The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-07-02


stamped in every line of his plain face.
He was the best farmer in the county and
owned the model farm of the township.
| Arabella2" he said, questioningly, of
Mildred, when they we're for moment
alone.
"Shc-she is sick to-day" Mildred an
swered; but her truthful eyes dropped and
he saw it.
| "Ask her if she cannot see me for few
moments" he said
| Mildred went up stairs Arabella Law
upon the bed, one arm thrown up, upon
the hand Of which was d beautiful opal
ring Mildred had never seen before.
"Where did you get that lovely ring,
Ara?"
From Mr.. Aston" Arabclla said,
quietly.
She did not seem sick and did not speak
| again. a tremor ran through Mildred's
delicate limbs, She rested hand upon O
Chair to steady herself.
"Will you come down and see Mr..
| Necle, Ara He wishes it,"
"No; make my excuses"
Mildred went dizzilY out of the chamber.
She was not quite herself, when she ell
tered the room where Adam Neelc was.
"Shc wishes to be excused"
"Mildred, this rich German"
"lIe is not a German"
" Is he anything to Arabella2"
81 DO not know. He has given her a
ring stammercd Mildred, scarcely know.
ing what she said
"Humphl That is enough"
Adam Ncele went away from the Elms
the next morning. When he had gone,
Arabella came down and ate her dinner.
She took book and sauntered down
into the garden then. When Mildred had
coaxed her mother to take nap, she fol-
lowed her sister, and cut gladiolas and
pinks. for the vases, which Arabclla had
neglected entirely for two DAYS.
When she came around to the arbor,
where her sister sat, she sat down wearily.
Adam Ncele has gone, Ara"
"I know it,"
"Then you prefer Mr. Aston2"
prefer marrylnga rich man and 60
ing abroad to marrying a poor man and
spending my life at Edgetown."
"But you love Mr.. Aston, Ara"
"Lovc him7 Pooh lie is Just a good
naturcd simpleton. Adam Neele ls lust
worth two Of him. But shall marry him
il can. l have meant 1t ever since he
| first came here"
Mildred gave little cry.
81 don't love Adam Nccle either. But
I'm sick of work and striving to keep up
appearances. We shall all 60 to pieces
| soon at this rate. Papa earns nothing.
The mortgage will take the Elms. l am
going to look out for myself. I would ad-
wise you to do the same, Milly."
81 shall look out for myself. can earn
my living If need be. Earn it I will. |
shall never degrade myself by marrying for
a home-or for money Ara, had rather
have my hand burned off than wear that
ring as you are wearing It'll"
There was IL step upon the gravel, put
ting aside of The clcmatis vine
MY ring! Have you found it, Miss
Arabclla ?"
Arabclla grew red, then white. She
pulled the ring from her finger and handed
1t to its owner, Leopold Aston.
"Wherc did you find it2" he asked.
AT the end Of the linden path" she an
| swered, in stifled voice. Then, partially
recovering herself: "You arc back soon" ="
EYES," pleasantly.
lie had his valisc in his hand He had
just come over from the depot, and went
up to his room.
Burning with her sisters shame, yet
with strange JOY in her heart, Mildred
! turned and went away from the arbor.
She buried her face among the pinks.
elbow sweet they arc she said.
Are we never going to have any more
music9" asked the doctor. chilly, 20 up
and play something lively
"Whcn l have finished picking over
these blackberries pnpa."
| The twilight overlook. the nimble fingers.
and Mildred took the pile of jetty fruit. out
upon the doorstep, under the porch honey.
suckle.
care you always at work 2" asked a
gentle voice.
There was no paiued blush now. Mil.
drcd looked up, calm and sweet.
"NO, am at leisure now," shc answer.
| ca, in q moment.
"Then will you walk down this path
with ME q little way2'
He took soft gray shawl from It's peg,
and dropped 1t around her. AS he did so,
she saw the CLEAN of the opal.
"Do you like my nng?" asked Leopold
| Aston.
"It is the most beautiful opal ever
saw"
~ lost it in the garden, the first day ]
came to the Elms. Do you know the pro
pcrttes which inherc in gems 2"
| emo"
"Thc ruby restrains wrath, the hyacinth
procures sleep, the topaz banlshcs sad.
| ness"
"And the opal 2"
"Tho opal sharpcns the sight Of the pos
SCISSOR. Mildred-llttle Milly-do YOU
think do not know what Jewel boy ond
price you are9, Darling, look upi love
you'll Could you love mo, Mildrcd?"
She looked up into bis eyes.
"Ycs, could love you If you were the