The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1879-03-13


Creep toward him, Time; perchauce shall
fall
This fine dress also to thy thrall.
Press on at speed-nought canst thou sack
The Uniervsity Magazine.
THE PEARL CROSS.
Pretty little Grace Wentworth listened
eagerly for her husband's coming step.
She had been married but q year, and
that evening was the anniversary of their
wedding.
"He will bring me that exquisite dia-
mond ring, I'm sure. Linnettc Osborn's
husband gave her an elegant pearl cross,
on their anniversary, Harry knows. I'm
just wild about that ring. and-ah, here
he comes now" she added.
A moment after, a quick, firm step
came through the hall, the door opened,
and Harry Wentworth came forward and
kissed the bright lips held up to him, and
taking off the wrapping, held forward an
exquisite bouquet of rare exotics.
"Here, darlingr' he said. wanted
to bring you something different to-day.
But dare not do it. We must wait for
better times. This day, the anniversary
OF the very happiness of my life, I
thought to have bought my little wife
something of greater value, to express
my appreciation and love. But these
flowers must speak for me-"
Grace took the flowers, pressed them
tc her lips to hide their quivering, but
she could not hide from the loving, watch
tul ewes OF her husband, the look of dis
appointment all over her beautiful face.
"There, there! never mind love. l
know you are Disappointed; but cheer
up little wire. trust this sad state of
affairs will not last very long, and then
you shall have your diamond ring" Har
~ said, gently caressing her.
At the very mention of the ring, Grace
could restrain her tears no longer. She
sobbed right out.
"Four days ago Linnette Osborn's
husband gave her lovely pearl cross and
chain. and--and I told her what hoped
of. She will think it so queer, and
shall be so mortified. What can I say?
She will surely ask me. And, Harry,
don't think Will Osborn is doing any bet
ter business than you.
Harry Wentworth's fine face grew very
grave as he said, in a slightly reproachful
tone.
II did not think my wife would grieve
so about really unnecessary article. l
believed you would understand that
sor:e very good reason prevented my Civ
ing you this pleasure. I, too, am disap-
pointed, dear. But don't measure or
weigh your husbands love by his gifts,
Grace. But l must not be severe. You
are scarce more than chill-a loving,
petted, spoiled child. But BOW listen,
dear. might have bought you the ring.
I could have paid for it, or gone in debt
mo, no: would not have wished
that" Grace said. wiping her eyes, and
trying to look satifed.
'1f I had paid for it, DER, it might
have been severe cost. But We will not
say anything more about it. Kiss mt, and
then we will have one OF our duets, love.
These times have almost driven all the
music from my nature"
"These timesr' Grace said to herself.
II am heartily tired of hearing those
words. And it is too bad that I should
have to suffer for other folk'o mistortunes
or misdeeds, l am not sure which,
| All, little did Grace Wentworth know
the meaning Of the word she used.
Cladled IN luxury, reared in a home of
atfluence, what could she understand of
suffering?
The week passed by. and Grace tried
to Danish the disappointment from her
mind. She did not return Mrs. Osborn s
call, as she had promised.
| II could not endure the look of aston
ishment she would fix on me when, in
answer to her inquiry. should have to
answer, Only bouquet" Grace said.
The bouquet was still very beautiful
and fresh, although quite a week old.
Indeed, it seemed possessed of perpet.
ual bloom. Grace was changing the
water in the vase when Nora, the Irish
| girl, came in.
"What is it, Nora?' Grace inquired, as
the girl stood hesitating beside her.
"Could have an hour or so this morn
ing, please7 And would you spare me a
dollar? Sure and it's not for myself I'd
be asking, but me brother. The children
are sick, and it's not clint that they have
and it's half starving I found them last
night" Nora said.
"Why, yes, certainly-go; and here
your months wages is nearly due, you
can have more or all. But, Nora, is moi
your brother to work with Mr.. Osborn2'
"Sure he is, ma'am, but it's not clint
that he's got Saturday night. All, and
it's awful times these be now! Tin Of
the hands that's bin getting of twelve
dollars week went home with none al
all, sure. Did the master say nothin' al
all about it? The men takes it awful
bad, because some tells of how Mr.. Os.
born could have done better. Sure and
it's myself, Nora O'Flyn, that's sees the
suffering about"
mo, Nora, Mr.. Wentworth said moth
ing of it. believe his men were paid
off,"
ayes, and may the Lord bless him, and
kapc him forever. They are telling about
the difference between them, surc--Mr
Osborn and the master. But it's goin
I'll be-"
"Nora, first come to the pantry; I'll Fl,
up some things for you. Or just give
me basket and Ill put in the things
while you arc getting ready" Grace
said.
Ten minutes after, Nora came back
picking up one bundle after another
smelling and pinching them, as she ex
claimed:
"Tea! coffee! sugar! crackersl wine
the cold chicken fixed for your lunch
, sure! And jelly! Oh, may you live for
ever! For the mother and the children
will pray for you every day that the,
liyep
With the grateful Nora's words still
sounding in her ear, Grace Wentworth
went and sat down to think over thu
, scene of the diamond ring.
lob, how must Harry have been hur
and disappointed at my reception of hi
giftl All, perhaps when he said that i
he had bought the ring it might hav,