Rensselaer Union, Volume 11, Number 37, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 May 1879 — MRS. STOUGHTON’S DIAMOND. [ARTICLE]

MRS. STOUGHTON’S DIAMOND.

Greta had seen her household gods fall about her before she was able to put pride into hor pooket, where there was plenty of room, and turn her hand to the only work sho understood. It was some five years since she had begun to go out by the day to make and mend carpets, old and new, for the housekeepers of Hampton. She had. plenty of employment now, some money in the bank, and a lover. Sho looked forward to the time* not so far off, when she should begin upon her own carpets, when the money in the bank would be drawn out to buy tho parlor set and the household linen ( pictures and knickknackery perhaps, the wedding gown and bride-cake. She sometimes diverted herself with theso thoughts, while sewing up the tedious seams of Mrs. Cashmere’s Brussels, or matching the faded figures in Parson Needy’s three-ply, which had been patched and darned and turned more times than she had fingers and toes. It used to amuse her sometimes to observe that the drawing-room carpets finally graduated in tho attic, going through the preparatory course in sitting-room, dining-room, nursery and parlor chamber. She had been working for Mrs. Stoughton for several days, when her troubles began, and gone home, quite tired out with the conflict over that lady’s chamber carpet, which had seen its best days. She had been obliged to rip and match figures and insert patches lo deceive the very elect, and at the end Mrs. Stoughton had told her she would settle the bill when sho hoard from her husband, who had gone away on business, and taken the key of tho money drawer with him by mistake. Greta shrewdly suspected that the drawer was as empty as a drum, but made ho demur. She would oblige a neighbor, and never remember it. The following day she was engaged at Dr. Cardamon’s, when she hoard Fred rush in from school, and shout: “Isay, ma,’s suppor readyP Give me a hunk of gingerbread, anyhow. Where’s Greta Loring? I want to ask her if she’s stole Miss Stoughton’s diamond out cfdier ring! Jack Stoughton says his mother’s going tp haul Greta over the coals. I don’t.believe a word of it, and I want to ask her—” “Hush, Fred, hush!” said Mrs. Cardamon. do you mean? Don’t ask Greta any 1 such silly ques- “ Well, I don’t want Jack Stoughton saying things, and I’ll just thrash him for it. - “Diamonds!” laughed Greta to herself. “ Who would suspect Mrs. Stoughton of one?” Then she suddenly remembered having picked a ring off the floor of the chamber where she was sewing at Mrs. Stoughton’s—a gold ring in which a stone of good size had no doubt oace sparkled, and sho had dropped it on the mantel, and thought no more about it Was that cavity going to boar false witness against herP What nonsense! But that evening, when she returned to hor lodgings, she found n note awaiting her, which road: ’ “ H-Miss Loring^can- giva MjA,,Stougbton any information about the dniffirmif missing from a ring left in the chamber where Miss Loring was at work it wili bo gratefully received, and no mortify, leg disclosures made,”

Poor Greta slept little that night. How could anyone suspect her of such a dreadful thingP Where could the diamond have gone? How ooutd she defend hersolf except by her wordP Ought she not to have been above suspicion, like Caisar’s wife? W'hat had she done to deserve itP In an angry moment she returned this misjudged reply: “Mrs. Stoughton is at liberty to make whatever mortifying disclosures she may choose, but she must excuse Miss Loring from rendering account of a diamond of whose existence she was ignorant.” This naturally exasperated Mrs. Stoughton, who flattered herself that sho had transacted tho affair with great (Jelicacy and decorum. She had expected to bring Miss to her feet, with contrite tearg and confessions, and here was absolute defiance! Did such a hussy deserve consideration at her hands? And if Mrs. Stoughton was more or less afraid to say her soul was her own before that impecunious other half of herself, how much more was she afraid to say that her diamond was no longer hers! Accordingly she made haste to put the matter into the hands of the law and the mouths of tho Hampton gossips. Doubtless Gretix would have been lodged in jail at this time had not Mr. Grafton