THE TIMES, NEW BL00MF1ELT), 1A JANUA11Y H, 1878. THAT WOMAN'S SECRET. OONT1NIIEK. " rpjIEN'saM Alice, "It mlgbt be A she was not abducted by him. It seems to me that If the detective was at all vlgllunt, and Ralph Marsden ever vlnlted the place where he might have the girl con fined, that some diecovery would, ere this place, have been made." " True," Edith replied. The door-bell rang. " Tls Marsden 1" Alice exolalmed.her faro becoming a shndo paler. "Dear Kdlth, will you wait In tho library until he has gone V" Edith assented, and Alice conducted her to the designated apartment. When she re-entered the library Ralph Marsdcn hastened to meet her. " Dear Alice," he began, but checked himself, noticing an unusual expression in her face, and hastily exclaimed : " What Is the mattet t What has hap pened ?" " ltalph Marsden," Alice said, In a clear, unfaltering tone, " I have heard that since I saw you last which has given me a new insight to your charac ter. I Ah 1 your paling face tells of guilt ! You have deceived me from the first." A guilty conscience, It Is said, needs uo accuser. ltalph Marsden had, of late appre hended exposure from Laura Ordell, and ow the thought of her at once rushed to his mind. He was convinced that she had be trayed him. Something of his agitation was visi ble In his face ; but he soon gained, In a degree, his equanimity, and exclaimed, with well-feigned astonishment: " Alice, what do you mean t Of what do you accuse me V" " In reply I will ask you one question aud I wish, I demand, a truthful' answer: Did you, a few nights since, abduct a young glcl from her home, and " Involuutarily, Marsdeu's white Hps Uttered the word: " Betrayed 1" while his face became distorted with passion. He doubted not that Laura Ordell had told Miss Leighton all she knew of him which was enough to condemn him in the eyes of any pure woman. " No more!" Alice exclaimed, " leave me. I thank Heaven I have been warn ed in time; and spared a union with one who would have made me miserable for life." " I will leave you !" Marsden exclaim ed, hoarsely; "and rest assured that the wretched woman from 'whom you received your warning will be amply re paid ere long for the service, the in estimable service she has rendered you." Alice Leighton shrank from him, ter rified at the fierce passion he exhib ited. He swept past her, and rushed from the house like a madman. "Ahf'he mutteredfiercely, as he hastened down the street, attracting the attention of all passers-by, by his de meanor ; " if I had her in my power now her .life would not be worth a minute's purchase. Curse her I she's lost me a cool million, and a fair reputa tion. I knew how it would be if Alice got the least inkling of any of my little indiscretions ; but after all my care, it's all out all up I But I'll find Laura Ordell ; I'll hunt her up if it takes me the rest of my life, and when I meet her, she will have cause to bitterly re pent the day when she crossed my path. And now I'll go to my captive, my pretty Mara ; and to-day, willing or un willing, she shall be mine! I'll stand upon no ceremony, I have already de layed too long." So saying, the villain turned his steps towards Jared Terclval's, his whole being stirred with conflicting emotions. Scarcely had Ralph Marsden left tho house when Alice Leighton fell fainting to the floor. A moment later Edith was by her side. " What Is this ? What alls my daugh terV" cried old Mark Leighton, entering the parlor; "just now I met Marsden hurrying down the street like a mad man, not even stopping to return my friendly greeting ; and now I find Alice in this condition. What is the mat tery In a few minutes Edith told the old gentleman all. By the time her story was finished Alice had recovered con sciousness. " And so he is a rascal after all !" ex claimed Mr. Leighton. " I have heard whispers derogatory to his character; but, although I never liked him, I re frained from mentioning them.thinking that the marriage with the woman he loved might change him, and knowing that a separation would make my dear daughter miserable,' " Father," Alice said, " I could never te happy with such a man. Though it is very hard to give him up (for I loved him very dearly), I do so with deep thankfulness that I have been pre served," "The villain!" Mr. Leighton ex claimed, " he shall pny dearly for the misery he Is causing you ! How daied " Hush hush, dear father ; don't say or do anything more about it. It's all over now, and might have been far wowo for I might have married him. Please don't talk so." " Well-well dear, I will not," said the old man, stroking her forehead tenderly. Then turning to Edith, he added : "In regard to this missing young lady, have the police