Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1863-07-11

ing !"
The early dew was yet weighing down
the half blown roses in the simple town
garden, when Captain Werner entered
the jewelry store where he had purchas-
cd the set of onyx for his mother.
"What can | do for You this morn
ing, Captain 2" inquired the brisk H. tie
ieweler, as he came forward, rubbing his
smooth white hands.
- A great deal, Mr.. Atkinson, you
can tell me to whom you paid out this
Treasury Note last night Y
He laid the mysterious 'greenback' on
the glass counter; Atkinson took it up
and scrutinized it closely, then referred
to his books.
Certainly | can he said; I pur-
chased very beautiful pearl ring from
a lady yesterday evening, and paid for it
with that very identical BILL"
\ pearl ring the simple words
seemed to throw off the scent again
The jeweler unlocked his show case, and
took out small velvet case, lined with
white silk, in which glmmered pearl of
surprising beauty, set in a plain gold
circlet.
"There it is" he said. "Ten years
ago l sent to New York for that very
ring, ordered by DIR. Moore as birth
day Gift for his little daughter, then just
twelve years old"
''Dr Moore Y repeated Werner.
{" Yes. Times are sadly changed now,
yet I did not suppose that Miss Mildred
would ever have been induced to part
with that fayoriie jewel-the Only relic,
| may venture 10 shy, she has ever re-
tanned OF Weather days"
Captain Werner looked down at the
ring through a strange unwonted mist.
How differeEt was this silent sacrifice Of
sweet memories and old associations to
Clara DeIford's ostentatious gift from her
OVERLOOKING Golfers "Silver and gold
have | none; but such as l have give |
thee" The words came to him like a
revelation Of Mildred Moore's nature.
Only nine o'clock, but not too early
for Mildred Moore to be watering her
sweet peas and geraniums in the cottage
garden. Nay, SO busy was she with
tiny pink blossom which had broken
from IFS fastening, that she never heard
approaching footsteps until Capt. Yer
nors shadow fell across the flower Dor
der. Then she started up, with large d.
lated eyes, like those of frightened
iawn, aud carbine burning in her usual
II coloriess cheeks.
Captain Werner -
" 10 not be startled, Miss Mildred"
ho said, with gentle, rcassuring accents.
I have only called to thank YOU for your
kin d donation to the sick soldiers"
She cIaspel her hands over her flush
ed face, like child detected IN some
fault.
81 beg your pardon; I did not think
i never intended"
May" he interrupted. carnestIy.-
l have learned the history of the ring.
Your sacrifice is net unapprcciatel,
and"
He stopped, for she had burst into
conyulsiye sobs aud tears. Il was entire
y new phase Of her beng. Capt.
Werner stood completely confounded.-
He had known her all these months and
and yet remained ignorant of the passon
ate depth and emotion of her character.
She was there before him no longer the
fair, passionIe5s statue, but lovely wo-
man, made Iovelier still by tears. The
citadel of his heart. undermined long aga.
unconsc.Oue!y to him surrendered at
this last attack. And who could blams
him?
Don't, Mildred" he said. caressingly.
MY dearest girl, if You knew how it
grieved ne 70 see you weep"
''Pardon me" she fatered: II am
ashamed Of being SO foolish, but it was
all had to ciye.'
"Mildred,' lie said, opening the violet
velvet casket, Il have brought back the
ring: viii you accept it again?"
She looked at him with startled eyes
and glowing checks, as if some deep
meaning lay hidden in bis words.
"Let me place it on your finger, love.
Wear it as an engagement ring" He
went on: "Oh Mildred, never knew
till now how dear YOU were to me. VIII
you trust your future to me ?-will You
be my cherished, treasured wife,"
What Mildred's answer was is not at
all to tho purpose; only Mrs. Grundy I
thinks it very strange "that Miss Moore
should wear n pearl engagement ring
when diamonds are all the fashion,"