secretly espoused her cause, while lie undertook the case Mrs. Stoughton had intrusted to him. Mr. Grafton was _ a Wealthy bachelor, somewhat gray, and a good deal bald; he had smiled upon Greta more than once, without receiving any answering smile; perhaps hb thought now that everything arrives to him who can afford to wait—that this was his opportunity. His housekeeper had once engaged Greta to make carpets at Grafton Place, and he had taken jyains to show her over the house and f rounds, and had nearly snatched a iss in the shadow of the lindens, as he gut her into his carriage to send her ome. Greta had never worked there again; but perhaps she was too grateful at finding a friend at her side in such stormy weather to refuse a favor from Mr. Grafton, and perhaps she had forgotten his audacity. Yot in the midst of her humiliations Greta remembered with a heart-throb that she had a lover to come to. her rescue if she chose to call him—that she should not be dependent upon Mr. Grafton’s tender mercies after Stephen Sotherne had been notified of her sti’hit At tho same time, she-felt disinclined to break the bad news to him till after all was over. For how could it be possible for an innocent person to suffer? But Greta was not a little stunned one morning on receiving a letter in the handwriting of her true love,” which ran in this wise: " My Desk Greta: It is some time since I had the pleasure of hearing from you, and it has occurred to me to ask if time and distance were not weakening our hold upon each other; to wonder how long yon would continue to love a man whom you sow only once or twice a year, since it seemß to me that owing to the bad times our marriage is as indefinitely postponed as the millennium. Now, my dear girl. Ido not wish to stand in your light; if you were not encaged to me, some more eligible partner would seek you, 1 feel certain. Moreover, my health is precarious, and the doctors have advised me to try the air of California. It is a prescription more nanseous than drugs since I must leave yon behind me; but 1 could nut, in honor, carry your promise with me for an indefinite space of time for my own selfish satisfaction merely. At the same time, believe me, it is no easy thing for me to say ' adieu ’ to the dearest girl in tho world. Sincerely, Stephen Bothekne.” To say that Greta was surprised would be the same as if we should call an earthquake “ unpleasant.” She was thunder-struck, overwhelmed, with just spirit enough left to return Mr. Sotherne’s letters and presents by the next mail without a word. “ He has heard all about Lite diamond, and believes it,” she thought. It would be a comfortable arrangement if one could cease to lovo the instant a lover proves unworthy, but hearts are not fashioned after that manner. When every thought and motive of one’s life is woven up with those of another, one cannot unravel the tangled web all at once. .“Another such shock will send me to the insane asylum,” sighed Greta. But there was another yet in store for her. Mr. Grafton had taken to dropping in upon her after her day’s work. One evening he said: “Miss Greta, what if you should be found guilty of this—this—” can they find an innooent person guilty P If I took the diamond, where is itP” Mr. Grafton smiled indulgently. “ People have been imprisoned, branded, exiled, hanged ana quartered for sins they never committed. If you were guilty, you would be more likely to escape; you would have laid your plans.” Greta gave an involuntary sob; the tears shone in her eyes. “ And is no one to help me,” she gasped, thinking aloud, rather than speaking to Mr. Grafton. “ Yes, yes, there is some one ready to help you, Greta," said that gentleman; “ I will help you, if yott will only give me tho right,” he petitioned. “ You, Mr. GraftonP What rightcan I give you? I don’t understand.”