THE TIMES, NEW BLOOM El ELI), PA., JANUARY 1, 1878. THAT WOMAN'S SECRET. CONTINUED. ON THE following morning Ralph Marsden eagerly perused the papers half expecting to read an account of the discovery of the dead body of the unfor tunate girl, Laura; but not finding any thing of the kind, concluded that she had been merely stunned. " A curse on the glrll" he muttered, 41 1 fear she will cause me trouble yet. What evil genius brought her to that (place last nighty" i At the appointed time eleven o'clock Ralph Marsden and Major Hclth met M a certain fashionable uptown saloon. " Well, my boy," was the major's fa miliar greeting, " how did you succeed last evening ? Has the fair Mara prom ised to be yours ?" " No," Marsden replied, moodily ; 41 she evidently regards me with but little favor says she would rather die than become my wife ; and all that sort of thing." "Ha hat" laughed the major, "a few days' solitary confinement will probably affect a considerable change in her sentiments. But what ails you this morning ? You seem out of sorts." , "I am," Marsden replied, with an oath, " I was seen to enter Jared Fer cival's last night with that girl." " Ah, by whom ?" " l3y a woman with whom I was once acquainted', but whom I had not until last night seen for a lifetime; and whom I wish I might never see again." " Ah I comprehend; Marsden you're sad fellow ! But how do you know this (erson saw you ?" " She met hie as I left the house, aud told me so." " Well, she put you on your guard ; that's not as bad as it might be." " She begged me to release Mara." "Does she know her?" "No." " Merely made the request out of a sort jtjf sympathy for the girl, eh?" " Yes. I do not suppose I need appre hend any Interference from this woman as far as Mara is concerned. Perclval's doors are closely barred ; the girl is as sale in that house as she would be in the Tombs. It is not in that quarter that I apprehcud danger." " Indeed 1 May I inquire in what quarter you do apprehend danger ?" f-V ' I am engaged to be married to a young lady, an heiress moving In the est society. I care but little for the girl ; but I care a great deal for her mon ey. Now my interview with this woman last night her name, by-the-way, Is Laura Odell was not of the pleasantest description; and I fear I have Incurred her mortal enmity if I had it not be fore. If she should learn of my engage ment I fear she would give my betroth ed some hints of my past lite which might cause me to lose the prize now almost in my grasp." " Is it probable that this woman Laura, knows of your engagement ?" .1 T 41ifnlr cl.A Aiia Yi nf lnf elm tvlaxr learn of it. " Not probable, but possible. It might be well to hasten your marriage how ever." "It is to take place in a month." "I believe you did not mention the lady's name." " It is Alice Leighton." The major started. " Leighton I" he exclaimed. " Not the daughter of Mark Leighton, the banker ?" "The same. Do you know her ?" 44 I have not the honor ; but I was once acquainted with her father." " 'Twas not a pleasant acquaintance, if I may judge from your face ?" " You are right ; but let us dismiss the subject." A few minutes later the two men part ed. We will follow the major. "And so Marsden is to marry the daughter of Mark Leighton," he mut ' lered. " My revenge will then, indeed, lie complete; for the girl cannot but be wretched as his wife. Fortune favors me!" ' The major proceeded but a short dis tance, when he was joined.in accordance with a preconcerted arrangement, by Rodney. " Good-morning," was the young nan's greeting. " I have seen Edith Bentley and Elmore together thia morn ing, ' evidently on the best of terms. They meet daily, I have no doubt, and unless our plans are quickly matured, I shall have no chance to win her. We are wasting valuable time." The major was not in the least down cast. Dn't be discouraged, my dear boy," Le aad ; " it isn't worth while. You . liav me at your side, and you can't fail. Sre will oow take decisive means. I will vjpywltsat work concocting apian shall effectually rid us of this Jt it not already too late 1" 1 It is not already too late !" itone. "Eodney, what is your accustomed energy and fire? But perhaps your love Is cooling, eh?" "Not" the young man, exclaimed, half fiercely. " It will hever diet" 44 Then what alls you, I again ask?" " I am sick of this trifling." "Do you mean to resign the girl to your rival ?" "Never I" "Ha hal Itodney, your vehemence amuses me ; but I like your spirit I like your spirit 1 I see you are desperate ly In earnest. Well, my