Esther, the Fright

The Romance of a Pair of Rubies

Young and gawky Esther Wellington is solemnly commissioned by her dying father to restore a valuable ruby and diamond brooch to its owner, if the rightful owner can be found.

Written by "Mrs. Georgie Sheldon" (Sarah Elizabeth Forbush Downs 1843–1926), and copyright 1896, 1904 and 19059 by Street and Smith.
Transcribed and edited by Jeffrey Merrow. 125,000 words.

Contents:

•  The Leaden Box.
•  The Twin Rubies.
•  Adding to her Care.
•  Esther’s Patients.
•  Some Character Revelations.
•  A Chilling Reception.
•  Some Peculiar Experiences.
•  Esther Displays some Strong Traits of Character.
•  The Mystery of the Wonderful Ruby.
•  A Masked Face at a Window.
•  Esther Passes Through a Fearful Ordeal.
•  “You Have No Legal Authority Over Me.”
•  Esther Receives a Call from an Old Friend.
•  The Duplicate of the Ruby.
•  “The Secret I Will Never Reveal to You.”
•  An Interesting Invalid.
•  The Invalid Tells the Story of his Life.
•  Love Throbs Responsive in Devoted Hearts.
•  “I Want to Make You my Wife and my Heir.”
•  The Maiden’s Reluctant Assent.
•  An Astounded Bride.
•  The Long-lost Ruby is Restored.
•  “It is the Hand that Saved Me, Esther.”
•  Donald Lancaster’s Startling Announcement.
•  Mrs. Lancaster’s Match in Self-possession.
•  Esther Meets an Old Acquaintance.
•  A Woman with a Burdened Conscience.
•  A Fresh Mystery.
•  An Unexpected Introduction.
•  “What Shameless Imposture is This?”
•  An Envious Woman Rebuked.
•  “I Must Speak! I Cannot Endure this Suspense!”
•  “Oh, Esther, My One Love!—Lost! Lost!”
•  An Unlooked-for Declaration.
•  When the Curtain Dropped.
•  An Unexpected Confession.
•  Esther Takes Possession of her Future Home.
•  The Barrister’s Suspicions.
•  A Strange Story.
•  The Story of her Early Life.
•  The Secret Treasure Chamber.
•  Some Peculiar Situations Explained.
•  Preparing for the Intended Captive.
•  Donald Lancaster’s Reception.
•  Two Loving Hearts are Reunited.
•  Miss Percival’s Final Disclosure—Conclusion