The morning call., 1891-09-22
THE EMERALD
EARRINGS.

OF golden light. A pair of emerald earrings.
exQuisitively set, and the handsomeSt had
ever seen. Twas somewhat of a judge, too, for
in bygone days, when fortune smiled on me,
many rare gems found place in my jewel
casket.
But those days were a part of the irrevO-
cable past, and instead of living a gay life
in a stately home, with an indulgent father
10 crafty every wish, ], Mildred Heath.
was now a hard working little teacher in
crowded city school. A stuffy little room,
third floor back, in Mrs. Wilson's shabby
clearinghouse, | called "hOme." No one
knew how 1 longed for some Of the old
pleasures to help brighten the dull days that
were now sled with monotonOus labor;
how envied gay young girls as they rolled by
in their carriages, laughing and chatting;
or how the florists windows tempted me
with their wealth Of beautiful blossoms,
bringing to my mind so wildly the fragrant
cOnservatOres ut my dear old home.
But after months Of such useless repin-
iHgs | had forced myself into more con-
tented frame Of mind, and was at peace
with myself aui the world, until one I'M
lucky day, in Fastening through side
street to reach home before a threatened
storm, | suddenly stopped before dlngy
paWnbrOktT5 window, where surrounded
by odds and ends Of all sorts, TeDOsed the
emerald earrings described in the beginning
of my story. How they lighted up that dull
window with their soft, shimmering radi-
ance! And at the first sight there came to
me an overwhelming desire to possess them.
All the restrained longing for that which
was dainty, bright ana beautiful, broke
forth afresh; and not unIil the fast falling
drops of rain reminded me that was still
some distance from home did l turn away
from the window.
hot lot Arnn I'M rrg O 4
schol in Africa. and the natives were peting
me- with huge emeralds.
The next morning l again turned into the
little street to feast my eyes on the beauty
of those jewels, TIE following day, before
starting for school, ] counted over my little
hoard Of savings. Twenty-Five dollars.
ION, dear! that will never buy them" l
said dejectedly.
Nevertheless, I tucked the money into my
purse and FASTENED to school. Not until
evening did | find myself free. ana then 1
fairy flew into that little side street, hold
ing my breath as | drew near the pawn
brokers' window, for fear the white velvet
case and its precious contents would be
missing. But no, they were still there,
looking if possible more beautiful than
ever. And proving myself no exception to
the old adage, "She who hesitates is lost,
Iquckly entered the shop and asked to see
the earrings.
The proprietor, greasy, unprepossessing
looking Individual, placed them before me,
expatiating on their beauty in his smooth,
oily way.
"Whst is the price of these?" I asked.
breaking in on his volubility.
'Ihirty-fye dollars, and cheap they are
at that, miss
"Yes, l know; but that is more than I
can pay" l said falterinEly, and scarcely
able to restrain my tears, turned slowly
away
WAIT a bit, miss" he called after me.
'Now what will you give for the lovely
gems?"
4 have Just twenty-five dollars" 1 said,
Nand l really ought not to spend so much
but it is a great bargain" he said
hastily, and as lie saw me put away my
purse he added: well, you take the en-
eralds and III take the SIS. 1t is giving
them away, really, but l have not the Gus
toners in this quiet street who would APP
preciate them" lie added in slaye tones.
Eagerly | counted out the money, and
slipping the case into my pocket hurried
home. Had | not been so delighted at get
ting my hearts desire | might have thought
it strange that the pawn-bToker was SO
ready 10 part with the jewels for so much
less than their value. But no such thoughts
troubled me. That night slept with the
jewels beneath my pillow. and actually
arose in the night aud lighted the gas to
loos at them. All Of which was very child
ish, know.
The next day was Saturday. and I had
promised myself treat-that of attending
tue flower show in progress at Horticult-
uTal Hall. So by 9 o'clock l was on my
way, alfred IN MY best gown and hat, with
the emeralds swinging braVely in my ears.
Il was a beautiful morning The sun
sh0ne brightly, the park seemed full of
twittering birds a | passed through 1t, and
the grass looked fresh and green from the
soft spring rains. l was in excellent spir-
1aaV e a
the flowers, of which | vas passionately
fond, with no STUPID children 10 correct nor
dull lessons to hear.
On reaching the hall LalmOst screamed
with delight, for it looked like an enchanted
palace, the work Of fairies instead of man.
For hours l wandered through aisles car
peted with soft moss, banked by pyr amids
OF flowers reaching 10 the roof. Here were
carnations Of every hue, their spicy aroma
filling the air. There the graceful heliOtrope
nodded to her dainty neighbor, the lily of
the valley, while the calas, drawn up like
soldiers on guard, were surrounded by del
icate, waving fern. And over il all hOated
tie fragrance of roses.
During my walk among the flowers had
several times encountered stout, elderly
lady, richly dressed, accompanied by a very
handsome young man who called her
AUNT" and whose blue eyes looked into
mine so earnestly each time he passed that
L turned away blushing. Presently l found
myself close behind them. | had stopped
to examine large cactus, and they had evil
IDENTIFY halted for the same purpose. The
lady lifted her arm to point toward the
plant, and l was admiring the long, beauti-
full fringe on her mantle, when the crowd,
surging, pushed ME against her, and it be-
came entanged about one of my earrings.
The owner of the fringe, perfectly uncOn-
sciOus, hurried on to Join her handsome
nephew, who was little in advance, while
], much against my will, was obliged to keep
pace with her.
The absurdlty of the situation forced IT.
Ielf upon me, and | trembled with sup
pressed laughter. There | was being led
sioDg like "a lamb to the slaughter" ya!nly
endeavorng to free myself without attract
Ing attention and without iujuring my
precious earring. Had there not been q
young man In the case should have spoken,
but had no desire for that particular one
to see me in such a ridiculous position.
But, alas! 1t was to be. In despair gave a
frantic tug at the fringe, that seemed to pos
sess the strength of cable. It parted so
suddenly that my clenched hand struck the
broad back before me- with such a resound-
ing whack that the old lady was rendered
quite speeches. for a moment.
W nat In the world do you mean, young
woman ?" she finally gasped. irately.
l-your trlnge-my earring" l stam-
mered, turning scarlet as | saw those blue
eyes again looking into mine.
"D:d it hurt you or iniure your earring?"
he asked kindly, as if he pitied my EN- 5ar-
rassment.
That is not the thing" the old lady
calculated Grossly, before had time to an
swer. ''My fringe is quite ruined; several
strands are gone. ALL it is caught on your
miserable earring, that did all this mis-
chief" she said tartly, stepping up to ne to
loosen it.
Then she dropped her hands with little
Shrek, and clut he'd me tightly by the arm.
colbert, lookl" she cried excitedly. my
emeralds, my stolen emeraldsl All, you
wicked creature!"
"Hushl aunt" her nephew said in low
tone. That girl is not thief, and there
Is more than one pair of earrings in the
world"
There is not another pair set like NINE"
she said decidedly, looking scornfulIy at
me-"
1t had all taken place so suddenly that l
stood like one dumb; but now l cried out
passionately: