The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-09-23

fame shone on the gold setting of her
ring, and she began turning it with a
caressing movement.
and, laying my head in her lap, I said !:
Dear Cousin Mirabel, please tell me
about your ring. Tn sure it has a his
tory"
She put her hand upon my head. cit
has, indeed, a history, and I will tell it
to you. I have been thinking all day of
Kenneth Deering, the man who gave me
this ring, and it will be relief to talk
Of him tonight. It may be wrong, but
I cannot heln it indeed. I cannot"
There was short silence, as if she
were striving to overcome some bitter or
painful emotion. She began her story
in low voice, and did not look into
Give years ago tonight met Ken
meth Deering for the first time. I de-
sired summer boarding place, and
Milly Bently wrote me: we are back
again where we spent last summer. I
can recommend the place. Nice family,
splendid library, and pleasant sur
roundings. I am sure you would be
suited if you were to come
81 was alone in the world; one place
was as good as another to me, for I was
Indifferent to all. I think it was the
mention of the library that decided me.
Milly was Of the dark, slender, piquant
style Of beauty, full of fire and vivacity.
We were too unlike to be perfectly con-
genial, yet we we're friendly enough as
the world goes. I remember the first
afternoon Of my arrival. Milly met me
in the hall and introduced me to the
ladies Of the household. The weather
was warm, and I desired to be
shown to my room to battle
my hands and face and change my trav-
cling dress. That done, I determined
to see the library before I should be
summoned to tea. Ihad seen the book
shelves on my way to N.Y. own apart
ment. was surprised at the number
Of books, and the fine taste displayed in
the collection. Surely some one here
must have most scholarly tastes, I
thought. It didnot seem to me it could
be the bustling housewife to whom
had been introduced, nor did I believe
it to be the master of the house, de-
crepit old man who ::shuff1ed past me in
the hall. Having run my eye over the
various titles I selected volume of
poems, and seated myself at an open
window, but soon forgot my book
in the beauty of the landscape. The
soft summer twilight was gradually en-.
veloping all objects. While absorbed
in a reverie the library door opened, a
gentleman advanced few steps into the
room, but on perceiving me would have
withdrawn. He bowed, saying, L beg
your pardon, I intrude.'
"'Nc r. I exclaimed, it is I who am
the intruder !; pray remain do not per-
NIT my presence to drive you away, or I
shall not forgive myself for coming
"He thanked me, and, going to cab
met OF minerals, began comparing them
with the one he held in his hand. The
room was already dusk, 80 he lighted
lamp. He invited me to look at the
minerals, which I did with interest, for
the collection was large and rare. Per
haPs you can help me classify this odd
bit of rock, he said, suddenly. I shook
my head. Il am g very poor geologist,
indeed" said. His face clouded lit
tie as he remarked, i will have to see
more about it tomorrow. I must have
my supper now. I suppose you have
had tea some hours ago.
"No had not been been to tea.
"a servant, seeing aight in the library,
entered. Supper had long been over.
Apology was made, but I had not been
in my room when the servant went to
hn
as the gentleman proved to be, cut short
his excuses by saying, Never mind,
Miss Madison, we will have our supper
together; please take my arm.'
"We had very social time over our
tea. Our acquaintance progressed rap
idly. We made so many discoveries Of
mutual likes and dislikes. We found
that we had SO many tastes that were
congeniel; we told each other so many
little incidents that were purely person
a., and the other listened with such in
terest that when we arose from the table
we seemed to have known each other for
long time, if, indeed, we had ever been
strangers. At the parlor door he took
my hand. I must say goodnight,
now, Miss Madison. I rarely spend
uJ evenings LII LueIe. he gave
my hand slight, lingering pressure.
From that instant we were friends for
evermore. He assembled the stair, I
stood in delicious dream. I was
scarcely conscious of my surroundings.
I only felt sure that I did not wish to
meet any one just then. I moved down
the hall to what I supposed my own
room and opened the door. Milly Bent
~ started from her easy chair laughing.
Come in. come in. she said, and tell
me where you have been. Your uncere-
monious way of entering rooms shows
me you have not left off your habit of
haunting houses. Our worthy hostess
was afraid you had committed suicide as
you did not answer the rap at your door.
I Gained her fears by saying you would
be best pleased by being left alone, that
you we're tired and had probably fallen
asleep. Was I right or have you been
exploring the premises? / narrated my
visit to the library and my meeting with
Mr.. Deering. She seemed little an
noyed, I thought, and I soon with
drew. .s.-.
"You know that am generally consid-
cred cold, practical and impressive. I
am, but had met, for the first time IN
q \ -