THE TIMES, NEW BLOOM FIELD, PA., JANUAllY 22, 1878.
THAT WOMAN'S SECRET.
CONTtWUED.
41 T)AltDON me, madam," Dr. Oak-
JT ley Interposed, " but why should
the affair remain a secret. It seems to
me that we ought at once to make the
matter public, and Institute a search for
the perpetrator of this outrage."
" Dr. Oakley, returned Mrs. Clayton,
" I fear, almost, to confess the fact to
myself, but I believe I know who WaU
ter's assailant was. I do not wish this
man to know that his Intended victim
Itves till I myself tell him, and confront
him with proofs of this and other foul
crimes. This is my reason for the re
quest I made."
"Then, sir," said Dr. Oakley, turn
ing to the boatman, "you will do as
this lady wishes V"
" Certainly," the mau replied. " And
when the gentleman recovers,lf he wants
me to testify to what I know about the
afliiir, let him send for me. My name's
John Daniels, aud I'm always to be
found here."
" Thank you, Mr. Daniels," the doc
tor said i " and you may be sure that
what you have done to-night will not
be forgotten. Madam," he added, ad
dressing Mrs. Clayton, " whom do you
belieye to be the perpetrator of this
crime V"
" I will not mention his name now,"
the lady said, quietly ; "but when Wal
ter Is able to hear the shook I have a
strange revelation to make. In the
meantime let the villain suppose that
his murderous purpose was accomplish
ed; let hlin, for A while, triumph In his
guilt. A day of retribution Is surely
coming ; a day when atonement shall be
made for this crime, and for another,
which for more than twenty years has
embittered my life."
An hour later a carriage containing
Mrs. Clayton, Dr. Oakley, and Walter
Oakley, and Walter Elmore, halted In
front of a two-story cottage In Mor
lliliuila. " This Is my home," Mrs. Clayton
said ; " 'tis an humble place, but It has
for years shut me out from the world
and all its vain ambition."
Walter Elmore was soon removed
from the carriage, and conveyed to an
apartment in the cottage.
And there for three weeks he lay,
burning with fever and raving In de
lirium. All this time Mrs. Clayton
scarcely left his bedside. At last came
the turning point in the disease, and one
bright winter mornlngMrs. Clayton and
Dr. Oakley stood together by the inva
lid, watching him In breathless sus
pense. " A few moments will decide," the
doctor said. "Hal there is a perspira
tion upon his forehead 1" Henry Oak
ley Dent Ins head ; quickly raising It, he
added: "Madam, the critical moment
has passed. Walter will, in all probabil
ity, recover.
"Thank Heaven!" burst from the
woman's lips.
In half an hour the invalid's eyes
opened.
" Henry Mrs. Clayton !" he exclaim
ed, as he gazed wonderlngly through the
apartment. " Have I been 111 V Where
ami?"
"You are In my house, Walter,"
Mrs. Clayton said, taking his hand In
her own. " You have been very ill, my
dear boy, but you are better now."
" Ah, I remember It all now!" the
Invalid exclaimed, as his Ideas began to
assume form. "The strange man the
boat a fearful blow a plunge Into the
dark water a but the man. I saw
his face; I knew him. Who was he
Let nie think!"
"Becalm, Walter," said Mrs. Clay
ton, stroking his forehead. "Do not
excite yourself thus, my poor boy."
"Who was he'i"' persisted the Inva
lid. "Ah, I remember."
Mrs. Clayton listened with breathless
interest.
" 'T was Major Heith!"
The woman turned away so that he
should not see her face.
" I was right," she murmured. " Oh,
lleaven.could he have known who Wal
ter was? No no; I cannot believe
it!"
Dr. Oakley gave the invalid a sooth
ing draught, and the young man soon
sank Into a peaceful sleep.
The marriage of Mara Sydney and
Henry Oakley hud been postponed on
nccount of Walter Elmore's illness ; but
' now that the crisis was past the wed
ding day was again appointed.
Old Mr. Lelghton had often expressed
a desire to see Mara; and, a few days
later, he, on meeting Dr. Oakley on the
street, again mentioned this wish.
" Come with me now, if you have
leisure," the young man said. " I am
going to visit Miss Syndey ; and will be
us happy to introduce you, as she "will
le to make your acquaintance."
