Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1876-11-15

lin was very hilarious, and the eat
ables disappeared rapidly. Pru-
dence, presiding between the pots,
seemed rather out Of spirits, but
Farmer Holmes atoned for her sill
ence by unusual jollity.
When the biscuits were passed
a second time to Mr.. Wentworth,
he saw that one was left, and would
have refused decorously, but the
hospitable farmer pressed it upon
him.
"Don't be afraid of it; there'splen-
ty more in the kitchen +; amt there,
Prudence 2" Thus pressed, Mr..
Wentworth accepted the biscuit,
and Prudence disappeared to re-
plenish the plate. Mr.. Wentworth
divided tho biscuit, then dropped
it suddenly with an exclamation
that brought every eye upon him.
There, imbedded in the light, white
bread, lay Prudence's ruby ring.
Such a shout of laughter arose
that it brought Prudence back from
the kitchen in haste, just in time
to see Mr.. Wentworth coolly re-
move the ring from the biscuit,
amidst the merry chorus, and drop
it in his waistcoat pocket-"to be
kept until called for" he said, with
a significant glance at her scarlet
face. Poor Prudence there was
no peace for her after that. An
army of jokes overwhelmed her
protestations and disclaimings, and
she was thankful to beat a retreat
to the kitchen when the meal was
over. But even there she was pur-
sued by laughing trio of ladies,
harrassed with questions and Won
derment and merriment, until the
last dish was set away and she had
seized her hat with the excuse that
she must go to the village for let
ters. Instead of going to the viii
lage, however, she stole along the
hedge, climed the wall, and ran to
the furthest end of the orchard,
where she flung herself on the
ground, and cried as If her heart
would break. She had, perhaps,
cried half an hour, when a step
crushed the dry grass at her side,
reused her, and the very voice she
most dreaded to hear, said:
"T've come to return your ring,
Miss Prudence"
Poor little Prudence sat up hast
lily and took the unfortunate ring
ALTERING "Thank you )" then i'm
hid her face again.
"You needn't thank me. should
have brought it before, but / could
not find you. / hope you are not
troubled about those ridiculous.
okes." he added dignifiedly.
"N-o," responded Prudence, mis-
srably, between her sohs; 81
thought you'd think ! did 1t on
purpose.
show could I have thought soi
It was q mere accident my getting
that particular biscuit. I'm very
sorry you've been annoyed in
this. I'm going away tomorrow,
Miss Prudence"
The sobs partially ceased, and
Miss Prudence said surprisingly,
'Are you Z"
"Won't you bid me good-by j.
Prudence said EYES," unsteadily,
but did not raise her head.
"You will shake hands won't you,
Miss Prudence r
No answer.
81 can't go away while you are
offended with me. Won't you, at
least, tell me why you are cryingT
Because II lost my grand
mothers ring" sobbed Prudence,
making a great effort for composure.
Mr.. Wentworth laughed in spite
Of himself. "Why, it's safe on
your finger and not whit the
worse for its baking. Is there no
other reasoni"
"N-o."
"But there is. I'll never have
another happy moment if I've Of
Tended you," said he tragically. 81
was q brute to treat you as / did
this afternoon but | am going
away and shan't annoy you again.
Won't you forgive me now, and
shake handsG"
Another long silence.
Mr.. Wentworth turned away in
despair, but was detained by a
faltering voice: "I-Ill forgive
vou ifD