Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-04-24
Stltttc0 Storr.
The Amethyst Cross. ,


with its strip OF blue sky shining
down from the parallelogram OF at
mosphere that was visible between
the cornices OF the building-tops.
Noon. with its rush OF people, its
great throbbing tide OF humanity.
And Mr.. Jones, OF the firm of"Grasp-
ington aud Jones. Jewellers, Watch
makers, and Dealers in Diamonds"
leaned back in his chair with pro-
digious yawn. which made his coun-
tenance, like unto that Of the toy
giants who terrify and astonish the
infant mind by swallowing an incredi-
ble amount OF small boys, In the show
windows.
"Heighop' uttered Mr.. Jones. "a
dull day, this, for businessl"
The words were hardly out OF his
mouth before the door opened and an
elegantly dressed young lady swept
In.
II wish to look at some amethysts,
said she.
Mr.. Jones bowed low TO Miss Nil
lion, the daughter Of old Million, who
had made his fortune in hides and
leather. Mabel Million was tall.
showy girl, with great black eyes,
cherry cheeks, and white teeth, which
she displayed with great liberality
whenever she talked or smiled, and
her dress was ruby-yelvet, trimmed
with lace, that was little dowry in
itself
Mr.. Jones skillful in the matter OF
customers, scented a bargain at once,
and put In his most affable air as he
spread the tray OF glittering orDa-
ments on the counter before her.
II think / may safely say, Miss
Million" smirked he, that our firm
has the finest assortment Of amethysts
in London. Mr.. Graspington him
self ordered them when he was in
Paris the last We have nothing at
all, young woman. nothing at all
We make 3 practice never to give to
street beggars-"
You are quite mistaken sir" said q
soft voice. I'm no beggar"
And Mr.. jones' taking a second
look, perceived that he had been mis-
taken.
Jessie Walters was dressed shabbi-
". but she was lady That was evil
dent in every turn OF her head, every
accent Of her sweet, we'll modulated
voice: and in her hand she carried q
small satin easket.
Il wish 10 dispose Of this, said
she opening It and displaying small1
! old-fashioned circlet OF gold, with q
glittering ruby in Its centre.
"Humphr remarked Mr.. Jones,
rather disparagingly, still keeping one
eve on Miss Million and the amethysts
Eve don't generally buy such
things" "
But hope you will make an eI.
ceptioni in my case, said Jessie falter-
ingly. I'VE are very poor, and l am
In pressing need OF the money"
Poor Jessiel had she known human
nature little better, this was the very
last plea she would have used. Mr..
Jones drummed indifferently on
the counter with the fingers Of his lef,
hand.
What do you ask for It ?" he In
qulred, without even looking at the
trinket. -.
ut cost three guineas. sir. when"
"Oh. costP' impatiently interrupted
Jones, THAT has nothing whatever
to do with the matter. The question
Is. what do YOU expect nolr?'
Anything you are willing TO give
me-" said Jessie in desperation.
Its worth no more than ten shil-
linos TO me" said Mr.. Jones.
''Ten shillingsl"
VERY well. Just as you please. l
don't ask to buy it," said the jeweller-
indiferently, once more turning TO
the amethysts.
.I'Il take this necklace and the ear
pendants that go with 1t, l think,
said Miss Million, who had been
cogitating over the purple stones all
this time.
''You may have it, sir, for the
money!" uttered Jessie Walters
family.
The jeweller beckoned to one OF the
shopmen. With = customer like Miss
NiIiion TO the fore, he could AFFORD to
amend no precious time OF a uum-
nerv ring. The shopkeeper, an inso-
ient. simpering fellow, with waAeo
mnstache and sky blue cravat, came
Forward in a leisurely fashion.
"Your name and address, please
miss" said he.
"Ny name and address ." repeatso