The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1864-10-12
Ialey-way of tall, weather stained build

.
"See, sis, what jolly glove I've
found?' he CALCULATED, diving suddenly
into a narrow doorway, aud coming upon
small room, only half lighted by ker-
osene lamp, beside which sat young
woman, busily at work. "Hallo is the
FIRE out?"
"Wrap this old shawl around you,
Ben" said the woman looking up, with
smile that partook more Of tears than
mirth, sand you won. mind the cold SO
much All the coal is gone, aud can't
buy any more until [ am paid for these
caps. Did you sell any more matches p
"Only two boxes" sighed the boy. IL
was so cold, Clara, that I couldn't 60
round to the houses"
well never mind, Ben," she said,
cheerfuly. "Sit close to me, dear-we'll
keep each other warm. Oh! Ben, |
should like to have given you a nice
whole coat for Christmas"
Don't cry, SIS, said the boy, leaning
his head against her knee. Didn't you
give NE your shawl for a comforter, only
l lost it that windy day? You're just
as good and sweet as YOU can be, Clara,
and love you just az well as if you were
my whole sister. instead of only half a
one. :"
She smiled through her tears.
"What was 1t about a glove, Ben ?"
He spraU6 suddenly up as if remem,
bering.
"a gea;leman dropped it in the street.
l ran after the carriage, but it went too
fast for me to catch up. Isn't it nice,
sis :"
Very nice Ben"
She drew the fur glove bstrac'edly on
her haOd, and looked at the rich, dark fur.
"Whv, Ben, what's this :"
Her finger had come in contact With
something IN the little finger Of the glove,
aud she drew it out Even By the dim
light Of the lamp she saw the myriad
sparkling fasccts of a diamond ring.
The gentleman must have drawn it
of with his glove" she said, while little
Ben stood by, in surprise and delight.
"Bon, this IS very valuable We ought
to return it to the owner at once"
GLOW can we, if we don't know who
he is ~ said Ben.
1T will be advertised, dear; every eff
fort will be made to recover so valuable
a jewel. Tomorrow morning YOU must
, borrow newspaper. and we will look at
the advertisements"
! ''S.ster," said Ben, under his breath,
''is it very valuable? Is it worth hun
dEed dollars :"
"MOre than that, Ben. Why?"
:, oh! Clara" he sobbed, burying bis
face IL his lap: hundred dollars would
be SO nice. l wish it wasa't wrong to
keep it -
\ Clara did uot answer, She only smooth
ed down her little brothers tangled curls,
and he never knew how hard it was for
/. her to keep back ker own tears.
Nj Almayne was walking Impatiently
Up and down his loog, glitterins suite OF
rooms in the Christmas brightness Of the
next days noon, when his portlg footman
J presented himself in the doorway.
"Well, Porter ?"
There's a young person and little
: boy down stairs, sir, about the advertise
meut."
Ask them 10 walk in, Porter"
Porter glanced dutious!y at the velvet
chairs and Wilton carpet.
''Thcy're very shabby and muddy, sir "
I Never mind show them in."
! Porter departed, by no means pleased,
and IN a moment or two threR open the
door and announced
The young person and the little boy"
''Be seated" said Mr.. Almayue, cour-
teously. "Can you give me any inform
ticn in regard to the ring I have lost 2"
Ben MorroE's sister was wrapped in a
a faded shawl, with thick, green veil
over her face. She held out the fur
glove, and within it little paper box,
from which blazed the white fire of the
lost ring.
My brother found it il this glove, last
night, sir, she said, in low, tinid voice.
THE initials-M. A.-eorrespond with
your advertisement, so we brought it at
once to the street aud number specified"
! Mr.. Almayne opened his pocket book
81 have promised liberal reward. ;" he
said, taking cut fifty dollar bill. "Will
this be sufficient ?"
/ Clara Willis threw back her veil.
( ave are very poor, sir, she said, "but
not SO poor as to take reward for doing
our duty. Thank you all the same. Come,
Ben"
Henry Almayne's cheek had grown
very white as he saw the golden braids
and clear blue eyes of his sweet first love
/ beneath the faded black bonnet.
+. 'lCIara ~ be exclaimed. "Clara Willis