Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1892-02-24
THE EMERALD EARRINGS.

They lay on their white velvet bed, the
sunlight filtering through them, and
changing their deep, rich green, that re-
minded me of mossy woodland nooks,
into globules of golden light. A pair of
emerald earrings, exquisitely set, and the
handsomest l had ever seen. was
somewhat of judge, too, for, in bygone
days, when fortune smiled ON me. many
rare gems found place in my casket.
But those days were part of the irrev-
ocable past, and instead of living gay
life in a stately home, with an indulgent
father to crafty every wish, |, Mildred
Heath, was now hard working little
teacher in crowded city school. A
stuffy little room, third floor back, in
Mrs. Wilson's shabby boarding house, |
called "home." No one knew how |
longed for some of the old pleasures to
help brighten the dull days that were
now filled with monotonous labor; how |
envied gay young girls as they rolled by
in their carriages, laughing and chatting;
nor how the florists windows tempted
me with their wealth of beautiful blos-
SONS, bringing 10 my mind SO vividly the
fragrant conservatories at my old home.
But after months of such useless repin-
ings had forced myself into more con.
tented frame of mind, and was at peace
with myself and the world, until one un-
lucky day, in fastening through a side
street to reach home before a threatened
storm, suddenly stopped before a
dingy pawnbroker's window, where, sur
rounded by odds and ends of all sorts,
reposed the emerald earrings described
in the beginning of my story. How they
lighted up that duh window with their
soft, shimmering radiancel And at the
first sight there came to me an over
whelming desire to possess them. All
the restrained longing for that which
was dainty, bright, and beautiful, broke
forth afresh and not until the fast fall
ing drops of rain reminded me that |
was still some distance from home did
turn away from the window.
That night l dreamed was teaching
school in Africa, and the natives were
peIting 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, / counted
over my little hoard of savings. Twenty
i've dollars.
"oh, dearl that viii never buy them,"
said dejectedly.
Nevertheless, tucked the money into
my purse and hastened to school. Not
until evening did find myself free, and
then fairly flew into that little side
street, holding my breath as / drew near
the pawnbroker's window, for fear tlc
white velvet case and its precious con-
tents would be missing. But no, they
we're still there, looking, IL possible, more
self no exception to the old sdage, "She
who hesitates is lost" quickly entered
the shop and asked to see the earrings
The proprietor, greasy, unprepossess-
ing looking individual, placed them be-
fore me, expatiating on their beauty in
his smooth, oily way
"What is the price of these?" asked,
breaking in on his volubility.
~Thirty-fve dollars, and cheap they
are at that, miss.
Yes, know; but that Is more than
can pay, said falteringly, and scarcely
able to restrain my tears turned away.
Wait bit, miss, he called after me.
Now what will you give for the gemsf"
II have just $25," said, and /
really ought not to spend SO much for
jewelry."
But it is great bargain, he said
hastily, and as he saw me put away my
purse he added, "Well, you take the en-
eralds and I'll take the $25. 1t ia giving
them away, really, but / have not many
customers in this quiet street who would
appreciate them," he added in suave
tones.
Eagerly I counted out the money, and
slipping the case into my pocket hur-
RED home. Had not been SO delighted
at getting my hearts desire, might have
thought il strange that the pawnbroker
was SO ready TO part with the jewels For
so much less than their value. But no
such thoughts troubled me. That night
slept with the jewels beneath my pill
low, 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. That Of at
tending the flower show in progress at
the Horticultural Hall SO by o'clock
was on my way, attired in my best
gown and hat, with the emeralds swing
ing bravely in my ears.
1t was a beautiful morning; the sun
Ehone brightly, the park seemed full Of
twittsring birds as ] passed through it,
and the grass looked fresh and green from
the soft spring rains. was in excellent
spirits at the prospect of spending day
among the flowers Of which was pas
sionately fond, with no stupid children
10 correct, nor duh lessons TO hear.
On reaching the hall almost screamed
with delight, for it looked like an en-
chanted palace, the work of fairies iu-
stead of man. For hours ! wandered
through aisles carpeted with soft moss,
banked by pyramids Of flowers reaching
10 the roof. Here were carnations Of