Mr, Lolgbton at once consented. . A
few minute later the two gentlemen
vere ushered Into Mara'a presence.- '
As his glance felt upon the young
girl face Mr. Lelghton started, and An
Involuntary exclamation escaped bis
lips.
" Are you 111, sir V" Dr. Oakley asked,
noticing the old gentleman's agita
tion. Mr, Lelghton did not, for a brief time,
speak; but finally with an eftbrt, he
suppressed his emotion, and, addressing
himself to Mara, said :
l'ardon me, young lady; but the
striking resemblance you bear to one
very dear to me in fact, to my wife
was the cause of my apparent Incivility.
You are a living picture of her at your
age." k - .'
With Increasing agitation, he added,
addressing Dr. Oakley.
" Did you not tell me, that there was
some mystery surrounding Miss Syd
ney's birth V Pardon the abruptness of
the question ; I have the strongest rea
sons for asking this."
Mam herself replied, and In a few
words, made known to Mr. Lelghton
all she had been told regarding her
parentage by Mrs. Van Dyke.
" But I always doubted the truth of
the woman's story," she said. " I had
many reasons for believing that some
thing was concealed from me, Oh I sir,
can you give me any information on
this subject V What do you suspect V
Why are you thug agitated V"
"My dear child," replied Mr. Lelgh
ton, with much emotion, " if my sus
picious be confirmed 'by investigation
and my heart persuades me that they
will I shall soon be able to tell you all
you desire to know."
" What do you mean, sir V Dr. Oak
ley cried.
" Listen, and I will tell you," the old
man said. "One night, 18 years ago,
my infant daughter was stolen from her
cradle ; by whom I know not and never
could learn. Every eflort was made to
recover her ; but, although the most
skilled detectives were employed for
many long months, no clue to her
whereabouts was ever gained. The
search was long since abandoned in
despair. I never thought to penetrate
the veil which enshrouds my daughter's
fate; but the strange resemblauce whlcji
you, my dear child (addressing Mara)
bear to my wife, leads me to believethat
Heaven, at length, smiles upon me;
that the mystery Is to be solved, and my
lost child returned to these loving
arms."
"Can this be possible!" Henry Oak
ley exclaimed, while Mara was unable to
speak from emotion.
"Doctor," continued Mr. Lelghton,
" I must see this Mrs. Van Dyke at
once, and wrest from her the guilty
secret which I believe she possesses.
Will you, Dr. Oakley, accompany me to
her house V"
The young physician assented ; and
the two gentlemen at once proceeded to
Mrs. Van Dyke's residence. In a few
minutes they were in the woman's
presence.
" Madam," Mark Leightou exclaimed,
abruptly, " I am here on business of the
utmost Importance. I wish to ask you
a few questions, and ' I desire truthful
answers."
" You introduce yourself in a strange
manner, sir," Mrs. Van Dyke said.
But proceed."
"Who, then, is the girl who, until
lately, has lived with you under the
name of Mara Sydney '("'
" There was something In Mr.
Lelghton's tone which, despite her ef
forts to appear calm and unconcerned,
sent the blood from the woman's face.
" Who who Is she ?" she faltered.
" Such was my question."
" Mrs. Van Dyke In some degree re
gained her accustomed equanimity.
"'Tls a strange question, sir," she
said, " but I do not object to answering
It; she is my niece."
There was that In the woman s tone
which gave the lie to her words.
" Can you prove the relationship 5"
Mr. Lelghton asked, fixing a penetra
ting glance upon her.
"You are insolent, sir!" Mrs. Van
Uyke exclaimed, her thin hands toying
nervously with her dress.
"xouwill be called upon to prove
It," the old gentleman said ; " and if
you cannot, it may go hard with you.
Now, madam I will be frank with you, I
do not believe that this girl U your
niece. I do believe her to be a near rela
tive of my own, who was stolen from
home In infancy. I believe that she
came Into your possession in an irregu
lar manner. If you will confess all to
me I will see that no harm comes to
you, and will in addition pay you the
sum of $ol)0. '
At the mention of money the woman's
eyes gleamed with avarice. '
"I will tell you all I knowahout the
girl," she said. '
The two men listened with Iwathiess
Interest. ' ' '
" She was left with me, 1 years ago1,
by a man who gave the name of Syd
ney; and who wished me, for a pecunf
ary consideration, to take the girl and
bring her up. I consented, and, as you
know, she remained with me until a few
weeks ago."
