Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1874-07-31
{ New Series, Vol. 6, No. IS.,
I Old Series, Vol. 35. MOL

| 'HNH "NS"pt'u' '1llC CouIu quietly Manu- Dlt
the ring after supper, and in the meanwhile
she might as well have good time.'
The fine old house, the elegant dining
room, and the cosy table set for three
were charming. The doctor was a gooc
talker, and cultivated and refined in hi
manners. She had been obliged to bea
much wretcEed gossip for the last week o.
two. IL was quite proper she should stay
to tea. 1t would be rather amusing to Sc,
just how it seemed 10 be engaged. She
might as well have good time, for i
would soon be over. She would return thC
ring as soon as the housekeeper retired
The housekeeper did nothing of the kind.
AS soon as Tea was over she took her knit
ting and sat down by the open window il
the parlor, where she could sec everything
that happened, both in the house and in
the garden.
The doctor acted his part to perfection
He was not too attentive to attract attention
from the housekeeper, nor did he forget fol
moment to be watchful of his guests
happiness.
At 1870 p. NJ. Sally returned to her OWL
home, looking wonderfully serene and hap.
py. Cousin Mary Bedford was silent and
watchful. Presently she saw something
and said
%, Sally'
well, dear p
Where's the ring?'
% my lovel quite forgot all about it
did indeed. I'll take it right back to-
morrow.
AS for The doctor, he sat up half the
night, pacing his room alone and in the
dark. At midnight he was called out to
see some distant patient. He was glad to
60. 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 it
with the housekeeper. Besides, why should
she take the trouble TO carry it to him ?
1t was not in her place. He should ask
for it.
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 drawer.
IN return it by mail, Mary! Now
leave me in peace y
There was no peace. Without thought
she walked up alone to the postoffice
through the village street to get the even
ing 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
her letters she forgo. the absent ring.
Such lifting of eyebrows and whisper
ing Flushed and angry with herself she
sdarted out of the letter office only to almost
run into the doctors arms.
She hid her hands in the folds of her
dress, and with a forced smile bid him good
evening. He spoke pleasantly, smiled and
passed on. In a moment Sally heard his
footsteps behind her as she walked rapidly
home. She would not turn nor speak to
him on the public road-and that would
only make matters ten times worse. What
was she to do? 1t was dreadful ! How
size wished she had never touched the ring
To her surprise he overlook her, and
quietly and firmly pu. her arm in his. For
a moment she experienced a sense of un-
utterable relief and satisfaction. She
leaned upon him for support, and was gra-
titled as he seemed to draw her closer.
How good in him to come to her rescue.
The curtain has not beer rung down
yet, Miss Depford.'
The curtain Oh, she was only carrying
out the joke! With forced laugh she
took the hint, and in moment she was as
merry and chatty as ever. Once the doc
tor looked at her in questioning way and
once he was silent for 4 whole minute.
They walked on arm in arm up the vii
lase street, and at the sight half the town
was dumb with astonishment, and the
other half whispered the dreadful news
about the missing ring.
Little did they care. They walked on
and on, and almost before Sally was aware
of it they arrived at the doctors gate. The
doctor opened the wicket, and with smile
held it wide for her to enter.
She paused. Was it right Was she
not carrying the joke altogether too far
The blood mounted to her temples. and she
was silent.
will you not come in Miss Depford, ,and
make US little call p
'No-I-thank you. Not-now.'
She put out her hand to sustain herself,
and laid her ungloved fingers on the top 81
the gatepost She felt ready to faint with
modification, shame and disappointment.
This was the end 1t was only a joke-a
pretense, and
Miss Depford, said the doctor, in low
voice, where is my ring p
She snatched her hand away, and, hid
ing it in her dress, turned away to hide
her face.
Pardon me, pardon me, doctor l am
to blame. l didn't mean any harm, and /
hated-hated'-
Hated whom ?
'That-Sam Barrett; and l was so glad
to escape from him that l am afraid I've
done very wrong-very wrong indeed
How so p
In carrying out this dreadful joke, as
you call it.. 1 am well punished for my
folly. 1 took the ring off because L must
return it to you.'
'But-Sally- do not wish you to return
it,
She turned round amazed. What did he
mean? One glance was sufficient.
Come in--please-my love-
She took his arm again without word,
and they walked slowly up the graveled
path toward the old mansion The house
keeper came out and bid them welcome in
a grand and impressive manner. The ev-
ening shadows fell on the lawn. The