The state capital., 1891-07-18

ShOne the most magnificent diamond l
had ever seen. as large as her finger
nail and perfect well of blazing light.
"Your diamond, Charles said she.
My diamondf' repeated, in a be-
wildered way.
II suppose it is an heirloom or some
thing of that Sort" said Marcella; II
never was SO overwhelmed. But do
you know you have won Aunt Matilda
by it? Her own diamonds are very
fine, but when she saw this she fairly
screamed. She has made up her mind
that may have you, and she is going
to come down and see you-she came
home with US, you know"
'Oh! she came home with you," re-
peated like a parrot.
Now don't look like that" said
Marcella. 'Auntie is very worldly. /
know, but her good opinion is of value
to Us. She influences mamma greatly,
and you must smile"
/ repeated: ''Oh! / must smile"
'Don't.' gasped Marcella. Don't
look like thatr'
But how could I look otherwise than
like that" with the awful truth that
had flashed upon my mind, burning it?
/ understood what that diamond blaz-
ing on Marcella's finger meant.
Doughty had given me the wrong box.
had Mrs. IS diamond; she had my
poor little ten-dollar amethyst. Just
how many thousands had stolen do
not know. | was not experienced in
gems. But | was certainly in for grand
larceny at the lowest computation.
Doughty was a good fellow enough
but he would not be likely to remem-
Der that he gave me the box. ! should
be suspected of having exchanged the
two purposely. My only hope was to
make full confession instantly. Mar
| celia was a dear, sweet, reasona bic
| girl. A word would be enough.
''Marcejla." / began, Il think must
appear somewhat confused Il have
something on my mind. / must tell
you a very notifying"
"Oh, hoo do you do, Mr.. Parkin?"
said one of those peculiar voices that
have won for American women the
| reputation of a want of mellowness
and softness of speech, which is by no
means universally deserved How do
| you do? 1t is nice to see you again.
| Why didn't you run up to see us? We
| are lovely in the autumn, crimson
naples and all that You must be
quite an admirer of nature; your taste
is SO good in other things Gems, for
instance. The color of that diamond
is marvellous. You have artists eyes
melancholy eyes"
| have no doubt they were melan-
choly enough at that moment.
II know a gentleman, quite an artist
amateur, but could be professional He
cannot wear many ornaments, but he
carries a little bag of unset jewels in
his pocket, and when he wants to re-
| fresh himself, he pours them into his
palm and looks at them-gloats on
them. Really, | could not trust him
alone in the room with Marcella's ring,
| it might make him dishonest"
| So spoke Marcella's aunt Nor did
| she leave us until was obliged to take
my departure. | could not make con-
fession before her. resolved to write
to Marcella. After all, it would be
| better. And | wrote a dozen letters
that night and tore them up. The un-
lucky thirteenth, penitential to the last
degree, posted. l remember that my
excitement was so great that l went
out to do so without my hat, and was
followed home as suspicious character
by the policeman on our street, in con-
sequence.
| | bounced about in bed for hours that
night and slept late next morning in
consequence. Out of breath and pallid
/ arrived at our establishment after
hours next day.
"'There's been person here inquir-
ing for you," said Briggs, the individ-
ual who noted down our sins of tardi-
ness and the consequent ''deductions;'
"a gent in gray clothes. Said his name
was Doughty, and he came about ring.
He said you'd understand.
| Understand. | did, alas! but too well.
The blow had fallen. However, | could
do nothing until Marcella returned the
ring, or bade me come and get it. !
would not implicate her by mentioning
her name.
Briggs said !, II don't want to
see that man yet, not for day or two. >
''Owe him something and don't want
to settle till salary timer" said Brigg.
let it pass by nod.
'Ah!" said Briggs ''Well, as you
are on the second floor, | can tell him
you are home i'll and that | don't know
where you live. But it's a lot OF
trouble to take for nothing. Is it worth
| q connie Of dollars to yOu?"
put two silver dollars into his hand
and in an instant they clinked together
in his pocket.
Doughty called that evening, and
next morning, and the day after, and
all the while no answer came from
Marcella. What did it mean? / knew
when my letter was returned from the
dead letter office, with Not found
written all over it as if it were an ex.
ample in copyboo | had addressed
it to ''Marcella Darling, New York.
Marcellas father being named Gill.
worthy, it is not astonishing that it die
not reach it's destination, especially
without number.
NV full explanation had, perhaps
interested some clerk in the post Office
department, but had not reached
Marcella. Moreover, in the same mai
was a letter from my betrothed her
self
Il am nearly wild" it began. "My dea
Charles, what has happened? have been ter
rifed by your absence.
Il sent Brother Bob to Lighter g. Jowls with
a note from me, and some one told him yol
were i'll at home, and they did not know where
you boarded do not, either. but perhaps tht
postman does, so l put New York city upon it
Send to me at once l am not superstitious
but your diamond seems to be a little dim, anC
7 shi..ar ,.hnn T reraa,,ler tho st.asisS told q