Stevens County tribune., 1879-03-13
THEPEARLCROSS.

-
that evening was the anniversary of their
wedding. Gsz
0He will bring me that exquisite dia-
mond ring, I'm sure. Linnette Osborn S
husband gave her an elegant pearl cross
ontheir anniversary, Harry knows. I'm
just wild about that ring, and-ah, here
he comes now, ''.sshe added. a m Ha
A nloments after, 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, darlingI" he said. l wanted
to bring you something different to-day.
But dare not 90 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-"
s Grace took the flowers, pressed them
tic her lips to hide their quivering, but
she could not hide from the loving, watch
tul eyes of her husband, the look of dis
appointment all over her beautiful face
There, therei never mind love. !
know you are disappointed: but cheer
up little wire. I trust this sad state of
affairs will not last very long, and then
you shall have your diamond riRg," Har-
ry said, gently caressing her.
At the very mention of the ring, Grace
could restrain her tears no longer. She
sobhed 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 reproachfu
tone.
II did not think my wife would grievt
SO about really unnecessary article.
believed you would understand tina
soIIe very good reason prevented my Civ
ing you this pleasure. 1, too, am disap-
pointed, dear. But don't measure o.
weigh your husbands love by his gifts
DGt = HUSL uOL NC SCNCAC. w
are scarce more than chilI-a loving
petted, spoiled child. But How listen
dear. I might have bought you the ring
l could have paid for it, or gone in debt.
mo, no; I would not have wished
that" Grace said. wi ping her eyes, ant
trying to look satifed.
IF had paid for it, derr, it nigh
have been severe cost. But we will no
say anything moreabout it. Kiss me, ant
then we will have one OF our duets, love
These times have almost driven all tn
music from my nature"
"These timesl" Grace said to herself
II am heartily tired of hearing thos
words. And it is too bad that I shoulC
have to suffer for other folks misfortune
or misdeeds, l am not sure which,
All, little did Grace Wentworth know
the meaning of the word she used.
Graded IN luxury, reared in home O
affiuence, what could she understand O
suffering?
The week passed by, and Grace trie'
to Danish the disappointment from he
mind. She did not return Mrs. Osborn
call, as she had promised.
st could not endure the look of aston
ishment she would fix on me when, i
answer to her inquiry, should have t
answer, Only bouquet" Grace said.
The bouquet was still very beautifr
and fresh, although quite a week ole
ILdeeG, it seemed possessed of a perpe
ual bloom. Grace was changing th
water In the vase when Nora, the Iris
girl, came in.
-. Nova % Trooo 1pn11Sro1 c
the girl stood hesitating beside her.
s'Could have an hour or SO this morI
ing, please? And would you spare me
dollar? Sure and it's not for myself 1
be asking, but me brother. The childre
are sick, and it's not cint that they hav
and it's half starving | found them Ia
night Nora said. 81.
6 "Why, yes, certainly-go; and her
your months wages is nearly due, yc
can have more or all. But, Nora, is n
your brother to work with Mr.. Osborn
"Sure he is, ma'am, but it's not c1
that he's got Saturday night. All, al
it's awful times these be now! Tin
the hands that's bin getting Of twel
dollars week went home with none
all, sure. Did the master say nothin'
aIE dDOut 1LS uC aU1OA bebhE0 IL nWI
bad, because some tells of how Mr..
born could have done better. Sure al
it's myself, Nora O'Flyn, that's sees t
suffering about"
mo, Nora, Mr.. Wentworth said moi
ing of it. I believe his men were pa
off," .-
"Yes, and may the Lord bless him, a
kapc him forever. They are telling abe
the difference between them, sure--N
Osborn and the master. But it's go
I'll be."'-~- ~ -'<A
"Nora, first come to the pantry; I'll
up some things for yoD. Or just g
me basket and I'll put in the thir
while you are getting ready" Gr'
said.
Ten minutes after, Nora came ba
z picking up one bundle after anott
smelling and pinching them, as she
claimed:
"Tea! coffee! sugar! crackersi Wi
the cold chicken fixed for your lun
surel And jelly Oh, may you live
ever! For the mother and the child
will pray for you every day that Il
liYer"
With the grateful Nora's words s
sounding in her ear, Grace Wentwo
went and sat down to think over
scene of the diamond ring.
"Oh, how must Harry have been h
and disappointed at my reception of
gifti All, perhaps when he said thai
he had bought the ring it might b
been at severe cost, he meant that
could not have paid his men, as us
He has looked SO worried oftenti
lnfn1u I'm snrru I hahaund an lik