The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1892-11-02


lated the cxtont Of her preference for
him.
A few evenings later as he sirollcI
to and fro on tho veranda, lie glanced
In at the open window aud saw her
seated at n piano, with several young
men by her side.
She was certainly very much at
home OIL the instrument; her playing
was as faultess ms il was brilliant.
Suddenly lie stopped opposite the
window, his lips parted, his eyes
Frightening, gleam of intelligence
lighting up his face.
She WAS singing ballad, and her
sweet. clear, flexible voice filled the
room.
''Was there ever maid more fair,
Or trucr lover,
Seen beneath the moonlight rare
On the Downs of Dover
"Ahl' he calculated, under his
breath. "Miss Clifton is The English
girl iishcd out of the river Per-
haps-"
lie turned on his heel and dismissed
the train of thought that brought with
1t new hopes and probabilities.
The next day the pretty hciress came
upon him rs he sat alone in one of the
paviions. lie arose to go.
pray, Mr.. Rutherford. do not let
me cause you to retire." she PLEASANT
ly said, as she ilutlcrcd 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.
"You were the arbiter of your own
fate, he replied.
"Why, that sounds funny she
said. with an odd little laugh. 81
fanced that YOU had made INC the ar
better of yours"
"Of course, Mis- Clifton, If you
have rcconsidercd-
"But | haven't" SHE hurricdly inter-
ruptcd.
She blushed consciously, for she
knew she had not been entirely truth
ful. She might not have rcconsidcrcd
her refusal. but she had made sundry
mental admissions; one that lie was
the most worthy Of her admirc.s, and
the other, that she at lcas, liked him.
"That was u pretty ballad you sang
last evening"" he said with II sudden
change of topic.
81 sang several" reminded she.
"But only one ballad" rcjoined he.
81 refer to The Downs of Dover.
"Werc you within hearing"
"l was or the veranla," was his re-
reply. "Iou did not think that had
dec'mrcd. in my disappointment and
-dispair?' lie added, with u slight
grin. "Thc mir is very catchy, as we
say in this country. Did you COM
pose it,"
"Ies. And the words"
Thcu she laughed, and added:
al Lavcn't perpclratcd anything
like it since"
lie was silent for a minute, seem
ingly deeply wrapped in thought.
She watched him covcrtly, admiring
his handsome face and manly bear
ing.
"Miss Clifton, did not run away
last night" he slowly said. "But
am going away today"
"Ah" she calculated.
"Ies. And | wish to return your
ring"
"What ring?" she asked, with puz.
zled look aud tone.
"The ring which you gave me-" he
replied.
The puzzled look changed TO ono of
amazemcnt.
al never gave you ring" she de-
clared, with considerable velIemence.
"Oh, you didn't, ch?" he said, with
II crisp little laugh. al wanted to re-
lurn it TO you at the time, but you did
not give me the chance TO do so. Itis
such unique bit of workmanship
that you cannot fail to recognize it,"
He took from his wallet ring and
handed it to her.
She stared at it in dazed manner.
the color coming aud going in her
face. AT first she looked very sober,
md than a soft s,n;Io no,.,o a. -.