The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1889-07-05

evidently moro in earnest than she has
seen him during their acquaintance.
Ierhaps-Loos heart trembles. She is
only girl, and the Captain, in some
things, is tho realization Of her ideal.
Perhaps--but Loo brushes down tho
thought. 1t is only question OF
selfish interest which prompts him
to offer himself q sacrifice on tbe
matrimonial altar. A feeling of seltisl,
interest. or-loo crinGes and grows
hot with anger as This idea presents it.
seif-or an unmanlytcurios ty to win in
thls way some evidence from her of
her real opinion of him.
LOO bel cYes the latter to be tho case
She pauses, twirls curious old ring
that Madam has given her round and
Tednd upon her finger, then she draws
herself up stitlly and marches past the
wary Captain.
Don't talk of mGtrimony," says she.
"The subject is tiresome."
He catches at her gown rs she goes
by, and forces her to stop.
"The subject is tabooed from now on
and forever MORE" ho laughs. "But
stop, Miss Loo, let me see your jewelry.
That is Madam's ring, as Pm sinner.
She has takon wonderful liking to
you, or she never would have given You
that"
She waits, while he, making pre-
tense OF examining the emerald upon
her finger, holds her hand
IF you must give it such close atten.
tion, will remove it," says Loo. i'm
patiently taking the ring from her fin
ger us she speaks. at is stone you
must have seen many times, as Madam
told mo she had worn it herself for
years.
Yes, admits Hazard, flashing the
emerald i'll the sun, and admiring its
changing color. "Pve often seen it
BEFORE"
Loo waits for il m to return the ring.
The Captain evidently means to take
his time about it, for he turns it about
slowly, finally slipping it upon the lit
tie finger of his own hand. "If YOU
.cn-t mind, I'll wear it awhile myself,
says he coolly.
Wear it yourselfl" Loo gasps in
utter astonishment, gazing blankly at
the Captain.
Yes. And you shall wear mine in re-
turn, pulling of diamond that has
long been the secret admiration of his
astonished companion. Even exchange
is no robbery"
This he says gayly, rs the diamond
slides upon her white finger, and thero
Is SO curious n look in his eyes that
Loo bushes, catches her breath, AMI
again 1eels that strange fiutter about
her heart.
She has no time, however, to either |
expostu'ate with the Captain upon his |
cool method Of settling matters to hts |
own satisfaction, or to scold herself for |
her part in the transaction, for tho maid |
ut this moment approaches them with |
o message from Madam-----...-.....= :.
She walks in silenca by tho Captains
side. an thav m -. t...-i a.: =
houses If il were not for Miss Lafarge,
Loc would almost believe.
Never mind. She drops her eyes to |
the ground. Shs will believe as little
as possible. and imagine nothing ut all.
Madam is sitting III the big drawing.
room, and here they find her.
What do you think, Captain" cries
Madam Dundas, casting o sharp glance
upon the pair as they approach her
chair. Il have mado up my mind to
give Loo party, and to thus Introduce
hor into society"
"By all MEANS" assents Hazard,
"the very thing. Young ladies adore
parties. Miss Loo will DO no excep-
ton to the rule"
'Lot lis make out list of those we
will invite"
Loo fetchos her writing-desk, and
tho Captain begins to call off tho names
Of those whom he Considers eligible.
LET us begin with Jack Littletield,"
says Hazard, gravely. 81 feel certain
that he at least of all the guests, will
be very welcome"
Madam jots down list of names
herself. Loo wants to Eear that of her
rival added to the number. 1t comes,
but last of all
II suppose we must not omit the La
FARCE" Madam says absently. 81 mot
her while driving the other day. She is
very handsome.
Yes" Loo says. ITO insure Captain
happiness for the evening. be
sure and send Miss Lafarge an in.
vitation."