" What was the date of that night, 18
years ago V" Mr. Lelghton asked, breath-
lessly.
"August the sixteenth," was there-
piy.
" I was not mistaken I" Mr. Lelghton
exclaimed. " Oakley, I have at last
found my child! Madam," be added,
addressing Mrs. Van Dyke, "of her
whereabouts during the past few weeks
and at present, I am aware, and now
let me ask you, did you not know that
the person with whom she left the house
was hot Dr. Oakley V Remember, It
will be better for you to tell the truth ;
and as you have confessed so much, you
may as well make a clean breast of the
whole altalr."
" I did know that the person was not
Dr. Oakley," the woman answered.
And you were hired to assist In the
abduction?"
"I was."
"By whom y"
" By the person who brought the girl
to me IS years ago." '
" By this Sydney ! Good heaven !
who and what can this man be y I
cannot recollect having ever heard his
name until to-day ; yet that he is a bit
ter enemy of mine he has plainly
shown."
' He Is known by another name now,'
Mrs. Van Dyke said.
"Ah! what Is It '"
"Major Helth."
-
Five days have passed.
Major Helth and Edward Bentley Bit
together In the banker's luxurious
library.
" 'Tls now a month since young El
more's disappearance," said the major.
"Rely on It, my friend, we have seen
the last of him."
1 Would to Heaven,' the banker cried,'
" the mystery of his fate might be
solved."
" It never will be," said Major Helth.
" Doubtless he was murdered for what
money he had about his person, and
then cast into the river. Such things
have been done, as you know from your
own experience, my dear Bentley, eh ?"
An expression of keen agony swept
across the banker's face. There was a
short silence, presently It was broken
by Mojor Helth.
" My son progresses capitally with
his wooing," he said. " since young
Elmore's disappearance the field has
been clear for him ; and he has, I think,
made a considerable Impression upon
your ftt.tr daughter's heart."
"Yet she is deeply troubled by the
mrcfnrv on frnn mil n cr TT.lmnrn'n fnfo "
Mr. Bentley said.
" True," was the response, "but do
you know, Bentley, my son possesses,!!!
an eminent degree, the power of animal
magnetism mesmerism, as it Is called
and by its aid, has gained an immense
influence over Miss Edith's mind. She
will lie Ins ; no earthly power can pre
vent It. Your consent to the marriage
will, I doubt not, be asked ere long."
" Just Heaven !" the banker exclaim
ed, with sudden fierceness, " this must
not be! Man, Edith is dearer to me
than my heart s blood ; 1 will not see
her wedded by fraud and violence to this
wretched adventuier, your son, her life
shall not be made miserable, though
mine be sacrificed. I defy you ! Do your
worst !" " .
" Softly, friend Bentley," the major
said, with unmoved countenance. "Un
less you wish to proclaim this secret to
every servant In the house you will
speak in a lower tone. jo fraud or
violence will be used. Your daughter's
consent to this marriage will be given of
her own free will; and I know of no
reason why she cannot be happy with
my son. At all events I have deter
mined uion this marriage, and it shall
take place.
"Never!"
This exclamation was uttered by
Edith Bentley, who, with flashing eyes
and crimsoned cheeks, stood in thedoor-
way. The major was for a moment dis
concerted, but only for a moment.
Quickly recovering his wonted com
posure, he exclaimed:
" What do you say, young lady "
" That I will never be the wife of the
man you would force upon me, whom I
detest, nbhori Father," she milled,
turning to the old banker, " I know
not what power this man has over you,
but whatever it is I trust soon to see it
rernoved. This morning I received a
visit from a person who bus given me a
considerably insight into the past life of
this man you call Major Heith. The
person I tpeak of, sir, is in the adjoin
ing room, and with your permission
will repeat her story to you."
"Admit her at once," said the old
banker.
' " Mrs. Clayton entered the room. ' "!
' "You here!" the major exclaimed, his
self possession completely deserting him
for a moment.
',u'Yes,- Egbert Elmore, I am 'here,
though I would gladly be spared this
meeting."
The Major In a degree regained bis ac
customed audacity.
Elmore, madam I That Is not my
name, I do not know vou."
" Man, you do know me. asvour llns
but one moment ago confessed. Your
true name is Elmore, though I do not
wonder that you, who have so disgraced
that honorable name, should resign It.