“If you wore my premised wife— Alii my dear Miss Greta, don’t turn away your head disdainfully; hear me out. Mr. Stoughton is under some obligation to mo; if you were my promised wife, I eould write him. There would be no more said about tho missing diamond; it would bo accounted for inaome natural manner. You wouKrTm no longersuspected. No one could suspect the woman whom Thomas Grafton delighted to honor.” t*l\. “ You—you are very kind. I thank you; but 1 do not love you, Mr. Grafton,” “ I don’t ask you to love me. Of course you don’t; the idea has never, perhaps, entered your head before. I only beg that you will marry me. Love will come sooner or later, as I deserve it at your hands. And, my dear Greta, what better can you do? Who will give you employment, with this blight upon yon? How will you earn your daily bread?” “I don’t know,” returned jGreta; “ how shall I, indeed? But, all the same, it would be contemptible to reward your unsellishness by merely marrying you for a hopie.” - “ Only agree to' marry me, aud I will not quarrel with the motives,” he implored. What could Greta doP Her lover had deserted her; her good name was tarnished. Without home, friends, or work, was it not the height df folly to refuse such a way of escape? And yet, how could she love himP But might not one survive the luxury of loving? Como wealth, ease and position; vanish ajl illusions that make life sweet. SheJjegged a fortnight for consideration;somettiing might turn up to her advantage—the diamond, for instance* But thfe fortnight passed, as fortnights will; nothing happened, except that Mr; Grafton, feeling confidence in the 'refurnished "parlor in bine satin and pale gold, fitted up an apartment for his wife's boudoir like a suburb of fairy land, bespoke the parson, the ring and the caterer. "Do teUl” s»id one gossip to another;

"Greta Boring’s going to step into clover, and no mistake. * “It’s a powerful change for her. I hear Mr. Grafton’s always had a hankering for her. He told Mr. Jobson any man could marry any woman he set heart upon; if he’d only work hard enough, and wait Ike a spider in his web. “ I guess he got Greta for the asking, ehP” “Idunno; there was that Snthorne who was sweet on her.” “I reckon that’s blown over—only a young man’s pastime. I’m surprised at Tom Grafton, though, with all his airs and frills, with his family treo and his coat of arms, and his ancestors and his money. How doe.) ho get over that little affair of Mrs. Stoughton’s diainondP I s’.pose ho expects folks'to visit his wife and ask no questions, once she’s a Grafton.” “Law! it’s tho way of the world; a pretty face makes a man forget trespasses and get rid of his judgment. It's no use quarreling with such things at our age. Greta’U make a Hue lady, and I mean to pay my respects at Grafton Place directly; I’m just) crazy to see the new lixings. I’d just like to sec how I’d look m the blue satin pari oi.” And all this time Greta had not oven consented. It is true, wealth and comfort were alluring. She hail told herself that Providence would provide, and how could she know but this was the very provision made for her. It would be delightful, no doubt, to enjoy such an establishment as Grafton Place. She remembered what visions of romance had accompanied when she rambled through the quaint, old-fash-ioned mansion, which might easily boast a haunted chamber; through the halls with the “ dim religious light” falling from painted windows; gazed at the portraits of the dusty Graf tons; pushed aside the brocade hangings; drank from the china that had outlived generations. She recalled the great mirrors that lined the wails, the silver epergne upon the sideboard heaped with fruit, the flashing ivory of the piano, and the odor of the hothouse flowers. And it might all be hers at a word. Only let her say, “ Yes,” and she might vkear her velvets and laces with any lady in the land, drive in her satin-lined carriage, and have servants under her, and all that heart could desire. All? Yes, all but self-approval, love and Stephen Sotherne. Still, let her answer “No,” and Stephen and love would still be lacking, and hardship, want and public disapproval be superadded. “The miserable little thief!” thought the exasperated Mrs. Stoughton. “She has played her cards to perfection, cozening that old fellow intoimarrying her. No doubt lie’ll rue the day, and serve him right.” In the meantime, as Greta had not given him a refusal, Mr. Grafton chose to consider himself accepted. He consulted her about the wedding journey, about the new servants to be engaged, as if tho marriage was a matter of course. She acquiesced in his suggestions, but she had no choice to make; she was drifting with the stream, not rowing hard against it; she was making believe that she could love him by-, and-by; liis attention, his consideration for one so forlorn, his generosity, touched her,, that was all.

