The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1880-11-16

forgot she was sporting an expensive
ring upon her finger, and some unpleas-
ant thoughts passed through the squire's
mind as his eye fell upon the jewel. In
her home Bessie Strachan would not
have ventured upon this temerity, and
it was only in her solitary walks she
dared bring forth the ring in the full
light of day.
"Good-day, Bessie,' said the squire,
dismounting and throwing the reins
over his arm as he commenced to walk
beside her. 81 was just on my way to
your fathers cottage. l am glad to
have company, for I'm very lonely
man today. My son has gone to Lon
don, and it will be long ere he returns"
He watched her face to note the effect
his words prod uced, but the features of
Bessie Strachan were as impassive as If
they had been cut in stone.
"You have an expensive ring upon
your hand" the squire remarked.
A short quick gasp and a deathlike
paleness overspread her face. She raised
her eyes with an imploring appeal, and
Miles Everleigh could not help admit
ting she was superbly beautiful.
"Where did you obtain that ring ?"
said the squire, taking her by the hand
and closely examining the jewel, did
not suppose your father could make you
such expensive presents"
Nor can he" returned the girl, sit
came from one whom my father does
not like, and therefore will be obliged
to you if you do not mention seeing 1t
on my finger"
Bessie" replied the squire gravely,
CT fear my poor girl, you are being
deceived by one very near connected
with me. In short, my child, may as
well tell you that am fully aware of
the attentions my son has been paying
you. Bessie, they tell me you are an
intelligent girl, more so than is common
to find about these parts, therefore 1
entreat you not to rely upon the fair
promises my son has made you; take
my advice and return him every present
he has ever given you"
She shook her head, but vouchsafed
him no reply.
"Answer me one question, child, and
1 will swear to you on the honor of a
Christian man, will never repeat your
reply. Is 1t too late ?" He gazed into
her eyes meaningly as he waited her
answer.
Springing few PAGES from his side as
if she had encountered peril in her
path, she regarded him with distended
eyes.
Whose accuses Boyce Everlelgh of
dishonor is a slanderer. What 1 am, 1
am; but know you, Squire Everleigh,
that am as worthy this day to sit at
your board as any of the gentry you so
frequently entertain. And perhaps I've
as good right, too"
She spoke 30 quickly she had not time
to arrest the last sentence, nor had she
tact enough to correct it. The squire
looked at her with curious expression.
"What do you mean by as good a
right p" he asked.
"Suppose Boyce Everleigh makes me
his wife ~ she said.
"Oh. is that it," replied the squire
"then all 1 have to say is he would do a
very foolish thing for himself as well
as you"
BY this time they had come within
sight of David Strachan's cottage, and
Bessie requested him to proceed alone
as she did not intend going home just
then.
Miles Everleigh had long interview
with David Strachan, and when he
started on his return he remarked, IDEAL
gently with the lass, David, and perhaps
all things will come right in the end
My son will probably be gone a long
time, and ere he returns, the matter will
have cooled down, and Bessie may have
an industrious husband"
Whatever the thoughts of Squire
Everleigh were on his homeward ride,
they certainly were Of nature to dis.
turb his equanimity. He fidgited un.
easily in the saddle, and otherwise be.
trayed tokens Of unrest. He was O
shrewd man, and, as the world went,
was just; but he could not divest him.
self of certain pride of life wherein his
birth and station had cast his lot, and
those incautious words Of Bessie Strachan
gave him food for unpleasant reflection,
"and perhaps have as good right
too" He never would believe his son