The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1876-04-15

Yes, yes, anything" l said.
"Well, what If l don't find il; I've got
to be paid for hunting"
l succeeded in satisfying him on this
point, and left him searching with great
zeal, while crept forlornly into the house
to do up my work. An hour passed away,
and Sam appeared without the ring.
That's no place to look for anything"
he remarked "Thc ground is SO soft /;
'twould sink right into it, if il dropped"
l felt the wisdom of his remarks, and
could not help bursting into tears. The
ring was gone forever, l should never find
it, and what would Tom say to see my fin-
ger bare tonight? There was no way
that could make him acquainted with
the loss beforehand l had no idea where
he could be found, and it was very unlikely
I should find a chance to speak to him at
the social. Cousin Mary Ann, who was
visiting at our house, stuck 10 my side
continually when she wasn't at meeting,
and there was no getting rid of Sam, either
at home or abroad. Then Tom was such
quick, sensitive fellow. He wouldn I
wait for word of explanation if he found
that did not honor his gift, but be off
before l could give him an imploring
glance. / wondered IL it would be best
not to 60 to the social at all l could have
headache and 60 to bed and cry to my
hearts content all the wretched evening
But no l could not miss seeing Tom then,
he was going away tomorrow, and might
never see him again; l would go, and
brave the worst with what courage l might.
But it seemed as if night would never
come, though goodness knows was oblig-
ed to be busy enough to make the mo-
ments fly fast; and what supper the
company had set before them on account
Of my grief! The toast was burned to a
ciDder, the tea was boiled until it was
black as ink and tasted like herbs, the
custards were thin like whey, and Tom
Hoods endless meal of brick" that our
schoolmaster used to read about last win
ter, WINS light, compared to the biscuits.
The ministers faces were longer than they
ever were at vestry meeting; Aunt Jane
cOughed ominOusly, Cousin Mary Ann gig
gled, Sam INDUCED in uncomplimentary
remarks, and mother looked Just on the
verge Of despair. But what did care il
all the suppers in Christendom were spoil
ed? l had lost Toms ring, and life was
spoiled as well.
"But at last the gaudy, babbling and
remorseful day crept into the bosom of the
sea, and at 8 o'clock undid my crimps,
and went with the rest over to Uncle
Ethan's. l didn't expect to have a very
good time there at best, for but few young
people cared to 60 where there were SO
many ministers, and there would be moth
ing to do but sit round the room and say
to the person next to you," What delight.
ful weather we are having I" or, What
interesting meetings." If Tom hadn't
been going there l should have stayed
away, and l aattered myself that he would
have stayed away also, but for the pleasure
Of seeing me, though Uncle Ethan's wife
was his aunt.
But when | entered the best room,
where the company were assembled, the
first person saw was this lover of mine,
who looked into my face with half con-
fdent, half anxious expression, then glanc
ed eagerly toward my hand, which l kept
hidden on purpose. Mr.. Hibbard sat
down by my side aud addressed me with
an air Of solemn devotion. Tom COM
menced to be very sweet to Lucy Shelby,
who was always hanging about him with
her little airs and graces.
grew SO vexed that l forgot all about
the lost ring, and unconsciously held my
left hand up to my face, as if in ostenta
tious display of its baroness. Tom grew
pale to the lips, but was more devoted to
Lucy than ever. l hardly heard what
Mr.. Hibbard was saying, but sat very
quietly and smiled upon that gentleman
as had never smiled before. Refresh
ments in the shape of cakes and home
made wines were handed rouud. Singing
was proposed, and l sang soprano to Mr..
Hibbard's doleful shrill.toned tenor. Tom
refused to lend the music of his voice-he
was too deep in his Irritation with Lucy
and old Mrs. Jones whispered in my ear,
glancing meaningly in the direction of the
absorbed couple, who hadn't moved from
their corner for the evening: I" How is
this, Ruth? l used to think twas you
that Tom was going to marry; now it
seems that you have changed your minds
both Of you"
The ministers and deacons got into a
theological discussion. The matrons slid
c-o,., nl..sf...- III. 80. 1...I q