The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1891-10-14
THE EMERALD EARRINGS.

sunlight fllteTing through them, ana
changing their deep. nch green, that
reminded me Of mossy woodland hooks,
into elobules Of golden light. A pair Of
emerald earrings, exquisiiely set, and the
handsomest I had ever seen. was
somewhat of q judge, too, for, in bygone
DAYS. when fortune smiled on me, many
very rare gems found place in my jewel
czsket.
But those days were part Of the II
revocable ipast, and instead Of living e
gay life in a stately home, with an IN
duIeent father to crafty every wish, /,
Mildred Heath, was now haTd-working
little teacher in q crowded city school.
A stusFy little room, third floor back, in
Mrs. Wilson's shabby boarding house, !
called "home." No one knew how l
longed for some of the old pleasures to
help brighten the dull days that were
now flied with monotonous labor; how
1 envied gay young girls as they rolled
by in their carriages, laughing and chat
ting nor how the florists windows
tempted me with their wealth Of beauti-
fol blossoms, bringing TO my mind 50
Tividly the fragrant conservstories at my
old home
But after months Of useless repinings l
had forced myself into a more contented
frame Of mird, and Was at peace with
-,.,-..Ir .,,1 -. --,-1I ,,-ssT 80 ,,1uoIrx-
day, in Fastening through a side street
10 re reach home before a threatened
storm, suddenly stopped before dingy
pawnbroker's window, where. surround
ed by odds and ends of all sorts, reposed
the emerald earrings described in the be-
ginning Of my story. How they lighted
up THAT dull window with their soft,
shimmering radiance And at the first
sight there came to me an overwhelming
desire to possess them. All the restrain
ed longing for that which was dainty,
bright, and beautiful, broke forth afresh
and not until the fast falling drops of rain
reminded me that I was still some dis
tance from home did turn away from
the window.
That night dreamed 1 was teaching
school 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 huard Of savings. Twen-
five dollars
oh, dear thst viii never buy them"
/ said, deiectedIy.
Nevertheless, tucked the money into
nv purse and hasteued TO school. Not
until evening did find myself free, and
then 1 fairly few into that little side
street, holding my breath as drew near
the pawnbroker's window, for fear the
white velvet case and its precions 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 hesit&tes is lost" quickly entered
the shop and asked to see the earrings.
The proprietor, greasy, unprepossess-
ing looking individual, placed them be-
foIe me, expatiating on their beauty in
his smooth, oily way.
What is the price of these % l asked,
breaking in on his yolubility.
Thirty-ive dollars, and cheap they
are at that, miss"
Yes, | know but that is more than
can pay" said, falteringly, and scarce
ly able to restrain my tears, 1 turned
away.
Wait bit, miss, he called afier me.
" Now what viii you give me for the
gems?"
hsve just $25," 1 said, and real
ly ought not to spend so much money for
jewelry."
But it is a great bargain" he said,
hastily, and as he saw me put away my
purse, he added, Well, you take the
emeralds, and I'll take the S25. 1t is Civ
ing 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 nv pocket. hurried
home Had I not been so delighted at
getting my hearts desire, l might have
thought it strange that the pawnbroker
was 80 ready to part with the Jewels for
30 much less ithan their value. But no
such thoughts troubled me. That night
l slept with the jewels beneath nv pil-
low, and actually arose in the night ard
lighted the gas to look at them, all of
which was very childish, l know.
The next day was Saturday, and I had
promised myselfa treat, that of attend
ing the flower show in progress at the
Horticultural Hall. So by O'Clock 1 was
on my way, sttired in my best gown and
hat with the emeralds swinging bravely
in my ears
Ii was beautiful morning the sun
shone brightly, the park seemed full of
tWittering birds as l passed through If.
and the grass looked fresh and green af-
ter the soft spring rains. was in excel
lent spirits at the prospect of spending a
day among the flowers, Of which 1 was
passionstely fond, with no stupid chill
dred to correct, nor any dull, dry lessons
20 hear.
On reaching the hall I almost scream
ed with delight, for it looked like an en-
chanted palace, the work Of fairies. in
stead of man.
For hours 1 wandered through aisles |
csrpeted with sOft moss, banked by pvr- !
amids Of flowers reaching to the roof |
Here were carnations of every hue. their
spicy aroma filing the air. There the |
graceful heliotrope nodded TO her dainty
neighbor, the lily Of the valley, while the |
cAllas, drawn up like soldiers on guard.
were surrounded by delicate. waving
fern And over it all foated the frn-
GRANGE Of roses.
During my walk among the flowers l |
had several times encountered 8 stout
elderly lady, richly dress ed, acconpan- |
led by very handsome young man who |
called Der aunt" and whose blue ewes
looked into mine 30 earnestly each time
he passed that / turned away. bIusbinO