The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1893-05-10

Darehess under the skillful touch of my
stepmothers hands. Even Minna said
that "Nlrs. Van Twiller had unusual
taste"
On my twentieth birthday my step
mother insisted on my having "com-
ing out" party. l was as pleased as a
child-it was so new 10 me to have some
one to take an interest in me. And in
that way she had, never commanding
always good-natured, she brought il
about. 1t was great success, including
my simple yet becoming dress Of soft
white silk and clusters Of white roses.
But what surprised and pleased me SC
much was beautiful ring from my faith
er under my plate at breakfast. He had
never remembered my birthday before
Every time that glanced down at the
flashing gems felt not only the pleasure
OF at last owning the desire of my heart,
but grateful throb to think that father
who thought iewelry "a vain device,
should have selected such a beautiful
ring for me.
1t was several days after my party
when / was standing before the open
wood fire in the library preparatory to
going to my room. Ny stepmother was
sitting near by with her sewing. She
was always busy, and father was blam-
ing a girl friend of mine in no measured
terms for studying medicine, I defended
her most strongly.
My ring had always been loose and
had planned to take it that very morn
ing to the jewelers. to have it altered
AS spoke SO warmly worked my ring
back and forth, when suddenly it few OF
directly into the burning blaze. lean
ed forward, my heart fairly in my mouth,
but nothing could save it in that intense
heat
David" said my stepmother, rather
hurriedly, "Tm going to ask you to do
an errand for me-" and she gave him
some minute directions, while / ran of
to my room.
My beautiful ring if had been given
to tears l could have INDUCED in hearty
cry. In addition to my own loss was the
thought Of what my father would think.
He had no patience with carlessness, and
just now, when he had broken over his
lifelong habit to give me birthday gift,
to think of my losing or running it in a
few days.
l had but ten dollars in my purse, and
could not bay such ring for less than
forty. Twas in misery all day. dread
ed our late dinner, when my father
would be sure to notice its absence
especially as he had actually said twice
before how becoming it was to my hand.
1t did not want to go to walk, l did no
want to stay alone in my room. About
the middle of the afternoon l wandered
aimlessly into the library. Ny step
mother had been out and had just re-
moved her wraps. While talking to me
she went over to the mantle-pieee.
"Why, isn't this your ring, Elizabeth p
she asked.
trembled and then started, for she
was holding a ring towards me. l al
most snatched it from her and then could
hardly believe my senses. 1t was actu-
ally my ring. Ny stepmother did not
seem to notice my agitation and left
the room with excuse. examined every
stone-it certainly was my ring. l felt
mystifed, but happy. l was so light
hearted that sung. Mrs. Van Twiller
smiled as she came back and found me
waltzing and singing.
"Are you happy, my dear?" she asked,
rather wistfully.
"Oh, the world seems a paradise ~
said. 1 fancied that she sighed, but 1
must have been mistaken, for she sat
there so TRANQUILITY with her work.
A month later, perhaps, friend asked
me to go to the jewelers. with her. While
there we looked at the cases of rings.
There seems to be none like yours,
Elizabeth, said Blanche Terrill. 81 think
yours is perfect"
There was one like it last month, -
said the young clerk, glancing at my
hand, from which had drawn my nit
ten to let Blanche examine the ring.
That is too bad, for would not like
mine duplicated, if were you" said
Blanche.
~oh, don't mind-who bought it, 90
you know ?" l asked carelessly.
"No, but can see." said the clerk, as
he opened book and glanced over its
pages. 1t was Mrs. Van Twiller-Mrs.
David Van Twiller, State street" he said.
Instantly everything became clear to
mellow stupid had beenl Ny step
mother had bought me this duplicate.
And then 1 remembered my fathers ask
ing her why she had not bought the set
of books that she had so coveted, and her
replying lightly: "oh, 1 decided to
spend the money in another way.
"What is the matter with you, Eliza
beth you have been so quiet ever since
we left the jeweler's?" Blanch said as We
walked homewards-
Itwas lovely spring day. As | hur-
ried into the house and upstairs, heard
voices near at hand and listened, wonder