Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1884-02-08
THE MISSING EARRING.

1t was certainly q most unpleasant
coincidence that ono of the pair of valu-
able opal earrings, which had been
given to Miss Consols for a wedding
present, was missed from its case imme-
diately after Mrs, Carnegie had had the
case in her hand. This awkward cpl
sode occurred at an afternoon held
kat Mr.. Consols' house at Queens Gate,
on the day previous to Miss Consols'
marriage, when the wedding gifts were
displayed in the drawing-roQm for the
inspection of a crowd of friends and &C
quaintances. The earrings, which con-
sisted of two fine and beautifully tinted
Dpals, set with diamonds, had excited
universal admiration, and were said to
be extremely valuable, if not positively
unique. Mrs. Carnegie had, like many
other people, gone into ~ecstasies over
them, but had passed OF to inspect an
other group of costly offerings when
somebody discovered the loss. A great
%commotion at once ensued. and a care
ul search was made for the missing or
naments. Every article in the vicinity
bf the spot was Shifted about and lifted
up, a circle was cleared round the table
Rnd the floor anxiously scrutinized, and
n fact, everything was done without a
poments delay to recover the earring.
NJ these efforts proved futile, however,
Or nc trace of it could be found, and it
Fas quite impossible to believe that,
With SO many pairs of eyes on the alert,
t would have escaped observation if it
had been lying anywhere about the
room.
Everybody present felt a trifle uncom-
tortable, but especially Mrs. Carnegie.
She was a very proud and. sensitive lit
tie woman, and she was keenly con-
ecious that people had remarked the
fact hat she had been the last person to
handle the earrings. Old Mr.. Consols
pad been rather particular in his inquir-
les as 10 whether she had replaced the
ornaments in their case. 1t was very
unpleasant to be singled out from a
room full of guests to answer questions
cf this sort, especially as the process
drew general attention toward her. OF
course, she did not for an instant mag
Inc that she was seriously suspected OF
purlolning the earring, but the very
act OF having a perfectly clear CON
science and feeling that her honor was
above suspicion rendered her inclined to
resent even harmless and natural ques-
on'ng Her temper was slightly ruff
11ed by the ordeal, and, on the opportu-
nlty, she went up to the hostess and
sald goodbye, taking care, however, to
conceal her secret veXation.
If Mrs. Carnegie could have got clear
away after this the matter would no
aoubt have blown over. Though she
was quick-tempered and sensitive. she
was not the kind of person to harbor
petty resentment, and a little calm re-
PPlectlon would have completely restored
her equanimity. But, as ill-luck would
nave 1t, she calne face to face with old
Sir Consols in the hall below. Now,
0lr, Consols was one of the most kind
hearted old gentlemen in the world, but
ne was rather vulgar, and had a blunt
pay OF expressing himself, which often
gave oHense when none was intended.
ne was evidently very much put out at
ne loss OF the earring, and, on perceiv-
nS Mrs. Carnegie, he at once advanced
o speak to her.
Il m regularly mystitied about that
Earring, Mrs. Carnegie" he said, rath-
\ abruptly. every one l have spoken
- say you had it last in your hands,
That is quite possible" returned
WIS. Carnegie, turning pale with sup
pressed anger. II am not responsible
VI us disappearance, nevertheless"
Lou are sure you returned it to the
.ase' suggested old Mr.. Consols, with
amer Inc unnecessary persistence.
neatly, Mr.. Consols l can not sub
uIt to further cross-examination," ex-
Ilalmed little Mrs. Carnegie, drawing
1ulseit up. Il have answered your
4ues,lon over and over again"
.Nherc the deuce can the earring
lave got to, then?:" muttered the old
sentleman, sulkily.
me probability is that old Nh. Con-
euis gave %utterance to this reflection
i ION sheer perplexity, and without the
nnghtest intention Of wonnding his
E"ests feelings. But Mrs. CARNEGIE
lhose to take the remark as conveying
%"eilperate aspersion upon her integ,
ny ny ana certainly Mr.. Consols' tone
Do 'ua7cer manifested a lamentable