been Informed V have detectives been employed V" "One-a Mr. Stoner." "Stoner!"Mr. Leighton exclaimed. " What ! Abel Stoner f My dear young lady, that man Is one of the greatest rascals In New York, and If he can get higher pay to hold his tongue than to tell what lie knows, he'll accept it. I've had dealings with the man, and know him thoroughly." " Dr. Oakley and Mr. Elmore have the greatest confidence In him," said Edith. " They are deceived, for he Is a scoun drel, lie once belonged to the regular detective force, but was discharged for a flagrant misdemeanor. He started as a private detective, and with a few as sistants as unscrupulousas hlmself,man ages to make considerable money one way or another. He's a smart man, but he puts his talents to a very bad use. I don't doubt he Is in Ralph Mursden's pay." " Then all the time that has been spent In the search has been lost?" " Probably ; he may know where the girl Is, but if he can get higher pay from other parties for keeping the fact to himself than he can from Dr. Oakley for making It known, he will take it." "What can be done V" Edith usked. " I'll see the girl's friends myself. If possible she shall be saved from a life of ignominy and shame. I will see Dr. Oakley at ouce. I can sympathize with him, for I once lost one very dear to me in a similar mysterious way." " Indeed, sir V" "Yes, Miss Bentley. I refer to my daughter, my first child, who disappear ed one night eighteen years ago, and whose fate, despite untiring search, 1 have never to this day learned. She was an infant then ; now, if alive, she is a woman. I never expect to meet her on earth again." Mr. Leighton was much affected. Edith ventured to ask a few particu lars. " She was stolen from her cradle," the old man Bald, " while the nurse was for a few minutes absent from the room. By whom the deed was done has ever remained a -profound mystery one which I dare not, at this late day, ever hope to solve." Mara Sydney, when she had left the gaming house where she had so long been a prisoner, walked rapidly toward Broadway. She did not feel really se cure until she reached that crowded thoroughfare. Then came the thought where should she go?" She in stinctively distrusted Mrs, Van Dyke. She dreaded to go back to the woman, for she suspected her of complicity in her abduction. Mara's feelings toward her had never been those of affection; Mrs. Van Dyke's demeanor toward her had ren dered it Impossible that they should be. But she remained with the woman In the hope of some day learning the se cret of her parentage for she had never believed Mrs. Van Dyke's story of their relationship; she had noticed many discrepancies in the different statements which had been made to her, and had many reasons for believing that some thing was concealed from her. But she knew it would be useless to question the woman on the subject, so she had silent ly waited and watched, but had learned nothing. Having determined not to return to Mrs. Van Dyke's, her position became a perplexing one. Where could she find a home ? After a few moments' thought she determined to go to Mr. Oakley and ask his advice. She had the greatest confidence In the youug physician, and thought she would be willing to abide by his decision. Acting upon this thought she immediately proceeded to his oftlce. A servant ushered her to the room in which he was seated. " Mara!" He clasped her in his arms and kissed her pale Hps again and again. Innumer able questions were asked and answered. I will not attempt to describe the entire Interview ; let us pass over ten min utes, at the expiration of which time we find them seated in remarkably close proximity to each other, engaged in an animated conversation. " And so, dearest, you come to me for advice, believing me to be your best friend." "Yes, Henry." , " You shall never regret your confi dence In me, dear Mara. Well, I have advised you to the best of my ability ; and, if my counsel Is heeded, you will, In a week's time, be Mrs. Henry Oak ley." There was no reply, but a glance. " In the meantime," the young man continued, " you shall remain with my aunt the mother of Miss Davis, your forewoman at Marsden & Miller's, who lives In D street; and who will, I know, extend to you a hearty wel come." A few moments later Henry Oakley and Mara Sydney were on their way to D street. They found Henry's aunt at home. She willingly accepted the charge, being very favorably im pressed by the young girl's appear ance. When Henry had arranged all to his satisfaction, he left the two ladles together, and returned to his office. He found a gentleman waiting for him there who Introduced himself as Mark Leigh ton. He stated that he had heard of the search then being