The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1872-08-29
THE STORY-TELLER.
T.. $. l..

.. Ia. That was the only mark
there was upon it, the three initial let
ters engraved upon the inside. turned
and twisted it in my fingers, as 1 stood
under the gaslight, making the dia-
monds shoot forth their fiery lines of
dazzling brilliancy. Close examination
proved it to be most beautiful and val
liable jewel, heavy gold ring, with q
shield of blue enamel. In the centre of
the shield sparkled one large diamond
of purest water, and above it number
OF smaller stones, yet each of remarkable
beauty and purity, were grouped in the
form of crescent. I had never seen O
gem more valuable and unique, but its
possession was simply an annoyance to
me.
was making hasty business trip
from my home in D., Ohio, through
some of the large Eastern cities, and
had stopped in New York for few
days, having resolved to crowd two
weeks work into one if possible.
had arrived in the city after all
places of business were closed, had eaten
hasty dinner, and gone to the theatre.
Meeting some friends, we had supped
together, and talked until the clocks
warned us that we had stolen more
than one hour from a new day. Upon
my return to my hotel, tired and des-
perately sleepy, I had found, upon the
stairs, the ring I have described. 1t
was then after two o'clock, evidently no
hour to trouble the sleepy clerk down
stairs about the matter, so put it in a
safe corner of my pocketbook, and re-
tired.
The next morning, rising late, and
feeling very much hurried, L merely
mentioned in the Office that, if any one
inquired for a diamond ring, 1 had
found one, and went literally about my
business" During my travels about the
city, took the ring to leading jewel
er's, and found his estimate of the val
ue of the stones even higher than my
own.
"The workmanship is exquisite" he
said to me, evidently not done in this
country"
No inquiries having been made at the
hotel, advertised my windfall for three
days, and considered that had done all
that could be expected. Still did not
care to wear what was really not my
own, and put the ring away in a pri-
some other valuables, chaItably hoping
the loser was wealthy enough to bear
the loss philosophically. When 1 left
New York, 1 gave my address at the
hotel and newspaper office; but a year
later no word of inquiry respecting the
ring had reached me.
The business firm of which 1 was the
junior partner required my services as
a sort of travelling agent, my sojourn
in different cities lasting sometimes for
months, sometimes only for few days.
We were introducing throughout the
United States O new and valuable pa
tent with success that was rapidly |
making us all men of wealth. l being |
the youngest in the firm, and having |
the Others were kind enough to inform |
me, pleasing manner and ready tongue,
was chosen to point out the merits of
our bread-winner to the merchants who
could dispose of it for us.
One of my trips southward-a year
later than my visit to New York-found
me settled in New Orleans, with letters
of introduction from many of the lead
ing merchants of other cities to those in
my new abode.
l. was soon dSSureu Oh IL PHEASANT So
cial standing, and one of the most de-
lightful homes where was made well
come was that of Monsieur Lecourt, a
French gentleman, and merchant of
high standing and large wealth, who
owned valuable plantations not far
from the city. He was a tall, stately
gentleman, with white hair and mus
tache, and grave face, that was eften
shadowed by deep sadness, though it
never failed to light up in courteous
welcome when approached. --
1 called twice, and spent the evening
in the library with my host; but the
third time, as the servant opened the
door, lady rose from seat beside the
old gentleman, and moved toward the
door.
"Stay, Adela," he said; this is my
friend, Mr.. Haven, of whom have
spoken to you. Ny daughter Adela'
Mr.. Haven"
The lady returned my greeting, and
resumed her seat beside her father, and
as We conversed in the best French l
could command, found my eyes wan
dering ever to rest on her face and fig
ure.
She was tall and slender without be- J