The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1882-03-09
THE DIAMOND RING.

tel. Catherine" my father said, and the
strange, sad-looking gentleman arose,
walked across the room, and took both
my hands in his, then, looking me
steadily in the face and putting his
hand upon my head, he kissed me as if 1
had been little child, and, turning to
my father, renewed the conversation
that I had interrupted by my entrance.
! was nineteen then; filed with curl
osity and pique, went to find my
mother.
"Who is he?" said.
"Your cousin john" she answered, as
if that settled the matter.
But it did not; gradually found that
nv mother knew but little more con-
corning him than myself. A distant
cousin of my fathers, whom be had not
seen for over twenty years, living in
Missouri, where he had made fortune
in from mines and long since retired
from business; bachelor, with no near
kin-none nearer than my father; that
was all. Why he was in D., where
he was going, and how long he was
likely to stay, no one knew but him
self.
went back into the parlor, and under
the pretense of reading novel, took a
good long look at him. He was appar-
emily about fifty years old; tall, but with
an almost painful stoop in his shoulders;
his face had picture of stony sadness;
deep gray eyes, long, faultless nose, and
a mouth that seemed to guard more
bitter thoughts than any l have ever
seen. A strange looking man, that was
nv conclusion. Finishing the inspec-
ton, dropped my eyes upon the book
and was soon absorbed in its contents;
SO much so, indeed, that when my father
ments, 1 knew nothing of it.
How long it was after his absence be-
fore I became conscious of it l cannot
tell. only know that pausing for q
moment to turn the next page, l raised
my eyes and found Cousin John steadily
regarding me. 1 thought that he had
the most unwavering eyes ever saw
When looked up he left his seat and
took another near me, making at the
same time some casual remark. His
voice was deep, and he talked slowly,
but all the time as if his thoughts were
absent from his tongue. He talked of
matters in general, and vas very much
pterested-more perhaps in him than in
the conversation.
NY father came to the door, but seeing
us so we'll occupied did not enter. While
we were talking night came on and
Cousin John, saying that he had some
unpacking to do, arose to go his to room.
I offered my services, if they would be Of
any use to him, and somewhat to my
surprise, he said:
THANK you. Catherine; girls are good
hands at unpacking; l should like to
have your help"
So went with him into his room, and
then, unlocking big trunk, he deliber-
ately sat down by the fire and asked me
to partially unpack it. Of course fell
to work. 1 had taken out few articles
and laid them on the floor around me;
then coming to small black box marked
strictly private" / turned to ask him
what should be done with it; but seeing
a faraway look in his eyes as they gazed
upon the fire, I would not disturb him.
The box, however, was in my way, and
so took it out carefully and attempted
to place it on the table near me; but in
rising stepped upon my dress, and af-
ter vain effort to regain my balance
came tumbling to the floor. The box
few from my hand, and striking the OPP
posite wall broke completely open.
He started up hurriedly at the fall and
after raising me from the floor, looked to
see what was injured. When he saw the
broken box q look of vexation swept
over his face, and he commenced to take
up carefully the broken pieces. The
contents of the box were letters and yell
low looking papers; he put them all upon
the table, then commenced searching for
something that was evidently wanting to
make up the original contents.
1 was still frightened. but crept
nearer and began to search too. Almost
hidden under the rug. 1 discovered q
small morocco case that knew at once
was meant for O ring. placed it in his
hand without word. He took it; stood q
moment; every trace Of anger van
ished from his face, then he began to walk
nervously up and down the room.
/ stood wonderingly by the fire, not
knowing what else to do. At last he
ceased walking as suddenly as he had
begun, and asked in q voice that startled
me by its intensity.
do you know what that is p
l shook my head. He touched spring,
the lid few open, and the freight CLINT
ed on solitaire diamond ring-nothing
else.
raised my eyes to his in mute in
auiry, and for an inquiry he drew an
other chair to the fire, and motioning me
IN n said.