Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1892-01-21
LOVES VICTORY.


He opened the parcel. 1t contained mo
rocco case the lid of which, upon spring
being touched, flew back, exposing beauti-
ful suite of rubies set in pale gold.
Miss Hastings uttered a little cry OF de-
light
allow very beautiful she said.
"Yes." responded Sir Oswald, holding
them up to the light, they are, indeed. l
am sure we must congratulate Lady Darrell
upop her good taste l suggested diamonds
Or pearls, but she thought rubies SO much bet
ter suited to Paulne's dark beauty; and she
d quite right"
Lady Darrell held up the shining rubies
with her white fingers, but she did not smile;
look of something like apprehension came
over the fair face.
"I hope Pauline will like Them" she said,
gently.
"She cannot fail to do So" remarked Sir
Oswald, with some little hdufC1u. i WILL
tell her that you want to speak 10 her"
He went over to the deep recess of the
large window, where Pauline sat reading.
He had felt very sure that she would be fiat
tered by the rich and splendid gift. There
had been some little pride, and some little
pomp In his manner as he vert in search OF
her, but it seemed to die away as he looked
ut her face That was not the face OF a girl
who could be tempted, pleased, or coaxed
with Jewels. Insensibly his manner chang
ed.
Pauline" he said, gently, Lady Darrell
wishes to speak to you"
There was evidently a struggle in her mind
as to whether she should comply or not, and
then she rose and without word walked up
to the little group.
What do you require, Lady DARRELL" she
asked; and Miss Hastings looked up at he1
with quick apprehension.
The fair face of Lady Darrell looked more
troubled than pleased. Sir Oswald stood by,
little more stately and proud than usual
proud of his niece, proud of his wife, and
pleased with himself.
Il have brought you little present, Pau
line, from Paris" said Lady Darrell. u
hope it will give you pleasure"
"You were kind to remember me, observ
ed Pauline.
Sir Oswald thought the acknowledgment
far too cool and calm.
"They are the finest rubies 1 have seen
Pauline; they are superb stones"
He held them so that the light cleaned II
sh,,,, ,,,.iI tho, el.ono like fire. Tho proud
Adih C9 Us BldllCtu llullcItuIlS dl LuGu.
"What have you to say to Lady Darrell
Pauine?" asked Sir Oswald, growing angry
at her silence
The girls beautiful lips curled.
Lady Darrell was good to think Of me- ,
she said, Coldly land the jewels are very
fine; but they are not suitable for me-"
Her words, simple as they were, fell like {
shundercloud upon the little group.
"And pray why notP" asked Sir Oswald
angrily.
"Your knowledge of the world is greater
than mine, and will tell you better than
can," she replied, calmly. ''Three month:
since they would have been suitable pres.
ent to one in the position / held then; now
they are quite out of place, and decline
them"
''You decline thcmr' exclaimed Lady Oar
rell, hardly believing that it was in human
nature to refuse such jewels.
Pauline smiled calmly, repeated the words
and walked away.
Sir Oswald, with an angry murmur, re
placed the jewels in the case and set it aside
'She has the Darrell spirit" he said to hi
wife, with an awkward smile; and she de
voutly hoped that her husband would no
often exhibit the same.