The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1883-08-23

ded with half smile.
''Oh, [ deserve no credit for nv
taste. :" the girl answered, archly ignor-
ing the implied compliment, .'for my
entire costume, from the high silver
comb to these red-heeled slippers, was
selected and worn by my great-grand-
mother, Dame Martha Penraven. Fa-
ther chose it because he thinks me like
her portrait, which hangs over the din
ing-room mantel. Perhaps you've no.
ticed it?'
Eyes. and I observed the resem-
blance, but the expression is very diff
ferent. You, Miss Christie, look the
incarnation of youth and happiness,
while the eyes of that picture fairly
haunted me with their sadness"
''And well they might" Christie said.
sit may have been with q premonition
of her fate. Her husband, one of Wash
ington's bravest officers, was arrested
and shot by the British troops before
her eyes; and grief and horror brought
on brain fever, from which she died.
Strange to say, two heirlooms, that
were regarded by the Penravens with
an almost superstitious feeling, disap-
peared on the same day. They were a
magnificent pair of diamond ear-drops,
and as the British took nothing but pro-
visions, it was thought that poor Dame
Martha had hidden them when the
troops arrived. At all events they were
never found. But forgot" she added
hastily, 81 am keeping you from help
ing Mrs. Hilton with her guests"
'sYou are too kind by half" her COM
panion replied, with the gay laugh that
she liked so well. ''The only one of
Aunt Helen's friends whom I shall
trouble is yourself; but 1 will atone for
other deficiencies by attention in that
direction. Don't you think that fair
arrangements
II was impossible for Christie's buoy
ant disposition to resist his contagious
gate du cos'sr, and as they joined the
dancers to lead q minuet, all thought
of the obnoxious Mr.. Smithers had van
ished; she saw only Julian Hilton $
face, felt only his close hand-clasp up
on her owp.
She had known the young artist for
but few months, yet no one knew bet
ter than he how to ''inprove each shin
ing hour when with lovely girl; and
he had improved them with such sue
heart of Christobel Penraven.
But she was proud, this little Virgin
ia lassie, and her pride ruled the love
that had come so suddenly. She argued
that it was merely Irritation, which
the wealthy and city-bred man found
pleasant to amuse himself with, while
idling for summer in the mountains;
and she decided as promptly that he
should never know how serious it had
become to her.
All, we'll, the present moment, with
its music. shimmering lights, and
strangely happy excitement was hers;
and let the future hold what it may, she
would enjoy herself to tho utmost now
she would gather her roses while she
might"
But her evil genius was surely ever at
hand to-day; for scarcely had they fin
ished dancing, and were leaving the
heated ballroom for cooler air on the
verandah, when a sudden cry from the
girl made her companion stop abruptly.
Il hurt my foot" she explained faint
ly, as she sank into the nearest seat.
''It struck against the railing as we
came out, and something sharp cut my
inStep. IL think | will have to take
my slipper off, for it pains me still"
She stopped, as she spoke, to unfasten
it, but in her confusion and haste poor
Christie could do nothing; and Julian,
who stood anxiously by, dropped on his
knee, deftly unloosing the refractory
buckle, and lifting her little foot out OF
its prison.
"Please don't think NE a coward, -
the girl said with smile. Il will be
quite ready to 60 on in a minute, but it
did hurt fearfully at first. l cannot
think what it could be-"
''Then [ can," he replied, as he took
seat beside her, still holding the slip
per ''There is something hard and
sharp in here just over the instep.
1t was dainty little affair, with red
heels, and silver buckle fastening the
most coquettish velvet bow; but his
ruthless pen-knife ripped it off in hur-
where the bow had been, was narrow
slit cut in the black morocco.
IA pebble must have slipped in
here" said Julian, as he pressed against
the inside; and even while he spoke,
something fell through the opening
among the silken folds of Christie 5
dress, where it lay like a cleaning
star.
The young man held it up in the
light.
'Look!' he exclaimed; s'this is nc
pebble, but diamond of the purest wa.
terr' And so it was; magnificent gem
fit for duchess, and set in rim of an
tique silver.
Christie started to her feet, fairly
quivering with excitement.
'9Tis one of Dame Martha's ear-drops
It's one of the Penraven heirlooms! All
quick-cut this bow off, and let us see /
the other stone is hidden there.''
With trembling hands she gave hin
the slipper, and in a few moments
from similar opening, the matching
ear-drop was produced from its place O
concealment, where Dame Martha haC
hidden it century ago.
Julian had been surprised by Chris
ties manner before; but now he wa
still more so, for, instead of the pleased
wonder that her previous excitemen
made him naturally expect, she nov
merely glanced at the flashing gems il
her hands, and turned to him:
They are beautiful and must b.
worth a great deal. Tell me, Mr.. Hill
ton," she said hastily, chow much d.
stones like these sell for?'
They are very valuable, and would
doubtless, bring several thousand dol
lars anywhere.
Then father can pay Mr.. Smithers
We need not sell Glenmore,n she ex
claimed in uncomfortable emotion, q
she covered her face with her hands t.
hide her fast-falling tears of relief ant
gladness.
But Julian's arms around her. hi
voice echoing through her very heart
aroused her.
''And you were in trouble. little one
and did not tell ms? You loved me ant
would not show it until tonight. Ah
Christie, against your will I've won you
without your knowing it I've read you
secret. Look up, my darling, and tel
me what you are thinking of, with thos
downcast eyes and flushed cheeks?"
But Christie quickly recovered her
self, and though tears still glistened o1
her long lashes, the darkly-tiashin
eyes met his own with their old arcl
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