occurrence to sleep, and the first
thought upon waking the next morning
was the strange scene of the previous even
ing My first glance at my neighbours Ii
brary was sufficient to assure me that the
theft was discovered. The old gentleman
with his hands clasped behind him, paced
slowly up and down the apartment. His
wife, assisted by the young woman who
had ransacked every nook and corner the
night before, went through the farce of ex-
animation. The old man was evidently too
grieved and stunned to join in the search.
During the forenoon the young govorness
entered, having to all appearance been sent
for, for the purpose of questioning. For q
moment she stood, it appeared to me, in
silent wonderment then advanced quickly
to the centre of the room and confronted
the old gentleman. The little boy ran into
the library, and caught her by the hand.
The owner of the white robe--this morning
she was dressed in white merino wrapper
faced with cherry, and cherry trimmings
arose from her chair by the library table
and with an imperious gesture, perfectly
observable from my distapce even, drew
the child away from the side of his compan-
ion. Then the poor girl hid her face in her
handkerchief, and left the room. 1t was
plain then as the sun at midday The
gOgerness lad been accused Of tie theft.


What was my duty in the premises (?
When took into consideration that had
not heard word spoken, did not even
know what had been stolen, and had only
the pictures of the different scenes to rely
on for proof, my position was a very pecu-
liar one, to say the least.


1t was certainly very delicate business
to call at that strange house, and describe
to the proprietor what had seen. All day
long | wondered what course it was best
to pursue-all the while so utterly uncom-
"a, bat Of
quite out of the question. just at evening
was summoned to the parlor to meet
gentleman friend / noticed Immediately
that he was in great agitation.


81 called" said he, ain behalf of a
young lady friend Of mine who is in great
trouble. She has neither relatives or ac-
quaintances In the city. Can you-will
you give her shelter for few days until
the storm Of abuse blows over, and she can
again hold up her poor head?'


My thoughts Immediately flew to the
house of my neighbor, and l asked
"Does she live over there?" pointing in the
direction. "And is she tho victim of a
terrible accusation ? Charged with stealing
isn't She"


"Good heavens yes, " he replied. GLOW
did you know? hadn't the slightest idea
that it had got to be common talk. | am
afraid it will kill herr ., U


~ have not heard syllable" / answer
ed "not one. / have simply guessed,
that's all and ! know she is innocent and
perhaps my boy, | can help prove it,"


"God grant it y said he fervently.
"But how did you suspect? Who could
hova bintnI ~ o,,ch a thinc,