The great West. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1889-18??, 1891-10-16

and slipping the case into my pocket
hurried home. Had / not been SO
delighted at getting my hearts desire
I might have thought it strange that
the pawnbroker wasso ready to part
with the jewels for SO much
less than their value. But no
such thoughts troubled me. That
night l slept with the jewels be-
meath my pillow, and actually arose
in the night and lighted the gas to
look at them. All of which was very
childish, know.
The next day was Saturday, and ]
had promised myself treat of
attending the flower show in progress
at Horticultural Hall. So by 8 o clock
l was on my way, attired in my best
gown and hat. with the emeralds
swinging bravely in my ears.
It was beautiful morning. The
sun shone brightly, the park seemed
full OF twittering birds as l passed
through it, and the grass looked fresh
and green from the soft spring rains.
was IN excellent spirits at the pros
pect OF spending a day among the
flowers, of which l was passionately
fond, with no stupid children to correct
and no dull lessons to hear.
On reaching the hall I almost
screamed with delight for it looked
like an enchanted palace, the work of
fairies instead of man. For hours I
wandered through isles carpeted with
soft moss, banked by pyramids of
flowers reaching to 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 callas, drawn uplike soldiers
on guard, were surrounded by delicate,
waving fern. And over it all foated
the fragrance of roses.
During my walk among the flowers
had several times encountered a
stout, elderly lady, richly dressed, &C
companied by very handsome
young man who called her "aunt, .
and whose blue eyes looked into mine
so earnestly each time he passed that
| turned away blushing. Presently l
found myself close behind them. l
had stopped to examine a large cac-
tus, and they had evidently halted for
the same purpose, the lady lifted her
arm to point toward the plant, and I
was admiring the long, beautiful fringe
on her mantle, when the crowd surg
ing, pushed me against her, and it be-
came entangled about one of my ear
rings. The owner of the fringe, per-
fectly unconscious hurried on to join
her handsome nephew, who was a
little in advance, while l, much against
my will was obliged to keep pace with
her.
The absurdity of the situation
forced itself upon me, and I trembled
with suppressed laughter. There l
was being led along like ga lamb to
the slaughter" vainly endeavoring to
free myself without attracting atten-
ton and without injuring my precious
earring. Had there not been young
man in the case should have spoken,
but had no desire for that particular
one to see ME in such ridiculous po-
sitiOn. But, alas! it was to be. In
despair I gave frantic tug at the
fringe, that seemed to possess the
strength of a cable. It parted so sud-
denly that my clenched hand struck
the broad back before me with such a
resounding whack that the old lady
was rendered quite speeches. for a
moment.
What in the world do you mean,
young woman?" she finally grasped,
irately.
"I-your fringe-my earring" I
stammered, turning scarlet as | saw
those blue eyes again looking into
mine.
"Did it hurt you or injure your ear
ring?" he asked kindly, as if he pitied
my embarrassment.
''That is not the thing" the old lady
CALCULATED Grossly, before I had time
to answer. MY fringe is quite ruined;
several strands are gone. Ali it is
caught on your miserable earring,
that did all this mischief she said
tartly, stepping up to me to loosen it.
Then she dropped her hands with a
little shrek, and clutched me tightly
by the arm.
colbert, look!" she cried excitedly.
"My emeralds, my stolen emeralds!
All, you wicked creature!"
"Hush! 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 like
mine," she said decidedly, looking
scornfully at me-"
1t had all taken place so suddenly
that l stood like one dumb; but now
l cried out passionately:
II did not steal them-I bought
them onl.:- last night"
The old lady shifted contemptuous-
ly, and glanced suspiciously at my
well-worn black gown; but her nephew
said gently:
II believe you, and regret that my
aunt is SO severe; Will you not come
with us to more private place and
tell us about it,"
He courteously offered me his arm,
but proudly declined it. and walked
by his side with head erect and burn
ing cheeks. I, Mildred Heath, accused
of stealing! We entered room at the
end of the long hall used as an Office
but now quite deserted; and without
further ado began tremulously-for
lump would come into my throat
"My name is Mildred Heath, and l
am school-teacher. saw the eme-
raids in pawnbroker' window, and,
although it was a foolish thing to do,
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