made for Miss Syd ney, and had called to offer Ills as sistance in prosecuting It. "You have been deceived in Abel Stoner," the old gentleman said. "Jle is a rascal, and no doubt has Interested motives in putting you off the track. Waste no more time with him ; but se cure the services of responsible and reli able parties. I will assist you in doing so." " I thank you for your kindness," Henry said; " but there Is no need of further search. The young lady is found;" and he acquainted Mr. Leigh ton, with all tho particulars of the affair. " I have no doubt," said the old gen tleman, when the doctor had concluded his narrative, " that Stoner is in the pay of this Perclval or Marsden ; were It otherwise, you would have assuredly heard of Miss Sydney's whereabouts long ago. I should like to meet this young lady, doctor; will you favor me with an Introduction V" " I will, sir, with pleasure, at the first opportunity. But I'm wasting time. It is my intention to proceed at once to this house In Twentieth street, and de mand the release of the girl, Laura Ordell." "flood heavens! yes, sir," exclaimed the old gentleman, starting from his seat. Tills should have been done be fore. I will accompany you. We will secure the aid and co-operation of the police. I have heard of that house be fore. We will break up the foul den this day or there's no law In New York!" The two men left the office, and hastened on their mission. Walter Elmore was about entering his hotel on the morning when the events above stated occurred, when his sleeve was pulled, and a letter thrust into his hand by a ragged urchin, who imme diately disappeared in the crowd which thronged the street. Walter glanced at the envelope which bore his name. Then he walked slowly into the hotel, opening the letter as he paced the mar ble hallway. The scene had been witnessed from a short distance by Major Heith, who, on seeing the letter safely delivered, rubbed his hands with delight, muttering : " He'll suspect nothing. I'll soon be rid of him forever. The papers will record another mysterious disappear ance and that will be the end of It." The contents of tho note which Wal ter had received, were as foil ows : " MR. Walter Elmoiik : The time has at last arrived when the socret of your birth may be revealed to you. Come, alone, to-night, at nine o clock, to the foot of street, which is pier , East river. There you will find one who can tell you all you desire to know. A Friend." "Can it be?" Walter exclaimed, " that I am at last to know the truth t I will be at the appointed place this night, and Heaven grant that this se cret which I have so passionately yearn ed to know be revealed." He went to his room and endeavored to write, but his excitement was so great that he could accomplish noth ing. He soon left the hotel and pro ceeded down Broadway. He had gone but a short distance when he met Mrs. Clayton. "At last, madam," he said, approach ing her, " notwithstanding you refuse to impart to me the secret you possess, I am to know all." The woman's face grew white. " What do you mean ?" she gasped. "Read this," he said, handing her the note he hod received. She read it, half-aloud, her whole form trembling with emotion. " That handwriting !" she muttered. " It is so like. But that is folly. It is impossible!" ' , "What do you say, madam?" jEl more asked. - " You must not go to this place to night," the woman cried, seizing his hand. " Walter, you must not, I say. ,No living being save jsayself, can tell you this secret." "Mrs. Clayton, you have deceived me," Walter said, sternly. "I noted your agitation as you read that note. I heard your mutterlngs regarding the handwriting. I am now convinced that this unknown friend can tell me all I wish to know, and I shall not fall to at tend him this evening." "You must not!" the woman said earnestly. " Oh, Walter, believe me; no one Bave myself can put you In pos session of this knowledge. This note Is a decoy to lead you to those who will rob and perhaps murder you." "I do not believe It; but If you will tell me this secret I will not go. "I cannot I I cannot !" the woman exclaimed. " Then," said Walter, coldly, " blame me not If I seek the knowledge else where. Clood morning!" and he has tened away. "Oh! Heaven!" murmured the woman. "Grant that this wretched heart break not under Its heavy load of care ! Every harsh word he speaks to mo sends a thrill of agony through my being. After all I have suffered and en dured for his sake, his scorn and anger are very bitter to me- But I am very thankful that I have seen this note, for now I can, and will save him from whatever danger awaits him at that place to-night. But to Whom can I ap ply for assistance Y Ah! I