The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1880-12-21


spite of himself, however, and quick,
keen Laura Winthrop perceived 1t.
Elsie" said she. Why, haven't
you heard When Shaw u Streets
clearinghouse failed, her mother and
she lost all their fortune They do not
come here to church any more They
have moved into little house on May
field Street, just on the outskirts of the
city, you know, and Elsie gives music
lessons as means of support"
No, had not heard" said Tom
with an effort at perfect GOODNESS, though
he commenced to tear down the decora-
tions which he bad just adjusted, with
his nervous fingers.
She's brave little soul as ever
lived" pursued Miss Laura, " but too
proud. She prefers to shun her old ac-
quaintances as general thing"
:" / wonder If she would shun me p''
thought Tom, resolving to find her that
very night, though, since he had taken
the task of entwining the pillars he
must remain TO finish It, but he would
do that speedily.
have an engagement ut quarter
past eight" he announced to Miss Win
thrOp, who was loatb to allow him to
depart; but until that time shall be
most happy to serve you"
And at the same time indulging in a
lively conversation with the guy girls
around him, he decorated with satisfy
ing skill and swiftness.
You have such delightfully."- long
arms, Mr.. Hayward" lisped pretty
little maiden, who stood on tip-toe to
reach strip of plated holly into his
hand.
Tom peered behind the pillar to see
where to fasten the garland, placing his
eye close to the chink behind 1t and the
wall. Something glittered strangely in
the dust in the little groove where the
ornamental scrolls of the pillar were
Joined to the wall. Tom Investigated
the mystery, and picked up the serpent
ring which was lost year ago. He
quietly placed 1t In his pocket, keeping
his own counsel. How did 10 get into
such queer hiding. place Did it be-
come sntapgled in the foliage which was
hanging above, and then drop into the
groove
An hour later Tom rang at the door of
the tiny wooden house where Elsie had
taken up her abode. What contrast 1t
was to the fine old mansion where she
WAS born
Elsie, herself, answered the summons
looking much the same that she did one
year ago, only little thinner and paler,
and more dignifed and womanly. Her
face lighted when she recognized Tom,
and the old bright, ,dimpled smile, which
had enslaved his heartin years gone by,
made him welcome. Then as If she had
forgotten herself, shade of dignity and
> GOODNESS came over her manner. But
Tom would not be chilled by this, and
taking the ring from his pocket, he held
It up for inspection, saying in voice
which fairly rembled with eagerness,
and with face full of anxiety
Elsie, what would you have done
with this ring If you hadn't lost 1t 2''
II should have worn it always" said
Elsie the picture of bewilderment.
g But saw it on the finger Of that
silly Leeds, myself"
Yes,'' said Elsie, sit was too large
for me, Iusually wore smaller ring
with 1t for guard, but that night
dressed in a hurry and forgot the guard.
1t slipped from my finger, and Mr.. Iced
picked 1t up, and placed 1t playfuIly up
on his own finger. did not allow him
to wear 1t ten minutes, however"
"What jealous fool was,'' groaned
Tom.
50 Afterward lost 1t from my finger
again. continued Elsie, who was blush
ing very much, "and supposed that 1t
was lost forever"
Tom explained how he had chanced
to findit.
sob, yes, | remember having dec
grated two or three of the pillars, mount
ed on step-ladder," said she. re-
member, too, that l was obliged to reach
into very small spaces where in some
places they stood nearly against the wall
in order to fasten the wreaths and II
was as much as ever that was able to
get my hand into these spaces. 1 must
have lost 1t then.''
Tom was beginning TO look eloquent, !,
but, before be was able to give vent ID