The morning call., 1891-03-25

not very remarkable thing to say, but 1t
had very remarkable effect on Ernest, LOT
he recognized the low, silver-toned voice
instantly-he could have told it among
thousand. She was the mysterious angel
who had hung in empty space in his arms
in the church the day before Yesterday
whom he had been hunting for all over the
parish ever since, and whose extraordinary
gift, slipped upon the end OF his watch
chain, was reposing safely in his pocket at
this very moment.
What happened during the course OF that
eventful dinner Ernest never afterward could
recollect Whether turkeys and plum pud-
ding were consumed by his family or cold
mutton and cabbage pickles he could not
have tasted-whether healths to absent
friends were drunk, and good wishes were
exchanged around the table, whether his
father made q speech and his mother wept,
or whether or no his sisters, as usual, ex-
pressed their desire to see him shortly
united to a good wife-all remains wrapped
in a dense cloud of obscurity and uncer-
tanty to this day. The one thing that did
happen was that Ernest RcdfOrth fell head
over ears in love with pretty Mrs. Leigh.
and that he neither ate nor drank anything
to speak of-that he saw nothing else but
her face, and was conscious of no other
sound save the silver ring OF her sweet
voice.
He kept his secret well, and the diamond
ring lay for many days snug and safe IN MS
vaist-coat pocket. For four consecutive
Sundays did the infatuated youth run down
to Hampshire. to the unfeighed surprise OF
his parents, and the amusement OF his more
sharp sighted sisters, and each Sunday he
spent large portion of the day III Ida
Leigh's society. And all the time never
word did the willow hear about the diamond
ring which she had so impulsively bestowed
upon the wrong man. Perhaps, however,
she had her suspicious; anyhow she blded
her time.
Ore day she suddenly said to him.:
a have lost a diamond ring. MIR. Red
forth"
Ernest colored up to the roots of his hair;
you lose it?'
when was helping your sisters with
the church decorations just before Christ
mas"
Have you had the church searchedP
Why don't you ask Mr.. Fenton. the curate,
to look for it?" maliciously. 1t was Mrs.
Lcigh's turn to blush. Then their eyes met
suddenly.
- once had diamond ring given to me"
began the yonng man hesitatingly, and
drawing something mysteriously out of his
pocket ut was Il reward for saving q
lady's life and also as a consolation for -"
"Oh, what shame! What shame OF
your cried Mrs. Leigh jumping up ana Try
ing to snatch it out OF his hand" l knew 1t
was you'll"
lie got up ana nSiu IL NiSu dOON6 HcI Hthu
out Of her reach. "You are not going to
have it." he said. at was given to me-"
at was not. 1t was given to Mr.. Fenton. !"
"COnfOuud Fenton's impudenee! How
dare lie ask such woman as you 10 marry
him."
Mrs. Leigh sat down again. A tiny smile
futtered upon her lips and Il beautiful flush
UverSpread her dOwncaSt face.
Why shouldn't he, pray ?-why-why
shouldn't any man ask ne TO marry him !!
There is nothing against me, is there-that
should not marry again?"
do you mean that? cried the young
man, rapturously falling down upon his
knees by the side of her chair. Look
here, Ida-Mrs. Leigh-Pm a poor beggar {;
I've nothing but my salary, but wont you
let me give you another ring-a plain gold
ring-in exchange for this? And II you
think you could be poor mans wfe-or if
you'd wait year or two till l get my pro-
notion"
There's no occasion to wait. 1 have
gained MY lawsuit, Ernest. The letter from
the lawyers came this morning"
what has that TO do with me?"
Everything; since it gives me 5000 a
year. So if you think it wont be too great a
grief to inflict upon poor Mr.. FentOn"-
But she never finished the sentence, nor
ever got back her diamond ring till she
wore it in Fossett Church as guard to an
other one on her wedding day. That is why
Ernest Redforth never regretted having
gone home for Christmas. London
Society,