National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1870-04-29
THE LOST RING.

ing 10 MS rest as Inlilip linton
came YEARLY forth from one OF those
vast flower gardens of the West,
known as prairies, and entering the
timbered land by which it WAS skirt
ell, proceeded to where Il road ran
through the wood; and divestlng
himself of his hunting equipments,
sat down to rest beneath the shade
OF Il large Tree. He was Il Young
man OF twenty i've or twenty six,
handsome, well educated, wealthy,
and in every respect "a thorough
gentleman yet his face wore
restless, wearlcd expression, that
denoted mind deeply disturbed.
He WAS among the rolling lands
of Illinois, and the county, Just 1T
This spot, was very much broken.-
I Passing PhiIip, the road deseeu<tod
Il small bnt very steep hill, and
crossing little creek, assembled an
other equally as steep; then, turn
! lng to the right, was lost to view IN
| the thick brush, with which the hill
was crowned. Philip had remained
! about ten or fifteen minutes ah-
Sorhed IN most unpleasant thought.
! when tue sound Of wheels aroused
him and d horse, attached to a
light wagon, dashed madly down
the opposite hill. crossed the creek,
and rapidly advanced to where
Philip now STOOD waiting his ap-
/ proach. 70 seize the rcinS and pac
itl the frightened animal was but
The work of a 'uomcnt, thcu, tuln.
| iug to the hoy who alone occupied
the wagon, and who was gazing
around in a bewildercd manner. he
! inquired what was the matter.
., Sir, where is Miss Nellie .
She was IN the wagon wIlen the
horse took fright and started down
Jhe hIli
At the sound of that name the
Young mans countcnauce altered
yi>ibly. and the Vearicd look chang
ed to one OF intense anxiety as he
strobe down to where, in the soft
mud Of the creek, lay the inanlmat'
form OF Nellie IholnuuN, Will
Nmds OF cudcaring tenderness ht
raised her IN his arms. and with the
cool water SO near AT hand cndcaN
oled to restore animation. In a few
minutes Il pair OF mild blue eyes nn
closed, and a soft smile Wrcatheo
the pale lips.
Are you hart, Nellie deur2' pt
asked.
No, not at ALL She replied, at thO
same time rising. in my lriaht
Jumped from the wagon. aud | sup
!. pose. tainted, which is not to be re
gretted. since it has brought word.
of affection from one who has .
late treated me SO strangely
He made no reply. but quickly
taking her Ief, hand gaAed mtentl,
upon IT,
i have lost the ring Philip sh
sand, gently, .hut do not Sc" VIII.
jhat should cstrauGr as PhllIp'
nluw dMkencd,
1t is unnecessary, Miss Thorn
bury. to say more know ~ wei
Do rs YOU do what you did with th
ring.
And turning abruptly, he calic
he hoy to approach, and So IoStth
look of genuine surprise with wine
Nellie heard his words. llcaS>ISt"
her iut, the wagon. and then. .iuml
ins in himself, took the lelnS.
DO not trouble Yourself on N
n. account, Nh Ilntou,' said Nellie.
D. The horse Is still a little rrSticS
7 md do not like 10 trust him wit
Peter was the reply.
Sc. And daring the halt.hOur'S rid
49, that brought them to tue door I
NclIir'S house not another Wol
passed between them. Nellie locke
very pale and d. while Philip
face had assumed IN" old listIeS
weary EXPRESSION. As they a
~ preached the house, Il young girl
unusual beauty looked ont from h
h.nd the blinds of one OF the upp,
= windows.
Nellie = she murmurcd. 'and ;
sure as live. Phil'p Hinton is vii
her! did not thuk he had 50 Ii
- tie pride.
And her lip carried scornfully.al
her beautiful face was disligurcd |
4 dark froNu rs she turned to NAL
}. a few alterations in her toilet. Fl
tm last graceful touches give, She d
"' sccnded. but only to be disappolI
Il ed. for Philip, with Il cool good eve
,,. ing, had left the premises, and n,
lie had retired to her own room.
w. y" Mr.. Thornhury had been twi
married aud was "A wid0wcr. Il
~, first wife, u gentle, lovely woma
to- had'died when the little Nellie "
j.. enly a few weeks old. In ve
a., short time. MIR. Thornbury, lro
prudential motives, married AGA
{ and when his second diught'
Charlotte, was only FIVE years "
- was again left dl~cOnsuatr. 1
little Charlotte was sent to i
mothers sister. residing IN y,
York. who promised to bc in eve
one respect mother to the little girl.
W" Mr.. Thornbury furnished ahunda
means for the advancement of Chi
lolte's education, and ut Seventc
VI she was "a most highly accomplish
" and beautiful girl. But while str
attention was beng paid to mi
I" and manners, the better feelings
II the heart were allowed to remi