boy, you need not fear; she shall be yours. Buch is my will, and I never yet fulled In gaining any end, to the - accomplishment of which I give my whole heart as I have given It to this. Yes, Rodney," the major added, after a short pause, "I failed once, most signally failed ! I fulled to win the only woman I ever carod for; one whom I worshipped, adored J of whom I cannot think even now, with out being strangely moved. But all that Is past. You have my word, Rod ney, that Edith Bentley shall be your wife I" "This can only be accomplished in one way." "You mean by putting Walter El more out of ths way ? You are right. You will then be able to win her with out trouble, I am certain. Trust to me for effectually removing him from your path." " What do you propose doing ?" "I don't know. Stay, I have an idea! You remember the conversation we overheard in Union Square betwen El more and his friend, Dr. Oakley, in which he spoke of a mystery surround ing his birth, which he was anxious to penetrate ?" "Yes." " He would do much to learn tho Becret of his parentage," Bald the lnajr, mus ingly. " Yes, itodney, I believe the plan I have in my mind would prove a success. Let us go in here and talk it over." They entered a saloon which they were passing, and seating themselves at a table, ordered brandy. For some min utes they discussed the major's project in a low tone. " Do you know any one whom you could trust to do the job?" asked Rod ney, when the major had given him an idea of the foul plot he had concocted. 4 1 do ; but I will not trust the secret to the keeping of another. I will strike the blow myself. It will be the safest." " You are right ; but cannot I, in some way, assist you 1"' " No ; I can do better alone." " Very well. But do you not think Bentley will suspect us when Elmore is missed?" " If he should he would not dare make his thoughts known." "Are you sure?" " Positive. He is in my power ; he would not venture to speak. But I do not think he will suspect either of us. Leave all to me, Rodney ; and rest assur ed that Elmore will be removed from your path." " When do you propose putting this plan into execution ?" " I'll consider the matter a day or two longer, and when everything is ready I will inform you." " Very well ; I leave it all to you." "Don't think me conceited, my dear boy, if I say it could not be in better hands." The days wore wearily on ; but Henry Oakley could obtain no clue to Mara 'a whereabouts. Ralph Marsden, meanwhile, visited her dally, renewing at each visit, his proposition of marriage, which was al ways met with a firm refusal. He assum ed, in her presence a calm and agreeable demeanor; and endeavored in every way to induce her to look more favora bly upon him ; but she loathed and ab horred him ; and had determined to die by her own hand rather than under any circumstances to be his. One morning, the fifth after Mara 'a disappearance from her home, a woman, dressed in black and heavily veiled took her station In Twentieth street at point where she could see any one who might enter or leave Jared Fercival's mansion. For half-an-hour she stood watching. At the expiration of this time she perceived a man, evidently servant, leaving the house. " Now," she murmured, " may Heav en aid me or that poor girl is forever lost. Weak and foolish I know I am ; but because of what Ralph MarBden once was to me i wouiu lain spare aim ex posure and disgrace. But at any cost this girl must be saved. If it can be done without harming Ralph it shall be if not, though I would gladly spare him he must sutler the consequences of his crime." This woman was Laura . Odell. She followed the servant until they were out of sight of the house; then, moving swiftly forward she touched his arm saying: "You are employed in the house No. 20th street ?" " I am," was the reply. 44 1 want you to do me a favor." 'What Is it V" the man asked sus piciously. 44 Do you know Ralph Marsden ?" 44 Perhaps I do, perhaps I don't. Why do you ask that question, ma'am V" 1 He has a young girl imprisoned in an apartment in that house." 1 That's none of my business," said the mun ; 44 I've nothing to do with it." ' But you know In what room she is Imprisoned V" 44 1 know nothing about It." 44 For Heaven's sake!" exclaimed Laura, with a sudden burst of feeling, "do not drive me mad t Will you not answer my question V" 44 1 know nothing about it," repeated the man. 44 You are paid to know nothing." 44 Perhaps," replied the fellow with a significant smile. 