Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1893-03-16

'Oh, yes. I suppose So. asserted
Louise. still dissatisfied. but thinking
it prudent to bide her time. "All the
Talbot girls are dying to see my en-
gagemcnt ring" she added, twirling
the opal round. Il warned them to ex
poet something grand. l do wish YOU
had chosen Il diamond solitaire. Ar
| thur. instead of this. 1t would have
been so much more elegant and stylish.
Miss Dcnham is engaged to Mr.. Wal
tcrS. and her diamond ring is g-r-a-n-d!'
Arthur I.iSlc flushed with pain.
You see. dearest he explained,
this old opal has been in our family so
lon@-my grandmother Wore it as an
engagement ring ever 50 far back.
| and"
All" interrupted Louise. that ac-
counts for its odd. old-faShoncd look"
well. never mind" said her lover,
soothngly. you shall have your soil
tairc all the same
"Oh. YOU are so good. and In Il
naughty prlsS. am l not:"
She held up her cherry lips, and he
kissed her in silence, and little later
he WAS in his saddle again. and on his
way to Bcechwood. blindly in love rs
ever but an indctinablc cloud over
Swallowed his fine face. His mothers
fond eyes saw it the moment they met.
My boy will be disappointed. she
sighed. but she spoke never Il word
A week later Arthur l4iSle was called
to the city on business. and he took
that opportunity to purchase Il very
costly and elegant diamond ring: and
being anxious to please his lovely
Louise. he took the train to Talbot.
and walked across to the Lenoir cot
tagc.
The autumn day was fine. and antici
patin5 4 long ramblc with his betrOthcd.
he hurried toward the house. The
front door was open. and !: small house
maid was cleaning the steps. She uSh-
cred him into the small drawing-rOOm,
and there he sat down. AS lie did
so the sound OF angry voices reached
his ears
just across from the drawinS-room
was Il smaller room. where Louise and
her mother often sat sewing. and it
was from this that the sounds pro
cCcdotl.
Arthur listened in alarm at first, fear
ing that some one was i'll.
Now. Louise. my dear. try to be
reasonable" pleaded the voice of Mrs.
Lcnoir. I'VE are doing all we can for
you. You know how your poor father
stands. my dear. Tho roof over our
heads is mortgaged. and pray how can
he raise money to buy such cXtrava-
CANT things"
Il don't know nor care retorted the
| angry voice of Louise. Let papa Dor
| row it, then. He must get it some
| how. for I've set my heart on having
i splendid OUTFIT
so you will" said the mother. sooth-
ingly. You have three nice silks.
| and Il number of other ine dresses be-
sides: and YOU know. dear. you won't
need SO Very many changes at Beech
wood"
Louise broke into Il peal of scornful
laughter.
"Becchwood. indeed" she cried.
at Beechwood with Arthur Isles
old cat Of mother. I'll show
my fine gentleman better than
that I'm going to the city for
| the winter. and to balls and operas,
and everything, and l will have a suita
bic outfit, no matter how papa has to
| raise it. l must have it. and you know
| I always have my way
Then there came Il sound of sob
| bling. and Il child'S voice cried out:
See. Lou, you've made poor mamma
| cry again. What Il naughty girl you
are.
shut up. you mcddlesomc brat. Who
| asked you to put in your say? l don't
see what you're here for, anyhow.
| hauling at what few things I've got,
| and gaping at every word one says.
Take yourself off this minute, and that
for Your smartncss.''
The sharp sound of a blow followed.
| and the child Louisc's sister. rushed
| through the drawngroom. crying bit
terly. Arthur LiSle had risen to his
feet, and the child saw him. For an
| instant she stared in amazemcnt. and
| then she screamed out with wicked de-
light:
".Ala. Miss Louise. here's MI Lislc,
| and he's heard how naughty you've
been. Oh. dearic. Amt / glad:
Louise hurried to the draWing-room
door and there she stood tranStNcd
| in her torn. untidy wrapper. her hair
in ii tanglc. and her pretty face dis
tortcd with passion.
Arthur LiSlc. standing grave and
| stern. regarded her in utter silence,
Win an agony 1T HIS heart HAT ucdtH.
| Then he advanced with extended hand.
"Good-by Louise, he said. gently.
"No words that l could speak could
tell you what | feel l am glad this
has happened; it were better now
than later. But / don't think | can
ever forgive you. Louise, you have
broken my heart.
And before the terrified girl could
utter Il word. he was gone.
"Oh me. OH me-" she walled. wiring
| ing her hands Il have lost him-oh.
have lost him. Mother, what shall
I dog
Bear it in shame. as your just de-
serts.' replied her mother. severely.
| Over the autumn hills and under the
purple sky Arthur LiSle walked home
to Beechwood. shaken like very
| reed.
Mother" he said. briefly. when she
met him, lit is all over; you We're
right"
And all for the best, my son, re-
| piled his mother.
Arthur could not think so then; but
| wears after. when the true and tender