Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1858-01-22
MI s G L LII A N Y.
THE SHELL BRACELET
M INKREr II. sEDdE.

his foot hit, and had almost crushed some
obrct on the pavement. I, proved to be a
she'll bracelet Of rich workmanship, aud
gliticring with inlaid gold. The aoquisi.
ton OF novel and elegant ornament was
scarcely OF Importance sufficient to quicken
n pulsation, but Clinton's heart beat faster
and a smile Indicating a most pleasurablc
fingered on his handsome
face and liz up hIs-inc eyes as he recognized
1t. In truth. despite the pre,ensions Of an
unrlmlled yrimd donna, ho bad been watch.
ing the bracelet by furitiyc glanccs during
the entire evening. as IL rested ON a model
arm Of snowy whi,encss. such as an artist
might dream Of, or rather, at 6rst attracted
by the distinguished appearance Of the jewel,
he had been led To admire q woman whose
surprising loveliness lent grace 20 every
decoration about her pers2n. She was tall
and Of f,ultloss shape. Her perfectly rcgu.
lar feature. and large dark eyes, were re-
l.yod from every suspicion Of coldness by
an expression Of clear. carncs, and almost
pcnsivc ,hough,filncs-. Her dres, and scarf
were Of richly embroidered black lace, from
which ilashci magnificent diamond brooch,
while two iairy.like sprays Of brilliant-
seemed 10 confnc in encirelins bands the
wayy, polished masses Of her raven hair. 4
pair Of tortoise shell bracelets, and a Spanish
ian cleaning with gold completed her at
tire. IL We except an appropriate cloak
which partially concealed her figure.
The lady and her companions were un-
known to Clinton, aud equally - To his
sister Helen. When the opera ended, Harry
determined to keep them in sigh, 50 long a'
possible. hoping to gain some clue to their
bat while be stopped to pick ur
the bracelet. the stranger. were lost in che
crowd. and there remained nothing Tor him
to DO but follow Miss Clinton into the ear.
riige, and there examine the ruritiv, brace.
Let.
"Ah." exclaimed Helen. holding IL uT
to catch the uncertain light. That /.
precisely villa, I have 81 greatly coveted,
IL looks the very companion Of LILY Gra'
hams, which she purchased in Baltimore,
as the family returned from Charleston
week bafore last. IL is 40 pretty and un.
hackneycd. and costs just enough To prevent
it, becoming vulgar Tor several SEASONS.
saw ono in a Broadway shop this very morn
ing"
4" Aud didn't buy IL, when IL was at your
hand and your approval was 50 entire,
What could bo your reason for leaving it1
inquired Harry.
Tho oldest in the world" anI Helen
laughed merrily. 81 besought papa to pat
mc on an allowances this year, thinking il
would b. such a Gpe. Independent way oI
living, and, though he gave me hundred
moro than mentioned, | have to DO excccd
ingly economical to 20, along, and after
dong my best, matters have come to sueh
a Iass with inc. that should be obliged
to sacrifice spring cloak to the bracelet
if | would have it, which wouldn't do al
all. You know perfectly well how papa
would tcass me il | should resort to hin
Iu an emergency like this"
You might have applied to your bro
,her, with whom 1t is enough that you ex
press a wish, " returned Harry.
Who e,cr heard OF Clinton begging
ornaments 80 exclaimed Helen, proudly
" 1t !. too ridiculous"
Granted" replied Harry, laughing
" Yet you will not assert that it woul,
derogato from tie family dignity, shoulC
ono Of it, members receive fair compensa
ton for an actual service rendered. II yol
will but find the owner OF this, You may
consider that you have earned one, and shal
have it accordingly"
I" aecep, the terms, and will do my best
bat look dubiously to the result. How
ever. | hope you approve my taste. IL II
impossible that you should not like it, ans
Helen held up the bracelet, twirlins i
around her gloved finger.
- admire her exceedingly" replies
Henry already looking abstractly through
the window.
:" a triains, and apparently needless mis-
take in your objective prOnoun," returne'
Helen, without endeavoring to control he
mirth.
A reply from Horny was supcrfuous, AM
the brother and sister, with occasiona
laughter, drove in silence homeward.
III.
Harry Clinton had just returned to New
York, after three years Of travel in fOreigl
countries. Paris or Vienna seemed NOR
familiar than his native city. His frs
evening abroad was that of which we hav
spoken. Immediately he was seized will