Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1869-12-15

are his hvorite colors, you know mother" |
replied Agnes, smiling aud blushing- "Thero |
is the iewel-case, Miss Arbuthnot."
Janet opened it, and clasped the glittering
gems on necks and wrists and hung the /
cleaning pendants from the beautys ears.
-" And what for your hair ?" she asked.
" Who knows ?" replied the beauty, discon-
tontedly. Flowers | suppose. If | only
had emeralds to match my necklace. Pshaw %
she continued, as Janet held a wreath Of rose
buds against her jetty braids, take them
away. They spoil everything else. Nothing
but emeralds will do"
Won't your pearls answer p suggested
her mother.
Pearls mixed with emeralds You would
make fright Of me, mamma. Oh, dear |
shall have to take off the dress, and wear
something else"
Janet hesitated a moment, and then drew
the little caskct from her pocket
Il beg your pardon, Miss Draper she
said, timidy, flashing open the case but ifl
these would suit, | should be so pleased"
Why, Janet, cried the heiress, lifting the
gliuerng string from the case are you an-
other Cinderella But where" she added,
in surprise, did you get these costly gems ?"
" They were the gift Of dear friend, re-
/ piled Janet, quietly. | meant to sell them
this evening, but my heart failed me-
"Why, I'll buy them, if they are for sale, "
kindly said the heress ooh, mother, do
look here Was ever anything so magnif-
cent?" she cried, excitedy, twining the gor-
( geous string round her raven braids. May
| ! wear them tonight. Janet2n
In welcome" said Janet.
Well, well,' continued Agnes, with a
sigh Of satisfaction, there never was such a
godsend my dress is perfect now. | shall
not forget your kindness Miss Arbuthnot"
And she swept down to the parlors, the
omeralds encircling her brow like an aureola
Of light. Janet looked after her with an odd
sensation Of mingled pain and pleasure, and
half regretted the impulsiye generosity that
had prompted her to proiIer her precious em-
eralds, even for so short time.
The tableaux were over and the waltzing
had begun. Mr.. Willoughby, the lion of the
season. who had just come from Calcutta,
millionaire, approached to seek Miss Draper
for his first partner,
"You have surpassed yourself, tonight,
Miss Agnes" he said, his eyes full Of admira-
ton, as they rested on her queonly face
Agnes flushed with pleasure The music
struck up, and he turned to lead her off, but
suddenly stopped, staring like one petrifed
" Great heavens !" he exclaimed, at last,
90 they are the same Miss Draper, excuse
me But cannot be mistaken where did
you get those emeralds ?"
Agnes grew scarlet to her very fnger-tips,
and drew back haughtily.
d" A strange question, Mr.. Willoughby,
she said.
know, Miss Draper and beg pardon
for my rudeness; but those gems were my
gift to the dearest friend ever had. You
can understand my solictude to know how
they came into your possession
They are not mine, Mr.. Willoughby,
was the surprised answer they belong to
my mothers governess."
And her name 2" he said, breathlessly.
Janet Arbuthnot."
Mr. Wiloughby's trayel-bronzed face grew
absolutely radiant
Zone other favor, Miss Agnes" he said
" Can | see your mothers governess ?"
For an instant Agnes struggled with
! wounded vanity and self-love, and then said
- frankly, her better nature triumphing,
: " see Mr.. Willoughby, that there is q
! , grand denouement at hand, the finale for oul
u tableaux. Come with me-"
= He followed her from the parlors, and int
: a little ante-room, where the young governes
] sat One glance at the quiet figure in it
: robe of brown at the palld, sorrow-worr
y y face; and Eustace Willoughby rushed for
y ward with outstretched arms.
&c Janet Janet !" he cried, have founC
a you at last ?"
y Agnes disengaged the emeralds from he
y hair, and dropping them softly into Janet
e e lap, left the room, blinded by really genuin
y tears.
y 1t is quite as well as if had won hin
II myself" she said.
why did you leave our dear old city {?
lS said EustOce Willoughby, when he and Jane
e. we're alone together. 81 can understan,
Ie something of your reasons, of course: yo
oi shrank from old associations; but it has le
E to this apparent desertion on my part.
~ had to 60 up the country from Calcutta, o
~ important business, fell sick, and was detaine
&c for months. When | returned to America
4 all trace Of you was lost | have been j
re search of you for months. But now we wi
= never part again"
ls So, after ALL gladness and rejoicing cam
~ to Janet and to the friends she loved, wit
o' the dawning of that happy New YEAR.