The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1885-07-31

a little band of gold, set with a gilt.
teringstone.
It IS most unnatural proceeding
tor young lady to burst into tears al
the fret sight Of her engagement ring
but that is what Anne did.
For the pretty, shining thing seem.
ed only the symbol OF her trouble and
pcFplexity.
She knew perfectly that her right
course was to put the ring on she
proper finger, go boldly to Mr. Dod-
SON and explain its position there.
| She did, indeed, get as far as put
ting it on, and gazing Att fondly and
admiringly, and teariully, from every
conceivable point of view; but there
her courage failed ner.
Dear old Uncle Dodson! how could
she dash his well-meaning hopes to
the ground with cruel word or two2
lie was so far from strong, besides.
Sudden disapporntmente always did
him harm.
She had dried her eyes, as these
despairing thoughts came over hel, and
started mechanically for Mr.. Dodson's
room.
Mr.. DOdson sat facing the Windows,
rs usual. His head was thro Sn back
and his eyes were closed.
Annie drew sigh of relief; he was
asleep.
Dudley Hobart was sitting in a
back corner of the room, with news
paper in his hand, and his feet dispos-
ed comfortably, if not gracefully, on
a second chair. He roso hastily as
Annie entered.
He is asleep" he remarked, after
a timid pause.
II had observed It," said Annie.
shortly, not deigning to look at the
speaker.
The young man looked confused.
He laid down his paper, and passed
his hand over his closely cropped. head
i'll troubled way, and finally offered
her a chair.
There seemed to be nothing else to
CO. and Annie-eat down stliHy.
Mr.. Hobart took the other char.
If Annie had glanced at him, she
might have seen that q pleading look
Allied his boyish face; but she looked
coldly over his head at the wallpaper.
There was silence for seycral mo-
mcnts.
Then the young mnn, with nerv-
Gus clutch Of his chair back, and with
a visible effort, began, desperately:
tile said he had told you his-his
plan"
Annie was cruelty unrcsponFiye.
MAY 1 inquire what you think of
it," Eaid Mir. Hobart, with a face
grown pale with aEonizcd embarrsss.
ment.
Annie rose sharply.
words could not express what I
think Of It'll" she e1id, flashing an i'll
dignant glance toward the young man
''It is absurd and nbolniuablo! lie Is
dreadlully mistaken" she went on,
more mildly, indicating Mr.. Dodsou.
at can't possibly hel"
The OCCUPANT Of the arm-chsir
moved restlessly; he was waking up
AnuIe lowered her voice ms she
went on, severely:
II am already engaged, L"
She paused in bewilderment. Tho
face Of her listener had been suddenly
transformed with unnistakable relief
and joy. He seized her hands warm
ly:
Engaged? Well if we aren't in
the same boat So am T."
AunIe's severity vanished. Her
cold gaze gave way to quick smile
of sympathy.
"Are you. Mr.. Hobart" she cried.
I'm 50 glad!"
Don't call me MIR. Hobart" said
the young man, impetuously. ''Call
me Dud. Everybody calls me Dud."
Annie laughed; and they sat down
again, i'll friendly way.
Il have only been engaged since this
morning." said Annie, coufdentially.
"See? he just sent the ring around
He's the incest fellow in the world!
You'll think so when you see him"
He ought to be the happiess," said
Dud, gallantly, taking her hand to
examine the ring.
They had lowered their voices care
fully; further than that. Mr.. D,dson's
presence was ignored.
The ring l gave Geneyieve WAS
something ike it," bud continued
brIskly. Pretty name -Genovieye
isn't it7'