44 Here Is money," Bald Laura, forcing a ten-dollar note into his hand. 44 Now answer my question ; are you acquaint ed with the location of the young lady's apartment ?" Well, then, I am! but if Mr. Ter- clval knew I'd said even that I believe he would kill me! I'm paid to keep my eyes shut, ma'am. I've no right to know anything about his business affairs." 44 But you do know that he Is at the head of a notorious gambllng-hell, situ ated In that house, and gold can secure his aid In any scheme, however vile ; that he is a man utterly devoid of prin ciple." 4 1 know he pays me regularly ; and good pay I get, too ; and I've no light to be standing here talking over his private affairs with a stranger. I must go." 44 No no!" cried Laura, grasping the man's arm, 44 you must not leave me yet." " Why not. What do you want ?" Laura trembled witli agitation as she answered : 44 1 want you to procure me admit tance to that young lady's room." The man stored. 44 Impossible !" he exclaimed. 44 I couldn't Uo it. It's out or the ques tion." 44 But I must see her," Laura cried, passionately, 44 you can admit me if you will." 41 Oh, ma'am, I wouldn't dare do it. If 'twas found out as it surely would be I don't know what would become of me. I can't do it." 44 Do not say that, or my wretched heart will break, .Indeed! I tell you, it intuit be done. See here," drawlwr a purse from her pocket, "here are twenty dollars, all the money I have In the world ; the price of many weary hours ; an is yours u you will iiut secure me ten minutes conversation with that lady." 44 The man's cupidity was excited ; ho looked eagerly at the money. 41 1 don't know," he muttered, uncer tain what he had better do. Laura observed his hesitation with joy. 41 Why don't you decide at once to do as I wish ?" she cried. " Twenty dollars are not so easily earned every day." 44 What do you want to see the young lady for?" " 1 desire a tew minutes conversa tion with her on a subject of great im portance." 41 If you are going to try together out I tell you now I can't afford to be a party to no such plan. If she leaves the room with you, I'll give the alarm.". 44 She will not leave the room with me." 44 Well then, I'll do as you wish ; I'll admit you." "When shall you return to the house?" 44 1 ought to be there now. I'm going to the market to leave an order ,and from there straight home. When you enter it must be at the basement door, and you must leave in the same way. Then if you should be seen, you would, per haps, be taken for a friend, I could say you were my sister." 41 In fifteen minutes I will be at the door. Watch for me from a window and be ready to admit me." 44 1 will, ma'am ; and the money the twenty dollars " 44 Shall be yours w hen I am inside the house." 44 Very well. Oh! if this should be found out, I don't know what Mr. Ter cival would do." 44 If questioned, I would not Implicate you. But do not think of such an oc currence. The door of this young glrl'i room will it not be locked ?" 44 It Is fastened by a spring lock, and can be opened from the outside; but if you shut the door when you are inside you cannot open it unless you know where to look for the spring ; and this I cannot tell you, for Mr. Percival keeps it a secret from the servants." 41 Then I must leave the door ajar dur ing my visit," exclaimed Laura. 44 No; that won't do; for some one passing through the hall might notice it. You shut the door ; and how long Uo you want to remain there ?" " Ten minutes; only ten minutes." 41 Well, then, ten minutes after your arrival I'll come and open the door for you, and let you out." " Agreed." 14 Now I'll go. In fifteen minutes you'll be at the door?" 44 In fifteen minutes." The man hastened away. 44 Now," murmured Laura Odell, 'Heaven aid me; and in mercy grant that I be not too late;" 44 If Jared Percival should find me out he'd murder me," muttered the man, as he rc-entfered the house. 44 It's risky ; women but seldom enter the house, and should she be seen, It would occasion me a deuced deal of trouble. But I heed that twenty-dollar bill, and I'll risk It." In fifteen minutes Laura Odell was at the door. The man admitted her with out being perceived. 44 Which room ?" she whispered. "Second floor, back." 44 Very well ; here is your money. In ten minutes come to release me." "I will." Laura Odell proceeded In haste up the velveted staircase, and entered the desig nated room, closing the door noiselessly behind her. . , Mara Sydney was seated upon a sofa. As Laura entered she sprang up. ' Who are you ?" she cried. . , . " I am a friend," Laura said, throw ing aside her veil. "Speak in a lower tone. I am here to release you." 44 To release me I" Mara exclaimed. " So I said ; but speak low. . My pres ence In this house is known by but one person a servant whom I bribed to ad mit me. In ten minutes this man will open this door to allow me to depart ; then you miiBtgo." " But will he allow ua both to leave ?" 