Litchfield enquirer., 1872-06-13

talking to him with the greatest ease and pleasure. This was something enjoyable, for most of the young gentlemen whom I had met in society hitherto had only an- swered 'yes,' no, and indeed when I had anything to say, and when they made any remarks Icould only answer yes mo, and indeed myself. We never could seem to strike the same chords. But Mr. Vereham, made up my mind at once, was decidedly agreeable He had travelled great deal, and once on that topic, there was no end to my interest. There were so many places I wanted to hear about, which had seen only in inn agination, and would tell him how had pictured them to myself, and then he would give me the true picture, some times with such comical contrast that I think we were both very much entertain ed. We promonaded, ate ices together, and at last he asked permission to call on me.
 "Why, Madge, he never called at this house but once in his ife," exclaimed Clara, when I told her that night, ''and that was a brief party call. It is decid- ed case of love at first sight, my dear!
 Was 1t :? I almost wanted to think so myself as I fell asleep, dreaming of MT. Vereham. He called few evenings aft CT, was even more agreeable than at the soiree, and when he left, invited me togo sleigh-riding with him the next day.
 He'll propose, next thing you know, !" said Clara sagely. 'sThese grave bache- lors always do it very suddenly. I have known it to. happen more than once my self
 Would you wear the locket, Clara p l asked, as l was getting ready for the ride.
 "Well, I don't know," replied Clara, thoughtfully. Yes It will look so hand some against your black velvet jacket, and they wear them on the street great deal this winter"
 We had a grand sleigh-ride, the strong black horses carrying us like the wind again and again around the principal drives of the park All the world was out, and 1t was Q brilliant scene, intensi- fled every moment by some of the fast horses breaking into race. was in the highest possible spirits, and when we turned homeward felt as if it was the clos ing of the triumphal march.
 Il beg your pardon, but that is very rare and curious locket that you wear, , said MT. Vereham, as he assisted me out of the sleigh.
 ''1es," | answered cOnfusedly; and gathering up my furs, hurried through thanks and leeve-taking, and ran into the house, 1 had such dread of any one questioning me about the locket, and find ing out that had borrowed it of a pawn broker.
 The next two or three times that I met Mr. Vereham did not wear it. | was really beginning to think good deal of him in q romantic sort of way, and Clara's raillery only added to it. It seem- ed to me that 1 never had seen, never should see, any one that I could like so we'll as did Dudley Vereham.
 There was presently cards for party which was to be the party of the season. Clara was getting up for herself some wonderfully lovely cloud-ike drapery, with pearls and turquoises. I was to wear my blue silk, the only real party dress had, and, the locket. Clara did my hair, and that was half the battle.
 ''Now you are a perfect violet" she said, when l was ready. ssHere, use some of this violet powder, child, and let me pour some eau de viOlette on your hand herchief. There is charming great con. servatory at Mrs. Hart's, and perhaps MT. Nereham will ask you to walk there with him. We girls have counted up at least ten proposals that have been made in that conservatory this winter
 must confess that my heart beat tu- muituously when, in the course of that never-to-be-forgotten evening, Mr. We're ham, as Clara had predicted, invited me to walk with him in the conservatory. l took his arm all in fiutter, half terror, half happiness, and in few moments more we stood among the camelias and cactuses. He talked about the plants at first, showing me some that he had seen hlossoming i'll their own native climes. I answered rather at random, I am afraid, for the burden of my thought was, ''Oh, what will father and mother say?"
 Standing at last beside an orange tree there was a moments silence. MT. Vereham appeared somewhat embarrass- ed.
 May ask, he said hesitatingly-'I have been wishing long time to ask would you tell me, Miss Madge, the his. tory of your unique locket ?"
 suppose l looked surprised, for he hastened to add, 'Let me tell you my sto- " first, and then you will pardon my cu- riosity."
 And while l stood there silent summon ing all my self-control, he told it. His grandfather, it seemed, was one of the younger sons of an old English family of nobility. His mother, when girl, was presented with a curious antique locket, at the time of her confirmation, by an amt, who was also her god mother. It was given her priceless treasure, it hay f,,rr ha1 fS, fho 1xy oA centuries. She subsequently, made love match which was displeasing to her rela- tives, and left home and country to share the fortunes of her young husband. At last, when in Germany, pressed by the utmost necessity, for they had met with many reverses, they were obliged to pawn the locket, hoping by good luck to redeem it speedily. But the very next day they hams fathers illness, and summoning once more and forgive them. They went home immediately, and were detained there by his long and tedious illness, and afterward by business and family compli- cations, so that it was three years before they found their way to Frankfort again, and the pawnbroker was gone leaving no clue
 ''It has always been the subject of in tense regret to Us, said Mir. Vereham, at the conclusion of his story. ''And fny mother has described the locket to me a thousand times, grieving; to think how sine had let it slip out of her possession. The moment saw you first Miss Madge, my eyes were rivited by your chain and locket, and I determined at once to make your acquaintance,a and as soon as we were on sufficient friendly terms to warrant it, to ask you about this antique ornament. D
 By this time Was self-possessed and proud. My little dream was dashed to the earth; but no one should dream it had existed.
 ssThe locket IS undoubtedly yours," ] said briefly ''It was lent m. ..by an old school-mate, daughter of pawnbroker. He is German Jew, and his account of it coineides with yours. I will return it to him tomorrow, and give you his ad- dress that you may reclaim it..
 MT. Vereham was deligted beyond meas ure, and thanked me earnestly, wearing