The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1891-09-19

Il am nearly Wild" It began. my dea
Charles, what has happened, have been ter
dfied by your absence.
] Il sent Brother Bob to Lighter & Jowls will
note from me, and some one told him yor
were Ill at home, and they did not know where
you boarded do not either but perhaps the
postman does, so l put New York city upon it
send TO me at once. / am not superstittous
bat your diamond seems to be a little DIM and
l shiver when remember the stories told Of
gems.
why haven't you writtenl Did auntie
offend your The worst Of 1t is my trunks are
packed for Europe. Aunty decided to take me
the evening you were here Oh, how long age
II seems! We shall be away three months at
least. can't change my mind nov A
thought startles me-perhaps your hear. is
changed; perhaps you love me no longer II
SO, you have but to tell me where to send your
presents-above all. your valuable ring. Your
manner was not your own when I saw you
last. MARcrrtAn
What had done? Fear of losing my
treasure overcame all other thoughts
| caught my hat and rushed to her
dwelling-place
"Oh, my, Mr.. Parkin! Is it you? The
family thought you must be dead!''
said the girl who opened the door for
me; land Miss Marcella has gone with
her aunt to Europe, and master and
missis have gone to Chicago, and Mas
ter Bob is at boarding-school, and there
amt nobody at home but cook and me
except Hammer, and she's got holiday.
We're lonesome and real scary."
So was l. staggered down the steps
with my hand to my forehead, and
through the open window heard the
waitress inform cook that it was plain
my heart was broken by Miss Marcel
las cruelty. What should / do now?
Whittier fly? l went as far as the
corner, and ran into the arms of man
who was stalking along with bowed
head and general air of desperation
lnvoluntarily we clutched each other.
THANK God it is Parkin!" said he.
Doughty" said 1, but added no
thanksgiving.
1--WE been looking for you for days
about that ring" said he
'All right" said l. s'But you remem-
Der you gave it to me?"
II did" said Doughty. 'sBut want
you to save me from dismissal by say.
ing you picked it up yourself"
II did not" said l.
81 have a chance for promotion and
a capital salary; l lose it if you won't
say that" said Doughty. Think of
my wife; it can't matter to you; old
Glitter has your ring safe; you'll
get it."
Hang the ring!" said I. think of
my feelings! / wonder I'm not dead,
You see, gave it to her and she is in
Europe, and"
Make laugh of it," said Doughty.
Give her the other. My God! Don't |
-uin me,'
Doughty" said 1, 81 don't want to |
lurt you, though 1 suffer through your
Mistake. But = well, I'll go to the |
heads of the firm at once and do INV
BEST for both of us, but / won't risk
'eing ruined for any man."
why. good Lord! You are in no
LANCER" said Doughty. Come, they
ire still in the office. Gomez
He dragged me by the elbow; he
apped at the glass door. Within I
ould see the counters all covered in
hastily fashion by great cloths, mar
lie statue of an angel looking down
pom the yelled splendor, and a light
'urnt in the partners private room.
Mr. Glitter opened the door himself.
ut is l, SIR" said doughty. family.
I've found Mr.. Parkin. He will, /
now, do me justice, SIR"
Mr.. Glitter looked at him coldly.
I'm that case all will be we'll he
aid. 'Mr. Parkin, walk in We have
our amethyst ring safe. and a lovely
tone it is An old-fashioned stone. if
may say SO, not in the market to-day.
'e apologize to You; we understand
on intended to send it away as pres
ut; we regret your modification"
you are very kind" saidI 81 re-
ret to say that it will be some time be-
IRE can return the ring 1 carried
way. 1t is now in England"
Let 1t stay there" said Mr.. Glitter.
And now, to explain how we came to
Ave it in one of our boxes-you'll be
screet. Mrs-well, we'll mention
= ~~est~~>s's - AoNy hOnOWnC lOT her IeW- | :
s, has husband who is parsimonious.
times she needs ready money, then
e brings one of her rings to us. We
nd her money on it, and give her a :
ng of no value whatever to keep in
e box, in case her husband inquiries
ants to see it, etc. In time she pays
, we restore the diamond The sub .
tutc was exchanged for your anne
yst, and if it was Mr.. Doughty's
ing"
II carried it off, myself" said 1.
md what, pray, was the price of the :,
bstitute? The-the-"
'Plate and PASTE" said Mr. Glitter. =
lalf dollar to the trade. Theatrical y
ople buy them to play queens in tl
netimes We have full sets. Mrs n
me back with the amethyst a few !,
Us ago, and we gave her another h
am; but if she had been a person of n
other class, your ring would have y
en- lost. We can't have careless clerks a,
re-" :