Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1892-10-28

SAA Hsticu Vut VI tuC river. EeF-
haps-"
lie turned on his heel and dismissed
the train of thought that brought with
it new hopes and probabilities.
The next day the pretty heiress came
upon him as he sat alone in enc of the
pavilions. He arose TO so.
pray, Mr.. Rutherford. do not let
me cause You to retire." she pleasant
y said, as she fluttered into one of the
rustic seats.
Instead of replying, he looked
steadily at her, with an expression
upon his face that puzzled her.
'I am sorry for what happened the
other day." she softly said.
"Iou were the arbiter OF your own
fate, he replied.
"Why, that sounds funnyl" she
said, with an odd little laugh. 81
famced that you had made me the ar
better of YOURS"
"Of course, Mis- Clifton, if you
have reconsidered-"
.But haven't" she hurriedly inter-
rupted.
She bushed consciously, for she
knew she had not been entirely truth
full. She might not have reconsidered
her refusal, but she had made sundry
mental admissions; one that lie was
the most worthy of her admirers, and
the other, that she at least liked him.
"That was a pretty ballad you sang
last evening"" he said with sudden
change of topic.
81 sang several" reminded she.
aBut only one ballad" reioined he
81 refer to tle Downs of Dover,
"Were you within hearingw
II was on the veranda," was his re-
reply. "You did not think that ! had
i'deC9mpSd, III my disappointment AM
-dispair?" lie added, with sligh'
grin. "The air is very catchy, as We
say in this country. Did you COM
pose it"
eyes. And the words"
Theu she laughed, and added;
81 haven't perpetrated anything
like it since.
He was silent for minute, seem
ingIy deeply wrapped in thonght.
She watched him covertly, admiring
his handsome face and manly bear
ing.
"Miss Clifton, did not run away
last night" he slowly said. "But
am going away today
"Ahl" she calculated.
.Yes. And l wish to return YOU
ring"
"What ring?' she asked, with puz'
zled lvok and tone.
"Thc ring which you gave me" he
replied.
The puzzled look changed 10 one OF
amazement.
81 never gave yoa ring she de
clared, with considerable vehemence,
"Oh, you didn't, ch?' lie said, will
crisp little laugh. al vented to re
lurn it to you at the time, but you did
not give me the chance TO do SO. Il is
such a unique bit of workmanship
that you cannot fail to recognize it.
He took from his wallet ring ant
handed it TO her.
She stared al it in dazed manner
the color coming aud going in he
face. At first she looked very sober
and then soft smile came TO her lips
for she recalled the occasion, and tlit
wet, drasgled appearances she had pre-
sented.
al remember the awkward episod
awkward on my part" she said
shyIy uplifting her superb eyes
Eyes, gave you the ring. | canno
permit you to return it. When | CAV
it to you it ceased TO be mine.
.'But | did not accept it," reptile,
he. "You left it in my hand. Unit
now have had no opportunity L
decline it,"
.Tel me" she said, looking fairl.
at him. new interest in ber handsom
/ eyes-"tel me, how long have yol
known me as the Iuckless one yol
oncc placed under such obligationsf
..Oh, do not call it thatl" he re
joined.
"Did you know it the evening yo'
you proposed to me?' persiste
she.
"No, Mis-. Clifton. | did not kno'
il until last evening. That ballad ider
tifod you; you were singing IL who
| your boat upset"
"was II" she asked, merely to col
troll hor embarrassment, for she rt
membefed quite distinctly.
%. had intended to send you lii
ring by mail today, without explains
tion or comment" he said. 81 ask n
advantage now"
II cannot say that understan
your last remark, Mr.. Rutherford.
she replied, slightly fiurrled.
He wat standing with bis arm
folded, his eyes fixed upon her,