Ballou's Monthly Magazine, Vol. XXVII, No. 1 — page 49: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Taice: (ato Partnership. 35) Everything was quiet. She worked until one, and then turned off the gas. Just a» she was wrapping asbaw! around her to lie down, she thought she heard a noise, as of some one raising a window in the next room. She listened intently, and was sure she was not deceived. Instantly she thought of Mr. La Rue’s money, and decided that there was a burglar in the building. Strangely enough she did not feel afraid—she was inspired only by the desire to save her partner’s property. She opened her door a crack and peered through, and by the light of a dim lantern, earricd by the burglar himself, she saw a stout, ruffanly-looking fellow standing in the centre of the room, evidently taking an ex- amination of the place. Suddenly his face lighted, as he caught a glimpse of the great safe. He darted toward it, examined the lock, and taking a key from a bunch he carried, fitted it to the lock. Im- mediately the door flew open, and he stepped inside. The safe was built into the wall like a cup- board, and the man began carefully inspect- ing the different packages on the shelves. A sudden thought shot through Juliet’s braia,and quick as light she sprang forward, crashed together the iron doors of the safe, and slid the bolt! Then rushing to the open window by which he had entered, she put it down, lifted the heavy shutters on the inside, and dropped the strong bar across them. The prisoner was cursing and swearing at a fearful rate, but Juliet had no fear of his waking his escape. She went back to her room, got a chair and some matches, and a shawl to wrap herself in. She lit the gas, took her chair up in front of the safe, and prepared to spend the night there. It was so late she did not dare go out on the street, and she did not know as Mr. La Rue would approve of her calling the police; so she decided to wait there until he came. The night wore away very slowly, and at last the captive stopped swearing, and all was quict. Juliet could not sleep, and by the time Mr. La Rue came, at five in the morning, she had got as nervous as any other woman. Iie had come.so early because he wanted to send the money by the agent, on the first train South. At sight of Juliet, he stopped whistling and stood still, evidently thinking the girl had lost her senses. 4 “Why, Miss Wayne—” he began; but she interrupted him. “There is a burglar in the safe—please see to him. I fear he is suffocated, for he has not sworn an oath for the past two hours.” “How came he there ?” “Tie got in through the window, and I for- tunately heard him in season to rush in and close the door of the safe on him.” “ But how happened it you were here 2?” “T remained to finish some work.” Mr. La Rue opened the door, and found the man lying in aswoon on the floor. He bound his feet and hands, and sent Sam the porter, who arrived at that moment, after the police. And by the time they caine, the burglar had got his breath again, and swore loud enough tu make up for lost time. After he was disposed of, Mr. La Rue found Julict in the sewing-room. “You are a very brave girl, Miss Wayne,” he said, with feeling; “and I thank you for What you did for me. But I want you to promise me something. Will you?” OW lat is it?” “That you will never stay here another night. It is not safe. I will not permit it, Promise me—Juliet.” “ But if I had not been here last night, you would have lost your money.” “ My money is not to be compared to your safety. Promise me.” “ Certainly, if you wish it.” “That is my good girl.k Go home now and sleep—your eyes are heavy—and do not come back until you are rested.” And Mr. La Rue, audaciously enough, considering that he was engaged to another woman, bent down and touched his lips to her hand. Juliet went home and laid down, and kissed the white hand just where he had kissed it, which was very silly of her, but then girls are foolish about some things. The next day she saw him riding with Miss Hlowardson, and after that the beautiful sun- shine seemed very dim to her, and she wondered what made her feel so tired and spiritless. Miss Giles gossiped about the wedding, for they were to be married before very long, she said. Mr. La Rue was already having his handsome house refitted and furnished. Juliet wished she would not talk so much, but she did not say so, though she:was very glad when it was time to go to tea. The walk in the cool, fresh air would do her good, she thought. cComiclooks. conn