The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-05-15
NELL'S pIAM ON DS.


NELL'S DIAMONDS.
There was quite sensation in the
Durival mansion when 1t was known
that Aunt Mollie Hines was dead, and
had left Nell five thousand dollars
There was very singular stipulation
in the will.
GAS my nephew George Durival is a
sire the money to be given to little Nell
as soon as 1 die, TO use exactly as she
pleases, She is not to wait till she
comes Of age, and the money is all In
the bank, SO that it can be drawn out for
her to spend 1t in finery, sugar-plums, or
whatever she wants. l never had the
pleasure of spending money freely in my
life, but Nell shall have 1t once, if NO
more."
"Well," said Aunt Charlotte, Mr.. Du-
rivals maiden sister, who lived with him
since his wife's death-"well, 1 always
thought Aunt Mollie made an idiot oi
herself about Nell, but this beats ALL"
"Five thousand dollars" said Mr.. Du-
rival, ''seems large sum to waste. ]
hope Nellie will act judiciously."
"JudiciouslyW groaned Aunt Char
lotte. "YOu might as we'll hope she will
And here Nellie flashed into the room,
and was told the news. She had already
wept her brown eyes sore because dear,
kind Aunt Mollie was dead, SO this news
had not the sting it would have had told
sooner.
"Why," she cried breathlessly, ethat
is just what Ida Hayersack paid for her
lovely set of diamonds. I'll have a set
exactly like them. Lionel de We're says
there is nothing that heightens female
beauty like diamonds"
"Lionel de We're is a puppyw said Mr..
DurivaE in a rough tone he seldom used
to his petted child.
"a chit like you wearing diamondsw p
cried Aunt Charlotte. "Why, l never
owned more than one, in ring, In my
Ilfe."
"Better put the money out atinterest," )"
said Mr.. Duriyal, taking up his paper.
"But you must exercise your own judg-
ment."
GAS if she had anyW said Aunt Char
lotto, in distinctly sudible aside.
"But l do SO want the diamonds,
papa" saiu Nei, putting her arms
around her fathers neck, and pressing
her rosy lips against his cheek.
swell, my dear, you are to have youf
own way entirely; that was Aunt Mol
lies wish. But-and he drew the little
figure on his kpee-''tive thous9nd dol
lars is a large sum for a little girl to
spend alone. Many strong man has
worked for years, and saved no more.
ing that sum. Should l die poor, it
would give you little fortune of your
own to live upon. Why, Arthur Marvin
was telling me yesterday that he could
buy a partnership with Wheeler & Co.,
where he has been bookkeeper for nine
years, for five thousand dollars"
And Mr.. Durival looked keenly in his
daughters face, seemingly not ill-pleased
at the soft, tender blush that came upon
her round cheek.
"Why don't you lend it to him, papaw
she asked.
"It is a bad plan to commence life upon
borrowed money, and Arthur Marvin is
not the man to take such gift, even IT l
were rich enough to offer it,"
"Then, if he won't borrow or accept it.,
I suppose he must wait till he earns il"
Nell said, laughing. "But, papa, do go
and look at the diamonds with me. 1t
won't take any money to look at them,
and they would be SO splendid with my
rose-celored silk for Mrs. Stuart's party"
But looking proved as tempting as Mr..
Durival was afraid it would. and after
much consultation, velvet case, con-
tanning beautiful parure Of the spark.
ling gems, was given Nell in exchange
for her Aunt Mollie's hard-earned
There was no disputiug. the fact that
the figure that fitted into Mr.. DurivaPs
library on the night Of Mrs. Stuarts ball
was very bewitching one. Nelps
golden curls, crowned with a delicate
wreath of half-opened rosebuds, rose
above clouds Of pink silk, cut in ruffies
and flounces, with long train, yet leav.
ing ivory white arms and shoulders eX.
posed.
Upon the slender throat, and In the
small ears, glittered the superb stones,
throwing out their flashing tongues Of
fire with every movement.
"It was at Mrs. Stuarps Nell first met
Lionel de Vere," Aunt Charlotte said, in
confidential chat with her brother
sand don't like that man."
"Nor l." said Mr.. Durival. "He is q
mystery, and hate mysteries! can
not find out, with all my inquiries, where
he came from, or who he is"
But Papa Durival was enlightened on
both points on the night OF Mrs. Stuarts
ball.
ArLQur MHTVlu, Gu6 Olu kcutlSLudus
especial favorite amongst young men,
the one who. in his heart Of hearts, he
most desired for son-in-law, burst in
upon him alter midnight, accompanied
by police officer, and after hurried
consultation, the three entered carri
age, and drove rapidly toward the
Of the evenings festivities.
In the mean time, pretty Nell was en-
joying the ball as only young light
hearted girl can enjoy such scene.
And on the night of Mrs. Stuart's ball.
alter engaging her for the first waltz
Arthur Marvin did not appear. Not only
the first waltz, but dance after dance
passed, and no Arthur Marvin.
Piqued, half offended, Nell allowed
Lionel de We're 10 pay her even more
than his accustomed attentions.
She danced with him several times,
allowed him to take her into supper, and
during a stroll in the conservatory, il
an unguarded moment, she told him, sht
scarcely knew how, the story oil hel
Aunt Mollie's legacy.
give thousand dollars" said the gen
tleman. 81 am considered quite judge
of diamonds, and these are really very
fine."
They were near the door of the con.
seryatory as she spoke, and the moor
fell upon the steps leading into a gar
H., r.,t;ah capardfad stha frnnt nf thl