A curious story of a stolen pearl necklace restored to its owner under romantic circumstances comes from Venice. For some time a lady belonging to a noble Venetian family had been living in one of the principal hotels of the town. A few days ago a_ magnificent necklace of Oriental pearls disappeared from the lady's jewel-case. Though ihe thief could have taken away many other precious jewels as well, and a sum of loose money, nothing was touched save the pearl necklace. The police set inquiries on foot; a reward was offered, but nothing came to light.
Recently a registered letter arrived at the hotel addressed 10 the countess. The letter was sealed with an heraldic device, and contained an invitation for the old countess to come at a certain hour to the altar of the famous Nicopeja Madonna in the Cathedral of St. Mark. The letter stated that if the countess failed to come alone 19 more would be heard of the neck-
The next day she went to St. Mark's, and knelt down by the altar named. After a while she felt herself touched on the shoulder and, looking round, saw a man in a fur coat, with gold-rimmed glasses and yellow gloves. The unknown whispered some words
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.