44 No.; you must change clothes with me. We are of about the same height ; and in this dress, my veil concealing your face, you Will be able to easily pass for me." Oh, madame, I cannot do this! What would become of you ?" 44 Think not of me. You must do as I bid you I Insist upon it. To remain here would be certain ruin. Ralph Marsden has asked you to be his wife?" "He has." With sudden fear the woman asked : 44 You have not consented ?" 44 No; nor never will." 41 Child," Laura Odell exclaimed, "(for though you are but a few years my Junior, you seem but a child to me) per haps you, in your innocence, suppose that this man would in reality make you his wife. No no ; your marriage would be but a mockery of that holy rite ; and when, after a few weeks, he tlredof you, he'd send you from him wretched, dis graced, ruined forever." "Lady," Mara exclaimed, "you chill my very blood." "But," cried Laura, "wo are wasting precious moments. Quick ! make no further objections ; dress in my clothes, and as you value the happiness of your future life, make haste." Mara did as she was directed; and soon the two women had changed garments. "But what will become of you ?" ex claimed Mara. "How can I leave you in this place ; in the power of that man ?" 44 1 do not believe that Ralph Marsden will harm me," said Laura. 44 Fear not for me, dear girl ; if you are saved, I shall be happier than I have been for many weary months." 44 Will you tell me your name ?" " 'Tis a disgraced one ; but you shall know It. 'TIs Laura Odell." 44 1 will remember it in my prayers. But we must meet again." 44 Never ; my company is not for you. But if you will pray for me, for my peace hereafter, perhaps Heaven will graciously answer your supplication, and give me rest. Ah ! these tears ; they are the first I have shed for long mouths." The woman's frame shook with emotion. 44 But our time must have almost ex pired," she exclaimed. 44 Be ready to act your part. Before you go, tell me your name." 44 You "do not know It ? You have done all this for an utter stranger ? My name is Mara Sydney." At this moment the servant opened the door. Laura's face was buried in her hands, and Mara'a was heavily veil ed. The man noticed nothing to excite his suspicions, though he glanced sharp ly around the room, and at the women He conducted Mara to the door. The young girl quickly made her exit, and once more was free. 44 Cau this be true." The speaker was Alice Leighton, a beautiful blonde, a society belle; the person addressed, her friend Edith Ben ley; the locality, the parlor of Miss Leighton 's residence ; the time, . the morning on which the events reluted in our last chapter, occurred. 44 Can this be true?" Alice Leigliton exclaimed, her face pale with emotion 44 There can be little doubt of it, I fear," Edith replied. . On this evening during Edith Bent ley'a visit, Alice Informed her of her ap proaching marriage. On hearing MarBden 's name, Edith could not restrain a start of surprise, which Alice, with a young girl's curios ity, wished explained. Edith hesitated, much distressed. She had heard from Walter Elmore the story of Marsden's persecution of Marti Sydney, and of the character he bore among those who know him best. She believed that he was an unprinci pled man ; but should she tell her frleud all this ? Edith's was a perplexing position. She could not bear to think of ruining Alice's happiness ; but would she be justified In remaining silent and allow ing this young girl to become the wife of such a man as she believed Marsden to be? Her hesitation was of but short dura tion. In fe few words, Edith told her friend what she had heard. 44 Forgive me, dear Alice," she said, "for thus wounding your feelings. Be lieve me, it pains me most deeply to tell you this, but, Alice, I feel that you ought to know it." 44 Ah, Edith 1" Alice said, 44 1 could never be happy with such a man as I now believe Ralph Marsden to be. I would sooner far sooner die than be come his wife !" Ay, Edith, much as I have loved him, I can only say that. But he shall have an opportunity of proving his Innocence. When he visits me this morning and I expect him momentarily I will confront him with these charges, and in bis face read his innocence or guilt. And you say that Ralph Marsden Is suspected of abduct ing this Miss Sydney ?" 