The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1891-04-23


without ceremony, it is true, but ex-
quisite in it's simplicity and ordered
with n science perfect. We compli-
mented our hostess. From that we
came to the subject of cooking, when
the conversation turned. They spoke
of politics and, after the end of the
talk, after having exchanged ideas
more or less commonplace on art,
literature and the question of mar
riage, we came, by q natural transi-
ton, to speaking of dowries, wedding
presents, silver plate, and diamonds.
II like the pearl better than the
diamond" said q lady sitting near
me.
81" said our hostess, ~ prefer the
diamond, and have my reasons for
it,"
"Ah! story!" said one OF US. "Tell
it."
"Would you like to hear it?" asked
our hostess.
eyes, yes, the story said Choir
Gus of voices at the table.
"Be- but l pass the betting on to
my husband"
81 take it, said Henry Marbel, our
host, and he commenced:
II was young at that time, free in
my actions, and amused myself dur
ing my hours of leisure, the more so
as my days work was entirely at the
office, of Mr.. Durand, notary-a no.
tary very exacting, very strict-who
demanded of his clerks not only q zeal
all the time but also O serene and dig
nifed behavior:
81 had been to supper with num-
Der of friends, and | was staying there
to laugh and to drink, when the clock
struck 2. l judged it seasonable for
me to return to my home. 1t was q
beautiful night. I thought that q
long walk would be good for me
would quiet my nerves which were a
little excited. l was directing my
steps, then, very slowly toward home,
having descended Males Aubres Boule-
ward; when, arriving at the top OF ST..
Augustine, saw something at my
feet which shone very brightly. |
stopped and picked up the object. 1t
was a diamond earring-a superb dia-
mond, and of great value, certainly.
"Well, thought |, thisis adiscovery!
Why has the jewel been lost here?
81 unintentionally raised my eyes.
The windows of the third story of the
house in front of which | found myself
were brilliantly lighted. | listened and
/ heard the sound OF All orchestra.
Besides there was a file of carriages
stationed in front of the door. With
out doubt there was a party there and
the diamond belonged to q guest. ]
was tempted for moment to leave
the jewel with the servant, but what
proof had of his honesty? reflected
| for moment. was in evening dress,
not very much soiled. What was to
prevent my entering?
"No sooner thought than done.
rang-the door opened and l entered,
and mounted to the third story.
Cali the doors were open-a suite OF
rooms brilliantly lighted, couples
dancing to the sound of ravishing
waltz-gentlemen in evening dress, etc
"In front of the entrance, and in the
midst of them, was lady of middle
age, decoletee, who was talking with
the arrivals, smile on her lips. 1t is
the mistress of the house, thought l
All! How amiable of you to come.
and she gave me her hand with etfu-
sion. | will make my explanation,
thought |.
Madam, beg you to excuse me-
"'Yes, yes; because you were late.
I understand you. You are excused.
But come quickly that l may intro
duce you to a young lady"
"'But, madam
"' Oh, no, resistance! To come late
well, let that pass-but not to dance!
That would be impossible"
81 MAG de an effort to say word, but
l was in the throng, led in front of a
young lady, and forced to use the or
binary phrases of society.
":Mademoiselle, willyougive me the
pleasure of this waltz
"'With pleasure, SIR And I began
dancing in the salon.
"Bah! thought l, shall soon find
time to explain these things.
!Iet us amuse ourselves for the mo,
ment. 1t is what we have the right to
do, and amuse myself, it is my duty
to with my partner.
"She was charming-my partner
A blonde, with blue eyes and q fine
form, and she danced beautifully
| led the conversation as | would
from the beginning OF the ball itself; the
superb toilets one saw there. The
waltz finished, / reconducted my
partner to her place and endeavored
to find the hostess. / saw her at the
end of the drawing-room, but so sur
rounded and busy in the midst of hel
guests that / could not reach her
l circulated again in the crowd, seek
ing to find some one knew. All were
unknown to me.
The orchestra, which had been Sc
lect, began again; they were playing 6
polka. My little partner was still il
HcE plebCe. dppIodtCIIcu HeF, OHefeC
her my arm. She rose gracefully
gave q gentle glance of recognition fol
my solicitation in saving her from
the fate of being a wall-llower, and W.
again commenced our dancing. w,
were already friends, she being pleased
that thought of her, and l, happy al
having someone to whom to talk
We. promenaded; / conducted her tt
refreshments. Isaw she had agood ap
petite as well as alovely disposition
that discovery only added to the es
TEEN she had already inspired in me
When we returned to the drawing
room, they were beginning waltz
/ was holding the arm of Claire {
knew her name now, and we com
menced to dance as the last ones
That waltz wasexquisite. Claire, lit
tie oppressed, but radiant, inclined he
head lightly on my shoulder. / fell
her hair lightly against my cheek;
was tempted to tell her that I found
her charming, and more than charm