know! I'll go to his friend, the young Doctor Oak ley, and ask his aid. Something tells me that Walter will be In great peril. But I will save his life; which, Heaven knows, Is far dearer to me than my own 1" Mrs. Clayton reached Henry Oakley's office about half an hour before Mara's arrival. She told him of the meeting with Walter Elmore, and repeated their interview. " The letter he has received," she said, " can be nothing but a device, In tended to place him in the power of those who would harm him. Will you accompany me to this place pier No. , East river, to night, at half past eight, to preserve the pool boy from whatever danger awaits him V' Henry consented at once, adding : " But, madam, Walter's wish to pen etrate this secret has become almost a monomania; and causes him, I know, muchunhappiness. Would it not be well to tell him all ? Would the pos session of this knowledge not be less painful than the total ignorance which now torments him V" " It cannot be It cannot be!" the woman cried. " Walter must learn patience and resignation as I have learned them though God forbid that he ever pass the fiery ordeal it has been my lot to endure." Mrs. Clayton was much agitated. For a moment she paused; and then added, in her usual tone : " I will call here this evening at 8 o'clock, doctor. Have a carriage ready, and we will proceed without delay on our mission." " Very well, madam." Mrs. Clayton left the office. On her way home she noticed a man on the op posite sidewalk gazing very intently at her. Turning, he followed her a short distance; and finally, as if acting upon a sudden impulse, stepped forward and said : " Pardon me, ma'am ; but I'm almost sure I knew you many years ago. I have information of great Importance to give you if you are the lady I think you are." " Whom do you suppose me to be V" The man uttered a word which drove the color from the woman's face. " You are the first who, for many long years, has called me by that name," she said. "Then I am right I" the man ex claimed. "You are; but what Information can you possess that will interest me V Why do you address me? Your utterance of the name I once bore recalls to memory a bitterness which I would gladly banish forever. For years I have been as dead to the world as if I lay beneath the sod. For what purpose have you sought this interview ?" "Oh, ma'am!" the man exclaimed, "if you knew how I've longed to see you how I've said to myself, 'If I could meet that much wronged lady, and tell her the secret that's been wearing on me for years, I'd be content to die;' if you only knew the hours of remorse I have endured, you'd not chide me for speak ing to you." "Well well," said Mrs. Clayton, somewhat moved by the man's appar ent agitation, " what is the secret ?" " First let me tell you my name. It's John Douglas. Do you remember it ?" The woman reflected a moment, and then replied in the negative. " I was a servant in old Mr. George Elmore's house twenty-five years ago," the man added. " I do not remember you," said Mrs. Clayton. " I may have seen your face, but I do not recollect it. But your men tion of that time and place awakens painful memories. Proceed at ouce with what you have to say," To be continued. VEGETINE AN EXCELLENT MEDICINE. ,. .. , , Hnrlnglletd, ()., Feb. IS. 1ST7. This Is to certify llmt I have used Vegetlne, THBinittTHiifll by H. K. Stevens, Huston, Man. for Rheumatism and General Prostration of t lie Nervous System, with good ,mrcess. I recom mend Vegetlne an an excellent medic I no for such complaints. Yours very truly. , , . 0. W. VANDEOIFT. Mr. Vandeglft, of tlie firm of Vandeglft Huffman. sa wall known business mini In thin place, having one of the lament Mores In Hgrlng held, Ohio. OUH MINISTER'S WIFE. ti .. . Louisville, Ky Feb. lfl, 1877. Mr. II. R. Stevens. Dear Mr, Three years ago I was suffering tor nbly with Inflammatory Rheumatism. Otir mln. Inter ft wife advised inelake Vegetlne. Alter tak ing one bottle, I was entirely relieved. This year, feeling a return of the disease, 1 attain com. nienced taking It. and am benefitted greatly. It also greatly Improves my digestion. ,, .Respectfully, aFhs. A. MALLARD. 