Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1891-10-20
THE EMERALD EARRINGS.

Ihey lay on tnelr Wnlte VeiNet Deu, the
sunlight filtering through them, and
changing their deep. rich green, that re-
minded me of mossy woodland hooks,
into globules of golden light A pair of
emerald earrings, exquisitely set, and the
handsomest / had ever seen. was
somewhat of a judge. too, for, in bygone
days, when fortune smiled on me, many
rare gems found a place in my casket.
But those days were part of the irrev-
ocable past, and instead of living a gay
life in a stately home, with an indulgent
father TO crafty every wish, 1, 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 boarding house,
called "home" No one knew how
longed for some of the old pleasures to
help brighten the dull days that were
now filed with monotonous labor; how
envied gay young girls as they rolled by
in their carriages, laughing and chatting;
nor how the florists windows tempted
me with their wealth Of beautiful blos-
SONS, bringing to my mind SO yividly the
fragrant Conservatives at my old home.
But after months of such useless repin-
ings had forced myself into more con-
tented frame of mind, and was at peace
with myself and the world, until one un-
lucky day, in fastening through a side
street to reach home before threatened
storm, suddenly stopped before a
dingy pawnbroker's window, where, sur
rounded by odds and ends of all sorts,
reposed the emerald earrings described
in the beginning Of my story. How they
lighted up that dull window with their
soft, shimmering radiancei And at the
first sight there came to me an over
whelming desire to possess them. All
the restrained longing for that which
was dainty, bright, and beautiful, broke
forth afresh and not until the fast fall
ing drops of rain reminded me that
was still some distance from home did l
turn away from the window.
That night dreamed was teaching
echool in Africa, and the natives were
pelting me with huge emeralds.
The next morning again turned into
the little street to feast my eyes on the
beauty Of those jewels. The following
day, before starting for school, l counted
over my little hoard of savings. Twenty
live dollars.
aoh, dearl that win never buy them,
/ said dejectedly.
Nevertheless, tucked the money into
my purse and hastened to school. Not
until evening did find myself free, and
then / fairly flew into that little side
street, holding my breath as l drew near
the pawnbroker's window, for fear the
white velvet case and its precious con-
tents would be missing But no, they
were still there, looking. if possible, more
beautiful than ever. And proving my
self no exception to the old adage, "She
who hesitates is lost, l quickly entered
the shop and asked to see the earrings.
The proprietor. greasy, unprepossess-
ing looking individual, placed them be-
fore me, expatiating on their beauty in
his smooth, oily way.
what is the price of these?" / asked,
breaking in on his volubility.
"Thirty-five dollars, and cheap they
are at that, miss.
@Yes, know; but that is more than
can pay, said falteringly, and scarcely
able to restrain my tears turned away.
"wait bit, miss, he called after me.
snow what will you give for the gems?"
aT have just $685." said, and l
really ought not to spend 80 much for
jewelry."
"But it Is great bargain" he said
hastily, and as he saw me put away my
purse he added, Well, you take the en-
eralds and I'll take the $25. 1t is giving
them away, really, but 1 have not many
customers in this quiet street who would
appreciate them," he added in suave
| tones.
Eagerly counted out the money, and
slipping the case into my pocket hur-
RED home. Had not been so delighted
at getting my hearts desire. might have
thought IL strange that the pawnbroker
was 50 ready to part with the jewels for
90 much less than their value. But no
such thoughts troubled me. That night
/ slept with the jewels beneath my pill
low, and actually arose in the night and
lighted the gas TO look at them. Ali Of
which was very childish, know.
The next day was Saturday and had
promised myself treat. That of at
tending the flower show in progress at
the Horticultural Hall So by o'clock
was on my way, attired in my best
gown and hat, with the emeralds swing
ing bravely IN my ears.
1t was beautiful morning; the sun
shone brightly, the park seemed full Of
twittering birds as I passed through it,
and the grass looked fresh and green from
the soft spring rains. Twas in excellent
spirits at the prospect of spending day
among the flowers Of which / was pas
sionately fond, with no stupid children
to correct, nor duh lessons 70 hear.
On reaching the hall almost screamed
with delight, for it looked like an en-
cbanted palace, the work Of fairies in
rtead Of man. For hours l wandered
through aisles carpeted with soft moss,
banked by pyramids Of flowers reaching
70 the roof Here were carnations of