The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1877-08-17
THE STORY OF A RING.

1t seemed to me the most unfortunate
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. was to
be her nurse and companion. Her serv-
ant had shown me into this wretched
trap, as / now called it in anguish of
spirit. though it was really a pretty,
cheerful little room, opened by cur
tanned arch from the parlor, informing
me that the housekeeper would be there
Immediately to conduct me to my aunt.
And here was 1, an utter stranger, assist
ing at lovers quarrel.
Two persons had entered the room an
instant after seated myself. 1t was
twilight, and the lamps were not yet
lighted, / was wholly invisible, and
they evidently imagined themselves to
possess the solitude BETTING their con-
Versation.
"This farce may as well end here"
had said woman's voice at the moment
of her crossing the threshold. For my
part am weary of the play. I no lon
ger love you, and / will not pretend af-
lection merely to fatter your vanity,
which is as limitless as your imperti-
nence i'll persisting Ill attentions that you
see / detest.
1t was the most intolerably proud
voice that could be imagined.
&c / still love you, and you know it.
And J have far too much faith in your
former professions to credit the words
put into your mouth by the anger of an
unfortunate moment. You are utterly
mistaken in your superstition My love
for you is always
"Your love for me Your love ~ with
an accent of angry scorn that deties de-
scliption "Never dare to mention to
me again word that you cannot COM
prehend. It is an insult to me to hear
it-an insult that / will not endure.
And to cure yourapprehension of my re-
pentance, let me tell you that [, who
know the meaning of TINS word that you
utter so glibly--I love some one else"
She stepped swiftly to the window and
threw il open. There was an instants
silence. There was audible the rustic of
her sleeve as she tossed something from
her with force.
81 have thrown your ring away" she
explained, with nonchalance III extra
ordinary contrast with her former VIC
ience. =" threw it toward the cisten.
Possibly it has slipped through some
.crevice or other, and gone down into the
water L hope 50. In that case it is i'm
possible that the sight of it can ever
again insult me with the remembrance
that have worn it. Permit me to wish
you an exceedingly good evening""
1t was easy to imagine the hooking
reverence OF the courtesy she now swept
him; shen she was gone. Immediately
after, and silently, he also left the apart
ment. ...... r-,,
They did not go too soon, whoever
they were. A cold perspiration damp
ened my forehead; l really trembled.
The vehemence of the feeling engaged,
the certainty felt by the actors of their
complete isolation and my own innocent
guilt in overhearing, al quite overpow-
cred me.
Half minute did not elapse after the
last sound of the gentleman's footsteps
before The parlor door again opened, and
a prim little woman entered, with lamp
in her hand. She looked in all the cor
ners, as one might search for pocket
handkerchief, and at last perceived the
newcomer.
"Ah, miss, have kept you waiting
quite 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 and
have em she mast And / supposed
you'd be comfortable here.
Quite comfortable, thank you. The
servont said you would come presently"
Well, you'd best have some tea be-
fore you see your aunt. She told me to
give you some. L shall try to find some
thing you like, though what with all
these people flying about the house that
nave got no business here-this com
pany, l meant don't know whether
I'm on my head or feet" ~ -
L received the refreshments abe
brought me gratefully, after which /
was conducted to my aunt's room.
Consideration for the feelings of other
people was not one of the old lady's
characteristics, and, after few dispar-
aging remarks on my personal appear
ssace, was dismissed for the night.