The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-11-17

did, In spite of cousin Mary Depford' 8 re-
inonstrance. M
On Monday she carried the ring still on
her finger to the doctor. He was just
starting off on a professional tour when she
came, and was so merry, and there was so
many things to talk about, that she quite
forgot the ring. Besides, there stood the
widow Bigelow, in the next yard, pretend
ing to hang out her clean clothes on the
line, and watching with both eyes.
Cousin Mary Depford was harassing.-
They had a little 'spat, after the manner of
girls, and made it up on the strength of a
promise from Sally that she would certainly
return the ring tomorrow. i mos
On the morrow she started, ring on
finger, to duly return it. He was not Mt
home. She went again, just before tea
time. He was at tea, and pressed her to
take supper with his good old houseleeper
and himself She hesitated moment,
then accepted. Sine could quietly hand
him the ring after supper, and in the
meantime she might as well have good
time" lu ht
The fine old house, the elegant dining
room and the cosy table set for three, were
charming. The doctor was agood talker,
and cultivated and refined in his manners.
She had been obliged to bear much wretch
ed gossip for the last week or two. 1t
would be rather amusing to see just how
she seemed to be engaged She might as
well have good time, for it would soon be
over. She would return the ring as soon as
the housekeeper retired. The housekeep-
er did nothing of the kind. As soon as tea
was over she took her knitting, and sat
down by the open window in the parlor,
whore she could see everything that hap
pened both in the house and in the garden.
The doctor acted his part to perfection.
He was not too attentive to attract atten-
ton from the housekeeper, nor did he for
get for moment to be watchful of his
guests happiness. l..u.a .sa
at 1890 p. IN. Sally returned to her own
room, looking wonderfully serene and hap
py. Cousin Mary Depford was silent and
watchful. Presently she saw something
and said o3t va raA VIZ
"Oh, Sally 70 I'D ,F.
"Well, dear?" Wa attt
Where's the ring?" ds 4li n
"Oh, my love quite forgot all about
it; did, indeed. I'll take it right back
tomorrow" R dta.
AS for the doctor, he sat up half the
night, pacing his room alone and in the
dark. At midnight he was called to see
some distant patient. He was glad to go,
The cool ride through the solemn dark gave
him a chance to think.
The next day Sally boldly started for the
doctors to return the ring. He was not at
home. OF course she could not leave il
with the housekeeper. Besides, why
should she take the trouble to carry it to
him? II was not her place. He should
ask for it. ....,,, f.,,....., ..,,;,,..,
Cousin Mary fairly ragged, For the first
time Sally was really unhappy over the
matter, and in a little passion she pulled
off the ring and threw it in a drawer.
"Pll return it by mail Mary. Now
leave me in peace" - l,iiI tl..f.
There was no peace. Without a thought
she walked up alone to the post office
through the village street to get the eve
ming mail. 1t did seem as if the whole town
were waiting for their letters, 1t was too
warm for gloves, and in her haste to get
the letters she forgot the absent ring.
Such a lifting of eyebrows and whisper
ing. Flushed and angry with herself, she
darted out of the letter office only to al
most run into the DOCTORS arms
| She hid her hands in the folds Of her
dress and with forced smile bade him
good evening. He spoke pleasantly, smil-
ed and passed on. In moment Sally
heard his footsteps behind her as she walk
ed rapidly home. She would not turn nor
speak to him on the public road--and that
would make matters ten times worse
What was she to doP II was dreadful
How she wished she had never touched the
ring. "H 9p7A q ilf 50
To her surprise, he overlook her, and
quietly and firmly put her arm in his
For moment she experienced a sense Of
unutterable relief and satisfaction. She
leaned upon him for rsupport and was graf
flied as he seemed to draw her closer. How
good in him to come toh her rescue. sa,g
HThe curtain has not been rung down
yet, Miss Depford" H4aa ai.u
The curtain ! Oh, he was only carrying
out the joke. With a forced laugh she
took the hint, and in moment was as
merry and chatty as ever. Once the doe