The Placer herald., 1874-04-04

get that ring? Let me look at it, will
you ?"
"No, will not"
''Wbere did you get it p
cit matters not now, since came honest
ly by it. will give it to you when next
see you"
"By Jove that's clever; but must see
it now," and he took step toward her.
''Stand. backl'' 49,, ia ,o s--.-., .r. .,. ri
He caught her by the shoulder, but as
quick AS lightning the little hand came down
with 4 smarting blow upon bis cheek.
"Ill have "A kiss for that I'll swearl' he
cried, ana holding her firmly, he pressed
kiss after kiss upon her lips.
At length, by violent effort, she freed
herself from bis grasp and rushed from the
room, when he called after her:
81 shall keep the mitten, my dear, until
we meet again.
The girl now entered the front shop,
Lutte had fled from the embrace of Leon
Lancaster, received the desired information,
and then hurried away.
She completed her business and drove
home, minus one mtten, but she was so
thoroughly angry that she did not notice
that one little hand was numb with cold
when she arrived there.
Thanksgiving day arrived, and with it
numerous guests came to enjoy the good old
times festival at farmer Bentley's
Lutte had tax the fancy to spend the
week with her aunt, and when she left her
city home for that purpose it was understood
that Leon Lancaster should come out and
take dinner with her on Thanksgiving day;
as he was Luies affianced husband, he was
of course great favorite of Mrs. Bentley's.
Before the dinner hour arrived Lutte went
to her room to dress.
Hurry down, Lu'ie," said her aunt,
"for the comp, ny have nearly all arrived,
and wish to introduce you before dinner to
those with whom you are not acquainted. !"
81 will, aunte; and here let me beg OF
you to find no fault with my dress when
come down replied Lutte.
"Of course not, child; wear what you
please and shall be satisfied, only be quick,
for Leon will soon be here "
Lutte bound away, wearing queer ex-
preston on her beautiful face, and Mrs.
Bentley hustled away to watch the progress
of the preparations for dinner.
In few moments stylish turnout drove
up to the door, and Leon Lancaster, look
ing strikngly handsome, in elegant attire,
sprang out, and after being cordially greeted
by Mr.. Bentley, entered the house where
Mrs, Bently met bin, escorted hi into the
paror, and introduced him to the guests al
eady there assembled
".N here is Lutte p he asked, showing
the least particle of annoyance that she had
not been there to greet him on his arrival.
"She is in her room putting on an extra
finish to her toilet, suppose. She will be
here in moment replied Mrs Bentley.
AS she left the Iarlor and passed through
the ball, Lutte came tripping down the
stairs. Mrs. Bently gave one glance at her
attire and then exclaimed:
"Why, Lutte Haines, are you really
crazy 2"
Never more sane in my life, auntie.
!" i'll you present me to your guests now p
"What do you mean, Lutte p
"Never mind; I'll explain all to your sat-
isfacton by-and by" laughed Lutte.
She wore the same costume in which she
had gone to market two days before. Upon
one hand she wore one of the mittens which
Mrs Bently had urged her to wear upon
the occasion referred to.
Mrs. Bently offered no further opposition
and led the way to the parlor, followed by
Lutte, whom she introduced to the party
there assembled.
portion of them looked with surprise
upon the costume of Lutte, and others
noticed only the rare beauty of her face.
She greeted them with queenly, grace
fu bow, and advancing to Leon Lancaster,
she said:
"Mr Lancaster, think I promised at
our last meeting, that when next we should
meet would exchange this riDg for the
mate of this mitten," and she removed the
gemmed article from her finger.
He started to his feet.
''Great Heavens!" he cried, turning pale,
"what does this mean ?"
"It means, sir, that am the person whom
you met in low restaurant on street,
and whom you so grossly insulted, mistak-
ing me for poor market girl. 1t was a
freak Of fancy which prompted me to as
sumo this dress and take some things to
market for aunte, as uncle was away and
her hired man was sick. shall always
thank my lucky star that l was led to do
so, for thereby learned your true charac-
ter" she replied, her beautiful eyes fash
ing looks of withering scorn and contempt
upon him.
"Lutie, there is some mistake about this.
L" KID.
"Say no more, sir; am not mistaken; |
saw you there in state of intoxication an
you grossly insulted me; aye, you even
dared to lay viol mt hands on me. Here is
your ring, take it. never wish to meet you
again. and she flung the bauble at bis feet
and swept from the room.
When she returned in short time after,
dressed in her own becoming attire, and
looking really beautiful, the seat which Leon
Lancaster occupied was vacant.
She entered with zest into the festivities