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.
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