Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1876-06-14

my finger bare tonight. There was no
way that l could make him acquainted
with the loss beforehand. l had no idea
where he could be found, and it was very
unlikely should find chance 10 speak
to him 1T the social. Cousin Mary Ann,
who was visiting at our house, stuck to
my side continually when she wasn't ut
meeting, and there was no getting rid OF
Sam, either at home or abroad. Then
Tom was very quick, sensitive
fellow. He wouldn't wait for
single word of explanation
if he found that did not honor his gift,
but be of before could give him an i'm.
ploring glance. l wonder if it woudnt
be best not to go to the social at all.
could have headache, and go to bed and
cry to my hearts content all the whole
wretched evening. But no. l could not
miss Tom when he was going away to
morrow, and might never see him again
would 90 and brave the worst with what
courage might. But it seemed as if
night would never come, though goodness
knows l was Obliged to be busy enough to
make the moments fly fast; and what a
supper the company had set before them
on account of my grief. The toast was
burnt to cinder, 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 cur
school master used to read about last win
ter, was light diet compared to the bis
cults. The minister's faces were longer
than they ever were in a vestry meeting !;
Aunt James cough was Ominous. cousin
Mary Ann giggled, Sam INDUCED IN I'M
complimentary remarks, and mother
looked Just on the verge of despair. But
what did l care if all the suppers in
christendom were spoiled? l lad 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 eight O'Clock undid my
Uncle Ethan's. II Tom hadn't been GO
ing to be there should have stayed away,
but f1attered myself that he would have
remained away also but for the pleasure
Of seeing me, though Uncle Ethan's wife
was his aunt.
But when l entered the best room,
where the company was assembled, the
first person l saw was this love of mine,
who looked into my face with half-con-
fident, half-anxious expression, then
glanced eagerly toward my hand which |
kept hidden on purpose. Mr.. Hubbard
sat down at my side, and addressed me
with an air Of solemn devotion. Tom
commenced to be very sweet OF Lucy Shell.
by, who was always hanging about him
with her little airs and graces.
/ grew so vexed that forgot all about
the lost ring, and unconsciously held
my left hand up to my face, as if in osten-
tatious display of Its baroness. Tom
grew pale to the lips, but was more de-
voted to Lucy than ever. hardly heard
what Mr.. Hubbard was saying, but sat
very quietly and smiled upon that gentle.
man as had never smiled before. Re-
freshments in the shape of cakes and
home made wine were handed round.
Singing vas proposed, and sang soprano
to Mr.. Hibbards tenor Tom refused TO
lend the music OF his voice--he was too
deep in his Irritation with Lucy-and old
Mr.. Jones whispered In my ear, glancing
meaningly in the direction Of the absorbed
couple, who hadn't moved from their
corner fer the evening, show is this,
Ruth, / used to think twas you that Tom
was going to marry; now 1t seems you
have changed your minds, both OF you"
The ministers and deacOns got into a
theological discussion. The matrons slid
from housekeeping talk into little conf
Dental gossip; the moments dragged fear.
fully. Tom left early, he was going to
sail by daylight, and he had some errands
to perform before that time, he said. He
came and shook hands with me in the
most careless manner, and could only
say goodbye, for there was Lucy watch
ing me with such provoking, triumph
ant smile on her silly little face, though
l could hardly keep from crying out from
sheer agony.
| could not follow him out of doors, and
tell HIM why had not worn the ring,
Lucy was hanging on his arm; could
not send word To him in any way, he was
going to leave so early; could only go
home and weep, and be the wretchedesl
girl in all Plumfeld. l had no idea OF
closing my eyes that night; doubted il
sleep would ever come to me again in the
old, pleasant way, when my last happy
thought grew into rosy dream and last
ed until daylight. But at last, worn Out
with grief, sank into troubled sleep
from which the Tasty voice of Sam aroused
me, saying that Seth had built the fire
and that it was time to get up and get
breakfast
felt weak, and dizzy, and faint the
rain was beating against the windows, the
sky was dull and gray, adoleful east wind
was crying in the dripping trees. | was
glad to have it so, and thought If only the
sun would never shine again, could beai
my grief much better. All happiness was
over yesterday there could be no happi
ness in life to NE without Tom. Mr.
| Hubbard did ask me to marry him before
! he left our house, but told him | WASH
half good enough for ministers wife
and, besides, that | didn't love him
| ,houuh I felt highly honored by his pref