Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1886-09-09
THE ONYX RING.

not strange thing to be sure. AL
most any pretty girl can boast of as
many. Indeed, it would not have
been strange if Edith had had dozen !;
for, IN addition to the charms of per-
sonal beauty she possessed those of a
more substantial sort namely, Of gold.
1t was not the number, but the
character of one of the lovers, that
rendered the condition Of affairs Pc
culiar. This one was Richard Oakley,
the rejected suitor. His rival was
Captain Harry Belknap, and it was
his success that aroused Richards ire.
The latter was not one to accept defeat
in anything quietly, but in the mat
ter of love he showed himself especi-
ally belligerent.
Years ago he had made up his mind
to have Edith Raymond for his wife ;
and now to have the prize he had
coveted so long borne away by an
other was more than he could bear.
He was determined that it should not
be.
His ardor was not in the least
abated by the fact that Edith did not
love him. He wanted her to marry
him all the same. And he seemed to
think that if it were not for Harry,
she would ultimately do so. What he
really did think was not so clear. H.
himself could not have truthfnlly told,
further than that he had set his mind
on marrying Edith Raymond, and he
meant to do it, in spite of fate.
He was not given to analysing his
emotions. His thoughts were mainly
occupied in continuing means for graft
flying the fierce and absorbing desires
that swayed his undisciplined soul
In following the lead of his unhallowed
impulses, he would sacrifice his bet
ter nature, together with the interests
of his best friends; and nothing was
permitted to stand in the way of his
indulging whatever passion possessed
him.
Edith we'll knew Richard Oakley
nature. They had lived in the same
village ever since they were children
When very young they had attended
the same school. He had been rude
cruel. hearted boy, and Of late years
he was known as a fast young man.
Edith's father and Richard 8 uncle
with whom he had lived since tht
death of his parents, which took plac'
in his infancy, were the rich men o
the village. They were also on init
mate terms. So Edith and Richarc
were frequently thrown together a
least till Mr.. Raymond died. Thu
occurred when Edith was seventeen
year prior to her engagement
Richard always manifested a fondnes
for Edith's society, but while he
father lived he was deferred by he
GOODNESS from annoying her with an,
marked attentions.
He was anything but agreeable t
her, and she was exceedingly sorr.
that he cared for her, as she knew b
, did for she was not a coquette, an
she found no pleasure in winning al
lection that must bring pain and dis
appointment to another.
In point of wealth, there was wild
y difference in their positions, Edit
being the heiress of all her father
property, whilst Richard had bee
left penniless orphan, dependent o
> his uncles bounty. The latter, hav
ing several children of his own, woul
not lie likely to do much more for b
nephew, now that he was twenty on
and we'll able to look out for himsel
He had given him collegiate educa
ton, and offered him the choice OF
. profession but this last Richard de
II clined. He probably preferred to /
supported in elegant idleness by Edit
Raymond's money; for, despite he
ayowed indifference to him, he secretl
regarded her as belonging solely
+ himself; and not till Captain Harr
n Belknap appeared upon the scene,
+ the character Of Edith's lover, did |
doubt his ability to ultimately wi