Sir," she added, addressing Mr. Bent
ley, who sat a silent and amazed listen
er, " I will, In as few words as possible,
recount my experience with this man,
and then leave It with you whether he
Is a fit companion for a gentlemen, or
his confederate a proper, mate for your
daughter."
" I'roceed, madam."
" Twenty-flve years ago I became this
man's wifo. He was then called Egbert
Elmore, and lived with, and was sup
ported by his father, the late Mr. Oeorge
Elmore, then a wealthy merchant.
Egbert was then, as now, a base, false
hearted villain, but he gained mv love.
and for a time I saw no imperfection In
him.
" When he met me I lived with my
only relative, a widowed mother. ' We
were very poor, and worked almost un-
ceaslngly for a scanty living. Many
said I married him for his money ; but
heaven knows that's false, for I loved
him with all the ardor of a first afTeo
tlon. I can scarcely realize to-day that
this was so, for now I can feel for him
but horror and loathing.
" When we were married we made old
Mr. Elmore's house our residence, such
being his wish. I had been there but a
few weeks when I learned a fact which
dashed my cup of happiness to the
ground. Egbert had married me in a
lit of pique.
" It seems that bis father had adopted
a young girl, the daughter of a distant
relative, several years before; and that
Egbert, having been thrown In dally
Contact with her, had learned to love
her madly. He asked her to be his wife
he was kindly but firmly refused. She
was already engaged to be married to
Mark Leighton, then a rising young
merchant. Egbert besought of her to
reconsider her decision to break her
engagement with Mark Lelghton, and
marry him. But all he could say was of
no avail. At the end of a long and
stormy Interview, Egbert swore ven
geance on his rival in the bitterest
words his tongue could utter.
A few weeks later Mark Leighton and
Agnes Thorp were married. On their
wedding day Egbert Elmore proposed
marriage to me. He had been attentive
to me for a long time, with, I suppose,
the basest motives, though such an Idea
never occurred to me at the time; but In
a fit of disappointed ambition and pas
sion he married me, and brought me to
his father's house.
" Though poor, I had received a liber
al education ,and I think he was satisfied
that I compared well with the girl he
had lost in personal appearance and
mental acquirements; and he was not
ashamed to introduce me into the sociely
in which she moved.
" For a short time I was happy In the
belief that he loved me; but soon I
learned the story then current in society
of Egbert's rejection by Agnes Thorp.
" I told my husband what I had heard.
He did not deny It. 'It is true,' he
said, ' I did and do love that woman ;
and I hate, with a bitterness which will
never die, the man who has married
her, upon whom I have sworn a terrible
revenge.' ' '
1 " Imagine with what feelings I listen
to these words from the lips of the man
who had sworn to love, cherish and
protect me, whom I loved with a devo-
tiou which amounted almost to idolatry.
From that hour I was a changed wom
an ; and from that hour Egbert's con
duct toward me under-went an altera,
tion. He became utterly Indifferent,
nay he grew to hate me ; often using
the bitterest, harshest language to me
and treating me with heartless neglect
and cruelty.
"His father, who was one of the
truest, best friends I ever had, remon
strated with him; but all lie could say
was of no avail. Egbert became dissi
pated, sought the lowest company, and
soon his habits became so notorious that
even his honored family name, and his
father's position could not procure his
entrance to good society, though he was
tolerated hy his immediate relatives.
" So matters progressed until a blow
fell which crushed what little hope re
mained to me, and blighted my whole
afterlife. Mark Lelghton and his wife
were our guests at dinner one day.
Egbert was outwardly complaisant and
and polite, but I knew by a strange
gleam in his eye that he assumed
calmness which he did not feel ; that
the sight of the woman he had loved
and his successful rival had aroused a
devil in his heart.
" I feared a scene and it came. In the
midst of an animated conversation at
the table Mrs. Leighton suddenly utter
ed a cry of pain ; the most alarming
symptoms manifested themselves, and
she was toon seized with convulsions.
A physician was called. 'She is polsoa
ed,' he said, 'but I believe I can save her
life.' Soon he announced to us that she
was out of danger, though terribly pros
trated. And then the question arose :
In what manner had she been poisoned Y
The physician said that she must have
taken arsenic In her food at dinner. A,
careful examination of the dishes used
followed ; and in a wine-glass was found
a small quantity of the deadly poison.
But how came it there y could she have
Intended suicide y This seemed Im
possible. In the midst of an excited
discussion of the matter Egbert arose
and requested silence. He was evldent
ly mueh agitated. Concluded next week.
