Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1878-03-07

eXultatlOn, and Captain Inornycrol
stalked out, jumped into his carriage
and drove to Graham & Daltons.
Show me some opal rings
The clerk obeyed with alacrity.
This one, sir, he said, has an in
scription. 1t was only brought in 9
day or two ago, and we've neglected
to eface it,
The captain examined it, with {
flush of rage and pain in his cheek
1t was Ncll's engagement ring.
If you like it, pursued tie obliglnf
salesman, we'll stface the name al
once. 1t isreally superb article
No matter, III take it as it is, sale
Captain Thornycroft.
His next step was to 90 in search O.
Nell. lie found her just leaving hel
aunt's house.
4 am going to Maplewood,' sht
said, looking up to him with wistfr
eyes. Aunt Rutherford has just SEM
me away.
Captain TAornycrott gave her his
arm.
Now, Nell, he said, tell me what
it all means. Why did you sell the
opal ring?'
Il was obliged to have money
Please Arthur, don't ask me any
more. | can't tell.
Her face vas scarlet, her downcast
eyes full Of tears.
You cant tell me, Nell. said the
Captain, giving her keen glance.
4 would rather not; but, dear Ar
! thur, she added, wistfully touching
his arm with her cheek, IL you will
only trust me little while, all will
be well. Cant you, Arthur! Surely
under the same circumstance, | could
trust you.
i don't know, Nell. | dislike con
cealments above all things replied
her lover steruly. I've right to ask
an explanation Of your conduct. |
don't care to make even YOU my wife
under cloud Of deception
That will do, Captain Thornycroft,
interrupted Nell, d sudden flash in
her gentle eyes there is no compul-
sion in the case. You are free | will
return your letters tie first hour
reach home. And some day, she ad-
ded with a stihed sob, 4 will repay
the value Of your opal ring. Good
bye, Captain Thornycrott.
She has gone. The Captain watch.
ed her light figure till it disappeared.
SO it ends, he muttered. Is there
a woman on earth worthy Of man s
love?
Nell went home to Maplewood, and
Captain Thornycroft rejoined bis COM
mand.
1t wa, dreary Thanksgiving Day,
Gray and overcast-a wild, wall
ing blast whirling the dead leaves in
every direction.
Come, father and mother, said
Nell, lets sit down to our Thanks
giving dinner, it is quite ready.
The old father arose and took OFT
his spectacles.
"A cheerIess day for Thanksgiving,
he sighed, 'aul it will storm before
night? Aye, wife, it's not like the
days we have seen.
The old wife's eyes filled; she was
thinking Of her bauished son.
Come, come, the turkey is growing
cold, urged Nell; struggling to keep
back her tears.
The lawn gate closed with a clang,
and there was a sound of horses on
the gravel. Nell flew to the door
Two men in blue and brass. One Of
them she knew in an instant.
Oh, jack, Jack! Mother, Jack
has come homer she cried.
In another instance the prodigal
son vas in the room, and had the old
woman in his arms.
Forgive me, father, he said
I've come for good this time, and III
not put you to shame again-Nell
saved me-.
The father clasped his hand in ST.
lence.
Nell, said the second one, advan-
cling, is there pardon for me, too?'
Captain Thornycroft!
Let me tell the story, shouted
Jack. Nell was engaged to the Cap.
tain there, father, and che sold her
troth ring for money to help me out
of trouble. She saved me and lost
her own happiness. But I've fetched
your soldier back, Nell, he went on.
# chanced to strike his company when
| went into tie army, and once, when
he was near dying he told me his
story. | saw how the land lay in q
trice, and here he is willing enough
to trust you now. You must forgive
him, Nell.
NNill you, Nell,' whispered the
Captain.
For answer Nell put her hand in
his. He carried it to his nps.