The Penn's Grove record., 1884-08-09
TIE AMETHYs CROSS.

High noon at the West Endl Noon,
with it's strip of blue sky shining down
from the parallelogram of atmosphere
that was visible between the cornices
of the building tops. Noon, with its
rush Of people, its great ~throbbing tide
of humanity. And Mr.. Jones, of the
firm of "Graspington and Jones, jew
elers, Watehmakers, and Dealers in
Diamonds leaned back in his chair
with a predigious yawn, which made
his countenance, like unto that of the
toy giants who terrify and astonish the
infant mind by swallowing an incredl-
BILE amount Of small boys, in the show
windows.
"Heighol" uttered MI. Jones. "a
dull day, this, for business!"
The words were hardly out of his
mouth before the door opened and an
elegantly dressed young lady swept IN.
81 wish to look at some amethysts,"
said she.
Mr.. Jones bowed low to Miss Million,
the daughter of old Million, who had
made his fortune in hides and leather.
Mabel Million was a tall, snowy girl,
with great black ewes, CT y Gi2ekc,
and white teeth, which she displayed
with great liberality whenever she talk
ed or smiled, and her dress was ruby
velvet, trimmed with lace, that was a
little dowry in itself.
Mr.. Jones skilful in the matter of
customers, scented a bargain at once,
and put on his most affable air as he
spread the tray of glittering ornaments
OF the counter before her.
II think | may safely say, Miss Mil
Hon." smirked he, 'that our firm has
the finest assortment of amethysts in
London. Mr.. Gr~aspington himself or
dered them when he was in Paris the
last-We have nothing at all, young
woman, nothing at all. We make a
practice never to give to street beg
gers"
"You are quite mistaken sir" said a
soft voice. I'm no beggar,"
And Mr.. Jones, taking a second
look, perceived that he had been mis-
taken.
Jessie Walters was dressed shabbily,
but she vas a lady. That was evident
in every turn q her head, every accent
of her sweet, well modulated voice;
and in her hand she carried a small
satin casket.
II wish to dispose of this" said she.
opening it and displaying a small, old
fashioned circlet of gold, with a gilt
tering ruby in its centre.
''Humph!" remarked Mr.. Jones,
rather d~isparagingly, still keeping one
eye On Miss Million and the amethysts.
I'VE don't generally buy such things"
"But | hope you will make an excep-
ton in my case" said Jessie faltering-
ly. 1--WE are very poor. and 1 am in
pressing need of the money"
Poor Jesslel had she known human
nature a little better, this was the very
last plea she would have used. Mr..
Jones drummed indifferently on the
counter with the fingers of his left
hand.
'What do you ask for it?" he in
quired, without even looking at the
trinket.
at c three g~uineas, sir, when
''Oh, gst!" impatiently interrupted
Jones That has nothing whatever
to do W.th the matter. The question
is, what'do you expect no,c}"
Anything you are willing to give
me-" said Jessie in desperation.
cts worth no more than ten shil-
lings to me" said Mr.. Jones.
Ten shillingsl"
Every well. Just as you please. I
don't ask to buy it," said the jeweller,
indifferently, once more turning to the
amethysts.
'I'll take this necklace and the ear
pendants that 60 with it, l think"
said Miss Million, who had been cogi-
tating over the purple stones all this
time.
"You may kave it, sir, for the
money" uttered Jessie Walters,
family.
The jeweler beckoned to n Of the