The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1884-03-01
Select gtorg,
MY AUNT'S PEARL RING.
[coNrINuED FROM FIRST pAaE.l

that, however, might replace 1t. went to
Smiths, but they had nothing like the
locket; and knew your fancy for pearls. I"
Meanwhile, in some surprise, l had un-
fastened the packet, and discovered mag
nifcent pearl ring instead of my humble
little gold medallion.
30, but, Guy, I ought not to accept it, "
I exclaimed. "You forget 1 am engaged
to Lord Rutherford"
''Stuff Are you never going to take
friendly gift from any one when you are
his wife? Nonsense, Magdalenl l was
the means of your losing your pet locket,
and 1 do my best to replace it. Do not be
so unkind as to reject my offering"
A little while ago should have refused
it firmly; but the wrong path descends very
easily, though swiftly, and | was already
some way in my descent. "Eustace must
never know about it, them" thought, but
L slipped on the beautiful trinket, and
laughed as Guy declared ought only to
wear pearls, for they were the only orna-
ment delicate enough for my fragile white
fingers. Still 1 was not quite easy, and
when Alice suddenly joined us, | carefully
hid the hand newly decorated fromhe sight.
do not think Guy was pleased at this
interruption, but for once Alice was not to
be frightened away by even Guys dis
pleasure, and, producing her work, she sat
down and remained with us till the captain
reluctantly said he must prepare for his
walk home, and even while we sauntered
down to the gate, and stood for an instant
or two chatting, she remained within view
on the lawn, as if resolutely determined
to watch him out and me in.
But 1 was not inclined for lecture; and
SO, leaning my arms on the gate, | resolved
to try Alice's patience little.
Presently a step coming in the direction
Guy had gone made me look up. Of
course it must be Captain Deyeril returning
for something l saw mans shadow ap-
preaching, and then started back. 1t was
Lord Rutherford who stood before me.
l turned Jelly cold as he caught me in
his arms.
'How you startle mel [ did not expect
YOU in the least" l exclaimed, and making
an effort to hide my embarrassment under
show, at least, of delight. "When die
you come? How is Lady Rutherford
Why did you not write p
"Not dozen questions, please, dearest
in one breath, he answered, with pleased
laugh, however "Let me look at you and
see that it is really yourself"
He was in high, even excited spirits, fol
him; and could not help gazing at him il
establishment, remembering his late anxious
letters.
He rushed into the house to give Alic,
and my father hasty greeting, and theI
rejoined me in the garden, having, he said
something particular to say to me. NJ.
guilty conscience would have shrunk hat
he not uttered the words so joyfully an'
seemed so happy; and so stood Their
waiting for him, and most earnestly trust
ing that all would be right.
A favorable turn had taken place in hi
mothers malady, and now the physician
ordered an immediate removal abroad; ant
her great desire was that our marriag
should take place Immediately, and tina
after short honeymoon we should join he
in Italy. Lord Rutherford urged me mos
earnestly to accede to her wish and his, am
of course l was willing enough.
Eustace talked unusually fast; there wa
much to arrange and little time to do it III
as the wedding would have to take plac
early in the ensuing week. His own bus
mess at the park, too, required his presence
and so. after an hours earnest conversation
he prepared to leave me. l could scarcel
believe, as walked down to the gate tn
second time that evening, that in such
short space so much had happened. Gu
was almost forgotten-the fair quite. A
l remembered was that next Tuesday tn
ambition of my life would be grati6ed, an
should belong to the British peerage.
We stood at the gate, and for once Eu'
tace fingered and we talked. l had mel
vOus habit of twisting my fingers when ez
cited, and was it my evil fortune or a
avenging Nemesis made me fdget wit
them then? My thoughts were so entirel
engrossed that l was quite startled whe
Lord Rutherford suddenly exclaimed
"Mind, Magdalen, you have dropped
ring" He stopped, and, to my horror
took up my pearl circlet. "Ah, that r'
minds me | have forgotten the case {
pearls my mother sent you. What del
cate little affair. 1 didn't give you thi
did II"
ssNo," 1 replied, family; and then, as h
still held it admiringly, l added, daringl.
) "Papa gave it me years ago"
Perfectly satisfied, he slipped it on m
finger, saying, 81 wish had remembers
INV mnther's Gift. Well. never mind: a