The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-04-26
Blapcbe Roy's DiamOgds.

money!"
Blanche Roy had thrown herself impul-
sively on her knees, at the invalid sisters
side, holding up in one hand the jewel case
Of black velvet, against whose sombre
background the sparkle Of the gems was
plainly visible.
Minnie was older, darker, paler, yet
there was still strong resemblance be-
tween the two sisters. Upon Minnie Roys
shoulders had fallen all the grief and pain,
and sorrow that were studiously kept from
overshadowing Blanche's pathway; little
wonder, therefore, that the roses had with
cred long ago from her cheeks and the
Light had gone out from her melancholy
eyes
'stop, Blanche" said the elder sister,
little gravely. ''Were these diamond ear.
rings sent to you by Harry Berkeley?'
Harry Berkely, indeed!" Blanche Roy
gave the auburn curls naughty toss.
1.-THE idea of his giving me anything like
this! No, indeed-Harry's great deal too
fond of his money for that"
Minnie looked grave.
II wish you would not speak Of him in
that manner, Blanche"
II can't help it, Minnie. You must
know yourself that Harry is rather in
clined to-well, it will out-penuriousness.
No, he did not send me these sparkling
beauties"
''Who did, then?"
''Blanche slyly drew a card from the
pocket of her blue muslin dress, and held
L close to Minnie's eyes,
''Percy Meltonl" exclaimed the elder
lister, as she deciphered the characters.
blanche you never would receive SO cost
H q gift from one wao is almost o
stranger !".
'He isn't stranger, Minnie"
''You must send them back at once,
Clanche, said her sister, firmly. If you
Keep them, Mr.. Melton can draw but one
Inference from your conduct"
.And that Z"
''Will be, of course, that you look IA
vorably upon his suit. A lady can receive
diamonds only from man who is to be her
husband"
The dimples had all vanished from
Blanche Roy's cheek-driven away, per-
haps, by the scarlet dye that suffused the
delicate surface.
''Are you willing to regard Mr.. Melton in
he light of an accepted lover, Blanche ?"
sked Minnie
NO yes i don't know" faltered
I Blanche, turning the glittering stones me-
ehancally round.
'.You don't know! Blanche, thought
II had hoped-that you loved Harry
Berkeley"
HE is so parsimonious, Minnie" pouted
Blanche. He never gives me anything
md all the girls think it so strange And
Percy Melton is all generosity just hap
pened to mention that admired diamonds
last night, and see how promptly and deli
rately he has responded !"
Minnie shook her head in quiet disap-
proval.
II don't like Percy Melton"
.'Oh, but Minnie, he is so noble-so
nagnanimous!"
81 would send the diamonds back,
Blanche"
Blanche looked longingly at the spark
6ug jewels.
PUT them up, dear. They are tempt
Ing bait; but Harry Berkeley's honest heart
Is worth all the diamonds that ever gilt.
lered in the mines of Golconda."
"Harry Berkeley again !" replied Blanche
petulantly. 'Do you know, Minnie,
asked him if he would Join that party to
the lakes this summer, and what do you
think he said ?"
"What ?"
''That he couldn't afford It,"
"a very sensible answer, according to
I my way of thinking, Blanche"
i 'sBut Minnie, just reflect; if a young
Y man of twenty -four is SO fond of money
/ "Gently, little sister; what right have
I you to make that sweeping assertions"
! 81 know that his income is large, aut
y that he has no pressing calls upon it. As
d said, if youth of twenty is so fond o.
y money, there is danger of tae man of forty
! being confirmed miser. OF all things
i detest penuriousness did fancy likee
D Harry, but I'm getting disenchanted.
Minnie only sighed YEARLY.
s'What's the matter, my dear sister ?
whispered Blanche, laying her velvet cheel
close to Minnie's paid face. "ls the pau
< ct your heart worse?"