Connecticut western news., 1878-12-04
The Three Rings.
A CHRISTMAS STORY.

CHRISTMAS STORY.
 One night before Christmas not many years ago, two young clerks in we'll known insurance company stumbled against one another in muddy street oi the metropolis.
 Halo, Jones P said one, a stout, fair-haired, handsome fellow. (Which way
 Nowhere particularly, Smith," said the other, slim, black-haired, and good looking. What was your direction ?'' :" Hadn't any, said Smith, soraping his heel industriously on the curb-stone =" though, by-the-way, had little commission for one of my people in the iewelry line."
 And that reminds me-" said Jones, that was to get an article for one of my folks of that description.
 Hum I" said Jones. "Christmas present, suppose p
 "Ahem !-yes," said Smith, every likely"
 Then they both looked over each others shoulders, pulled up their separate coat collars, nodded, and Smith walked on up town, while Jones pursued bis way in an opposite direction. He hadn't gone a block, when he met another of his fellow-clerks. But this time his face frightened; he held out Ta d. larly.
 Hallo, Robinson, old boy l glad to see you"
 "I was going to Smith's," said Rob- inson, who was neither light nor dark, neither stout nor slim, handsome nol ugly.
 .Hum P said Jones, scowling; "I've ustparted with him. Conceited puppy that Smith tell you what it is, Rob inson, if he don't stop interfering with me, he'll come to grief. He's intrudine his attentions where they're not appre ciatej, and it won't take much of this sort of thing to make me tell him so He told me just now he was in searct of an article of jewelry for Christmal present. Now I've no sort of doubt Jack, it's for Miss Sophy May; and car you think of anything much more i'm pertinent than that? With the httl, encouragement he's had, it's simply monstrous."
 suppose every man is fool a some time in his life," said Jack.
 "But, heavens and earth Robinson there's reason in everything. The fel low hasn't had any show at all. Mis- May has merely been courteous to hin you know what pleasant way sh has,"
 Yes," said Jack, CT know" an, whistled melancholy little bar unde his breath.
 "And I've no doubt he'll go and spen, every cent he can raise on some gaud trinket."
 " l hope not, interrupted Jack, "fo I want to get up purse for Higgin this Christmas. ought to have bee about it long ago, but I didn't reall know how bad matters were in tha quarter. Higgins slipped on the ice you know, some months ago, and brok his arm and collar-bone, and his son suck with rheumatism little girl there too, hunchback. It seems wron somehow to have so much misery i one place and an accident, you know might happen to you, or me, or any body"
 "Confound it, Robinson !" said Jone a agenuine air of regret upon his hant some face nothing would give n greater pleasure than to do a good tu1 for Higgins. I will next month, upo my honor, but just now it's impossible The little money I have I must use in certain way"
 Well, goodnight, then" said Jach l musttry elsewhere. And he jumpe into car going down town.
 Presently in got Smith, and halle Jack with enthusiasm.
 Going down town ?" he said, takir seat by Jacks side.
 was going to your house." sa Jack, "but I just met Jones'"
 Humph P snorted Smith, ". egregious ass, that Jones Idon't kno avainer idiot or more offensive on There's one thing very certain, Robi son-he's about gone to the length his rope, and he'll be brought up sho pretty soon. It's simply melancho the way that fellow fatters himse There's certain young lady, mutu friend of ours, Jack, csiaughter of ol of our officers"
 suppose you mean Miss May said Jack.
 Exactly, said Smith. "WeIl, no Jones fancies because she's ordinari polite to him-you know what fran genial manner she has,"
 Yes, ! know, said Jack, and beg to whistle another melancholy refrai
 He fancies all sorts of impertine