44 He is, by Dr. Oakley: but there is no proof that he is guilty." 44 Have detectives been employed ?" 44 Yes at least one ; a private detect ive, named Stoncr." 41 This man has kept a watch on Ralph?" ! 44 He has; but he can learn nothing of the missing girl." To be Continued. ' YEGETINlJ AN EXCELLENT MEDICINl. Springfield, O., Feb. 18.1877. This Is to certify that 1 liave used Veifetine. manufactured by It. It. Stevens, Boston, Mass., for Rheumatism uud General l'rostiaton of tlio Nervous System, with good success. I recom mend Vegetlue as an excellent medlciie for such complaints. . lours very iruiy. C. W. VANDJOIFT. Mr. Vandeglft. of the firm of Vindeelft & Huffman. Is a well known business mm In this place, having one of the largest storeslu Hgriiig held, Ohio. OUK MINISTER'S WIFE.! Louisville, Ky., Feb, 16, 18T7. Mr. It. it. Stevens. Dear Hlr, Three years ago I was sutering ter ribly with Inflammatory lClieumatisin.i Our min ister's wife advised me take Vegetlne. (After tak ing one bottle, I was entirely rehired. This year, feeling a return of the disease, I tain com menced taking It, and am benefitted featly. it also greatly Improves my digestion, Itespecffully, Whs. A. BALLARD. 1011 West Jefferson street. j SAFE AND BUItE. I Mr. H. It. Stevens. I In your Vegotine was recomnended to me; and, yielding to the persuasions o a friend,! consented to try tt. At the time I wai suffering from general debility and nervous irostratlon, superinduced by overowork and Irregilnr habits, lis wonderful strengthening and curalve proper ties seemed to affect my debilitated syitem from the ttrst dose: and under Its perslstenuse I rap Idly recovered, gaining more than umal health and good feeling. Slnje then I have lot hesita ted to give Vegetine my most uuquallied Indorse ment as being a safe, sure, and powertil agent In promoting health and restoring the tasted sys tem to new life and energy. Vegetlnels the only medec ne I use, and as long as 1 live I never ex -pect to find a better. ' Vours trulv. W. H. (T.AHK, 120 Monterey Street, Allegkeny, Fenn. VMGETINE. The following 'letter . from Eev. ci W. Mans field, formerly ihstor of the M. K. Chareh, Hyde Park, and at pretent settled In Lowell.' must con vince every oneMio reads his letter 1 the won derful curative uall ties of Vegetine at a thor ough cleanser aid purifier of the blooi. Hyde Fark. Mass.. Feb. 15,1876. Hit H. li. Btevtfis. DearSIr, Abfut ten years ago my health failed through the deleting effects of dyspetsla ; nearly a year later I Wis attacked by typhoid fever In Its worst form. Ilsettied in my back, and took ths form of a larg!deep-seated abscess, which was 15 months in gatlerlng. I had two surgical opera tions by the but skill In the (state, bat received no permanent icure. I suffered great pain at times, and I wis constantly weakened by a pro fuse dischargoj I also lost small pieces of bone at different timet Matters ran'on thus about seven years, till May, 18)4. wlii a friend recommended me to go to your office, tnd talk with you of the virtue of Vegetine. I (Id so, and by your kindness passed through yourmanufactory, noting the Ingredi ents, &c, by which your remedy Is produced. By what I w and heard I gained some conn deuce In Vetftlne. I commented taking It soon after, but felt worse from Is effects! still I persevered and soon felt it was bttefttting mo In other respects. You I did not settjhe results I desired till I had taken It faithfully r a little more than a year, when thedlfltcultylnthe back was cured; and forulue months I hale enjoved the best of health. l nave in nac tune gauiea twenty nve pounns of flesh, bells heavier than ever before In mv life, and I tis never more able to perform labor than now. During tl past few weeks I had scrofulous swelling as uiy body. I took V nge as my Drat on another part of retlne faithfully, and It removed It. level with I IA SMrfui.A In A iiiiintti T thlnlr T should hate been cured of my m'jflir trouble sooner If Iliad taken larger dota niter having become acfustomed to Its etf ,.t. Let ouHaii'ous troubled with scrofula or kid ney diseaf understand tn,t It takes time to cure chroniodii-ases;aiiii, If they will patiently take ngrunrut "" " '"J juuguieui, cure mem. ,1 IVII B'P11 A kours very truly. O. W. MANSFIELD. Pastor of the M. li. Church. Prepare H. I., STEVENS, Boston, Mass. Veef ne Is Solil br all Diinrrlats. Jan ryl.187S.liu.
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