One day Mrs. Stoughton’s husband returned home. It would seem as if no event could have less effect upon Greta’s fortunes. She watched him walking by, and wondered if Mrs. Stoughton was glad to see him. “ Any news in Hampton?” he asked, at his dinner table. “Nows enough. Mr. Grafton is going to be married,” returned his wife. “That reminds me—lmvist see Grafton directly. Married,eh? Weil, he’s old enough. Who’s the bride elect?” “That little hussy, Greta Loring.” “ Softly, softly, my dear; it sounds envious.” “ I envious of that little thief!” “Thief? What has Greta stolen—old Grafton’s heart? Nobody knew be had one before. Perhaps she has only developed a latent organ in him.” “ Oh, Herbert, I am so sorry to tell you—l never could make up my mind to write it; bat she was at work here— Greta Loring—by the way, I haven’t paid hor yet—and—and ray diamond ring was in tho same room, and—it’s there vet, only the diamond’s gone. Nobotfy else had been in the house. What could I think? Of course she stole it, though she brazens it out as she does.” Mr. Stoughton turned ash-color, laid down his fork and stared at his wife. “And you accused her of stealing the diamond?” “J. wrote to her very kindly and considerately. She replied in a high and mighty tone, which was simply insulting. 1 put the case into Mr. Grafton’s hands. “ Into Grafton's hands! Well, ana what did he say about it?” “ Say! Why, he’s goiftf to marry her!" 4 - “ Looks as if you’d win your ease ” laughed Mr. Stoughton, uneasily. “ And so Greta is going, to marry the old fox. A pretty kettle of fish. My dear, I really wish you had notified me of yo«r loss.” He' took up hj,s hat and weut out grimly. He had a very disagreeable duty to perform, and he wanted it over with; it had spoiled his dinner, and that was enougn. He knocked at Greta’s door. “ The diamond again," she thought. pAfter all,” he cogitated, “why not let[ well enough alone? Perhaps she loves the fellow.” Greta bore herself like one with good news; a tender color trembled on her cheek, a sort of suppressed joy shone in hor eyesi_j*An open letter lay before her, and Mr. Grafton sat in her easychair, Mrs. Stoughton, watching from her window, wondered what under the sun Heroert could have to say that would take so long, and hoped he was giving Greta a piece of his mind, but grew all the more bewildered when he and Mr. Grafton came out together and separated Without a word. “I guess her cake is dough,” she conjectured. When Greta was left once more alone, she turned} to her open letter, written in a strange hand; ’’What does it -mean, ray dearest flrcta?” it lie-an. “ I sometimes think I’m not quite sane yet. and it's all a fietion of my disturbed brain. Here 1 was, just picking up from a fever, iq a strange city, when I received allihy old letters and keepsakes-from my sweetheart and not a word of explanation.- It was like a bomb-shell. 1 whs oat of my head for a month afterward, and small wonder. Greta, I lovo you—lpvo you; so much love wan never meant tp bo wasted. The hospital’nurse kindly writes this for me. sinoe 1 can only sfcrear that lam still, and ever will be, your devoted lover, "fiTirHXN Sothkrnk." Mr. Stoughton looked veiy sober when ho sat down to his tea table that rr —---’-wwa.- - ——-~ "I’m dying to know what Miss Greta had to say lor herself,” (.remarked his wife. -£££ The stronger vessel smiled. . “Your tea, my dear, reaemblaa the ohuroh of

Laodioea—it ia neither hot nor oold." “It waited for you long enough to cool. I wonder you didn't see that you were de trop at Miss Loring’ “ I think maybe Grafton found me trop. In the meantime, my lovo, lam happy to restore youy diamond,” and he passed a tiny box across tho table. . “Then she has confessed!" sparkled Mrs. Stoughton. “ You jump at conclusions. Women are fond of such gymnastic exercises, I hear. No; the confession comes from your-humbie servant. 1 am tho culprit, Mrs. Stoughton.' It was I who, wanting some ready money for business purposes, abstracted the diamond from your ring, and pawned it to Mr. Grafton. Ho advanced a considerable sum upon it, and I never meant you sihould know till I had redeemed it—perhaps not then. After all, perfect confidence is the only safe thing between you and me, I find. Now we must go and beg Greta’s pardon.” “And Mr. Grafton ” “ The blue satin parlor is a mistake, as well as the boudoir; ho will remain a bachelor.” “How—how does he explain himself P” “All’s fair in lovo and war, oven forgery, is hip creed.” “Then Greta will return to her carpets?” 1 “Not if Stephen Sotherne can help it.”— Harper's Bazar.