VEGETINE
AN EXCELLENT MEDICINE.
. . , . Snrlngtleltl, O,, Feb. JS.1R77.
This is to certify that I hava iiml Vegetlne,
manufactured by H. M. Stevens, Boston, Man.
for Rheumatism and General Prostration of the
Nervous System, -with good success. I recom
mend Vegetlne as an excellent medicine for such
complaints.
Yours very truly.
, C. W. VANDKGIFT.
Mr. andeglft, of the firm of Vandeglft &
Huffman, ha well known business man In this
lace, having one of the largest stores in Baring
lield, Ohio. . i . . i , . , , ,
OUR MINISTER'S WIFE.
u. t. q. J'Oulsvllle, Ky., Feb. 10, 1S77.
Mr. II. H. Btcvens.
Dear Sir, Three yean ago I was suffering ter
ribly with Inflammatory Rheumatism. Ourmlii.
ster s wife advised ine lake Vegetlne. After tak
Ing one bottle, I was entirely relieved, This
year, feeling a return of the disease, I again com.
meiiced taking It. and am benefitted greatly. It
also greatly Improves my dilution.
Respectfully. Mns. A. BALLARD.
1011 West Jellerson street. ,
SAFE AND SURE.
Mr. H. R. Stevens.
In your Vegetlne was recommended to
me; and, yielding to the persuasions of a friend, I
consented to try It. At the time I was suffering
irom general o unity and nervous prostration,
superinduced by overowork and Irregular habits,
lis wonderful strengthening and curative proper
ties seemed to affect my debilitated system from
the first dose; and under Its persistent use I rap
Idly recovered, gaining more than usual health
and good feeling. Hliue then I have not hcslta-
leu to give vegetlne iny most unqualified Indorse
ment as being a safe, sure, and powerful agent lit
minuting ueami ami restoring tne wasted svs
cm to new llfeaud enftrnv. Vemtliia Is themilv
medeclne I use, and as long as 1 live 1 never ex
pect to dud a belter.
lours truly, w. H. CLARK.
12U Monterey Street, Allegheny, 1'enu.
VEG1JTINE.
The follnwlntr letter from Ttev. fl W Mm,.
fleid, formerly pastor of the M. K. Church, Hyde
Park, and at present settled In Lowell, must con
vince every one who reads his letter ot the won
derful curative qualities of Vegetlne as a thor
ough cleanser aud purifier of the blood.
Hyde Park. Mass.. Feb. 15, 1876.
Mk. If. R. Stevens.
DearHIr, About ten years ago my health failed
through the depleting effects of dyspepsia; nearly
b jnu inirt x whs ai mKn oy ivpuoifi-iever in its
worst form. It settled in mv lia'i-k unrl tnok thA
form of a large deep-seated abscess, which was 15
months In gathering. I had two surgical opera
tions by the best skill In the Ktate, but received
no permanent cure. I suffered great pain at
times, and I was constantly weakened by a pro
fusedlscharge. I also lost small pieces of bone at
different times.
Matters ran on thus about seven vears, till
May, 184. when a friend recommended me to go
to your office, aud talk with you of the virtue of
Vegetlne. I did so. and by your kindness passed
through your manufactory, noting the Ingredi
ents, ic, by which your remedy Is produced.
By what I saw and heard 1 gained some confi
dence In Vegetlne.
1 commenced taking ft soon after, but felt
worse from Its effects: still I persevered and soon
felt It was benellctlng me In other respects. Vou
I did not see the results I desired till 1 had taken
It faithfully for a little more than a year, when
thedllliculty In the back was cured : and for nine
months I have eujojed the nest of health.
I have In that time gained twenty-five pounds
of flesh, being heavier than ever before in my
lite, and 1 was never more able to perform labor
than now.
During the past few weeks 1 had scrofulous
swelling aslarge as my lira 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.
Ml your patrons troub'ed with scrofula or kid
ney disease understand that it takes time to cure
chronic diseases; and. if they will patiently take
v agetine. it win. in my limgineut, cure tliein.
witn great oonuation i
itb great obligation I am.
Yours very trnly.
(. W. MANSFIELD.
I'astor of the M. E, Church.
' VKGETINK
Prepare
H. R. STEVENS, Boston, Mass.
Vegetlne is Sold
January 1, 1S78, lm.
by
all
Drigglsts.
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