Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1876-07-26
STORY OF A RING.

It seemed to rue the most unfortun-
ate position in the world.
[ had arrived about ten minutes be-
fore, at the house of an aunt whom ]
had never seen, and who was sick. L
was to be her nurse and companion.
Her servant had shown me into this
wretched trap as [ now called it, in
anguish of spirit, though it was really
a pretty, cheerful little room, opening
by a curtained arch from the parlor,
informing me that the hOusekeeper
would be there Immediately to conduct
me to my aunt. And here was [ an
utter stranger, assisting at lovers
quarrel. s9#
Two persons had entered the room
an instant after had seated myself. It
was twilight, and the lamps were not
yet lighted. [ was wholly invisible,
and they evidently imagined themselves
to possess the solitude befitting their
conversation.
=" The farce may as we'll end here"
had said a woman's voice at the
moment of her crossing the threshold.
:" For my part am weary of the play.
I no longer love you, and I will not pre-
tend affection merely to feed your
vanity, which is as hmitless as your
impertinence in persisting attentions
that you see / detest"
It was the most intolerable proud
voice that could imagined.
''I still love you, and YOU know it.
And [ have far to much faith in your
former professions to credit the words
put into your mouth by the anger of
I,,,fo 70
utterly mistaken in your supposition.
My love for you is always
kg"Your love for me Your love !"
with an accent Of angry scorn that de-
fes description. 'sNever dare to men
ton to me again word thatyou cannot
comprehend. 1t is an insult to me to
hear tan insult that will not endure
And to cure your apprehension Of my
repentance, let.me tell you that /, who
know the meaning of this word that
you utter so glbly-l love some one
else"
She stepped swiftly to the window
and threw it open. There was an in
stantis silence. There was audible the
rustic of her sleeve as she tossed some
thing from her with force.
Il have thrown your ring away" she
explained, with q 7,o'ac1aol1nce in extra
ordinary contrast with her former vio-
ence, II threw it toward the cistern.
Possibly it has slipped through some
crevlce or other, and gone down into
the water. hope So In that case it
Is impossible that the sight of it can
ever again insult me with the remem-
brance that have worn it. Permit me
to wish you ali exceedingly good even
ing
1t was easy to imagine the hooking
reverence Of the courtesy she now
swept him; then she was gone. Imme-
diately after, and silently, he also left
the apartment.
They did not go too soon, whoever
they were. A cold perspiration DAMP
ened my forehead; | really trembled.
The vehemence of the feelings engaged,
the certainty felt by the actors of their
complete isolation, and my own inno-
cent guilt in overhearing, all quite
overpowered me- s
Half minute did not elapse after
the last sound of the gentleman's foot
steps, before the parlor door again
opened, and a prim little woman en-
tered, with lamp in her hand. She
looked In all the corners, as one might
search for dropped pocked hand
kerchief, and at last perceived the
new conner.
All, miss, I have kept you waiting
quite a time, to be sure But your
aunt took sudden notion to put mus
tard draughts on her ankles-though
DIR. Richardson had just gone, and he
never thought of ordering them land
have 'em she must. And [ supposed
you'd be comfortable here.
"Quite comfortable thank you. The
servant said you would come pres
emily"
Well. you'd best have some tea be
for you see your aunt. She told me to
give you some I shall try to find
something you like; though what with
AL these people flying about the house
pany, | meant don't know whether /
am on my head or feet"
l received the refreshments she
brought me gratefully, after which [
was conducted to my aunt's room.
@Conslderatlon for ghe feelings of
otner people was not enc of the old
iadys characteristics, aud after few
dslaraglng remarks OH my personal
appearance, was dismissed for the
night.
The sun was just risen next morning
when | took courage to step outside
and look about me. The grass was
very wet with dew, but how it sparkled
In that fresh light! All at once I
stopped and stared about me. There.
glittering in the grass, lay ring. II
stood like one fascinated, gazing at it