The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1888-06-07

CAROL WAS TURNING RING ON HER HAND.
stone being slightly off-color and marred by
flaw which he flattered himself would new
er be known-and was accordingly very
fair representation Of the affection he Of
fered, genuine In one sense, but affected by
certain mercenary motives which tho girl
herself did not suspect.
There was no Christmas feeling Of peace
and goodwill in the young girls breast.
Lyman's present-a set Of sapphires-
brought q rush Of tears to her eyes.
~ would rather have the corals you gave
me last year and-happiness, brother"
"Have little patience, Carol. There's
not q particle Of reason in making yourself
unhappy. See here! I want you to please
Ingot and keep him in good humor It will
never do to show him such doleful looks. II
you are bound to undo all am working for
by your half f-heartedness, say SO at once and
will give up my scheme. will give up
the best hopes Of my life with 1t; but what
does that matter when weighed against
girls whimi"
"If only understood Q little BETTER"
murmured Carol. "Do you mean that by
doing this will help you to gain AltheaW
"By not doing 1t you will be the cause OF
my losing her, and more-so much more,
=
the end Of your life." .
"Oh, Lymanp
"Thero is no use Of our talking. Once
and for all, you shall take your choice"
How hard and cruel men can be to the
women who love them! Lyman knew that
every word he uttered cut through that ten
der heart. He knew also what the choice
would be, knew that he would have no
trouble after this in having his own way.
Mr.. Ingot was invited to dinner. He
came early, and his small eyes cleaned
with delight as he saw his diamond blazing
bravely on the little white hand he coveted.
"That's right. thought you wouldn't
be 80 foolish as to refuse it. When make
up my mind to have thing
generally get it by some hook or crook, and
IT'S good while since made up my mind
to got you, my little beauty. Kiss me,
sweet to seal the bond. What, 80 shyi
well, III not urge you now, but you shall
pay me for my patience some day, and soon.
Soon, do you hear, my Caroll-you can't
begin your fixing too quickly for the we'd
ding-day. Sayl shall we make big
splurge, or go ahead and do up the matter
quietly like sensible people"
"Oh, keep every thing quiet" urged
Carol, shrinkingly, only just beginning to
realize what she had taken on herself.
What would her friends say II the fact Of
her engagement to this man were noised
abroadi What would they thinkl
The light in which one of thcm would view
1t was to be made known to her sooner than
she expected.
Tho bountiful dinner served to the three
was over Tho gas was lit, but turned to .
moonlike glow by the softening globes
Carol walked to window, and, lifting the
curtain, looked out.
There was holiday aspect to the street
even In this quiet corner. Young couples
passed arm in arm, with happiness in their
looks; children trooped by laden with tho
spoils Of the day; vehicles dashed back and
forth filed with merry groups. The house
fronts were brilliantly illuminated, and the
lights shone out into the night with cheer
and brightness very pleasant to see.
Suddenly Carol half-turned.
"Somebody is stopping here; I do be-
lieve 1t is Althea. Yes, that is the Ever
leigh sleigh; that is their driver. How
queer, yet how good Of her to come this
night Of all nights in the year,"
Dropping the curtain, she ran into the
hall to meet her friend Lyman bit his lip
with annoyance, though an eager glow
burned in his eyes. He had told Carol
nothing of an informal invitation to dine ut
the Everleigh's, which he had declined for
both Of them. It was queer that Althea
should come there-how queer he alone
could feel-yet her errand was very
simple one.
~ was 30 unfortunate In my invitations"
she began to explain. Even Norris disap
pointed me by having previous engage
ments, 80 turned cut at last and gathered
up miscellaneous party which find my
self scarcely able to manage, and ran
away to beg you to come and help me enter
tain them for an hour or two, Carol. Don't
wait to ask questions, I'll tell you ON tho
way. The gentlemen may follow IL they
like to mako themselves useful but / give
fair warning that will have no drones in
the hive tonight 1t Is not full dress 90.
casion and you will all do very well as you
are" she added, with mischievous smile
"Its very wise Of you, Miss Everleigh, to
take US In, for whatever Lyman might say,
certainly would object to having this
young lady run away from me tonight
I've got enough interest In her now to keep
sharp watch on her proceedings" pro-
claimed Mr.. InRot, with certain amount Of
purpose In making the state Of sffairs
known TO his employers daughter.
elTo n c0NyUulp1