1011 West Jellerson afreet. SAFE AND SURE. Mr. H. R. Rtevens. In Wi your Vegetlne was reoommenried to me i and, yielding to the persuasions of a friend,! consented to try It. At the time I was suffering from general debility and nervous prostration, superinduced by overnwork and Irregular habits. Its wonderful strengthening and curative proper ties seemed to alTeut my debilitated system from the first dose; and under its persistent use I rap Idly recovered, gaining more than usual health and good feeling. Slnae then I have not hesita ted to give Vegetlne my most unqualified Indorse ment as being a safe. sure, and powerful agent in promoting health and restoring the wasted ays. tern to new llfeand energy. Vegetlne Is the only medeelne I use, and as long as 1 live I never ex -pect to Mud a better. Yours trulv. W.H.CLARK, 120 Monterey Street, Allegheny, Fenn. VEGETINE. The following letter from Rev. O. V. Mass fleld, formerly pastor of the M. K. Church, Hyde Park, nnd at present settled In Lowell, must con vince every one who reads his letter of the won derful curative qualities of Vegetlne as a thor ough cleanser and purifier of the blood. m. .. . nJde park Ma, ' Feb- 15' Mb. H. R. Stevens. Dear Sir, About ten years ago my health failed through the depleting effects of dyspepsia; nearly a year later I was attacked by typhoid fever lu Its worst form. It settled In my back, and took the form of a large deep-seated abscess, which was 15 months In gathering. 1 had two surgical opera tions by the best skill In the State, but received no permanent cure. I suffered great pain at times, and I was constantly weakened by a pro fuse discharge. I also lost small pieces of bone at different times. Matters ran on tbtis about seven vears, till May, 1874, when a friend recommended me to go to yonrofllce. and talk -with you of the virtue of Vegetlne. I did so. and by your kindness passed through your manufactory, noting the ingredi ents, (to., by which your remedy Is produced. Ily what I saw and heard I gained some confi dence in Vegetlne. I commenced taking It soon after, but felt worse from Its effects; still I persevered and soon felt It was benellttlng me in other respects. You I did not see the results I desired till 1 bad taken It faithfully for a little more than a year, when thedifllciilty In the back was cured; andforuiue months I have enjoyed the best of health. I have In that time gained twenty-fire pounds of flesh, being heavier than ever before In my life, and I was never more able to perforin labor than now. During the past few weeks I bad scrofulous swelling aslarge as my first on another part of my body. 1 took Vegetlne faithfully, and It removed ft, level with the surface In a month. I think I should have been cured of my main trouble sooner if 1 had taken larger doses, alter having become accustomed to its effects. It your patrons troubled with scrofula or kid ney disease understand that it takes time to cure chronic diseases; and, if they will patiently take Vagetlne, It will. In my Judgment, cure them. With great obligation I am. Yours very truly. G. VV. MANSFIELD. Pastor of the M. K. Churchi V TZ Ci K 1' I IS K Prepare H, K. STEVENS, Boston, Mass. Vegetlne is Sold by all Druggists. January 1, 1S78, lm. THE N. Y. WEEKLY HERALD. ONE DOLLAR A YEAR. The circulation of this popular newspaper has more than trebled during the past year. It con tains all the leading news contained In the Daily Herald, aud is arranged In handy departments. THE FOREIGN NEWS embraces special dispatches from all quarters of the globe, together Willi unbiassed, faithful and Sraphlc pictures of the great War in Europe, t'n er the head of AMERICAN NEWS are given the Telegraphic Dispatches of the week from all parts of the I'ulou. This feature alone makes THE WEEKLY HERALD the most valuable newspaper lu the world, as it Is the cheapest. Every week Is given a faithful report of POLITICAL NEWS, embracing complete & comprehensive dispatches from Washington, Including full reports of the speeches of eminent politicians on the questions of the hour. THE FARM DEPARTMENT of the Weekly Herald gives the lastest as well as the most practical suggestions and discoveries re lating to the duties of the farmer, hints for rais ing Cattle, Poultry, Grains, Trees. Vegetables, .:., with suggestions for keeping buildings aud farming utensils In repair. 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Ibere Is no paper In the world which contains so much news matter every week as the Weekly Herald, which is sent, postage free, for One Dol lar. You may subscribe at any time. the new York: herald In a weekly form, ONE DOLLAR A YEAR. Papers publishing this prospectus without being authorized will not necessarily receive an ex change. Address, NEW YORK HERALD, Broadway & Auu St ., N . V. OK FASHIONABLE CARDS no two alike, with Dime. Inc. 2u Scroll, with name, loo. post paid. Agents' outfit, luc. GEO. L REED Co.. Nassau, N. Y. 4wily . CAL AND SEE ME. " The Subscriber has opened a Store opposite the Railroad Depot, at NEW PORT, where he is pie pared to supply OY8TEliS,GBOCERli:S,&c.t . At the lowest market price. A full stock on hand. The patreuage of the public is solicited. i-f- WAL ICKKS, Newport, Pa,
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