The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1893-10-27


said musingly; but oh, VIII, were
they more beautiful than these exquis-
lite cups? Surely that is impossible"
The cups in question were, indeed,
exquisite. Blown of the costliest Vcne-
tian glass, lily-shaped, with curled
leaves for saucers, and glowing with
rainbow tints, they resembled nothing
so much as a bed of gorgeous tropical
| flowers.
Margie's eyes sparkled as she looked
at them.
"IIow lovely! How dainty How
fairy-lilSel" she exclaimed, breathless-
ly. See, Will; this one is exactly like
an opal with touch of fire, and here
is an amethyst and here glowing
emerald. Oh, VIII, do look! See how
that strange glow, rs of hidden fire,
flashes from each! This one is jacinth,
this beryl, and-Will Demorest, here is
a ruby Oh, the bcautyl The real
gems cannot be more superbl'
As she spoke she took the ruby cup
into her hand. Will half started for
ward as if to prevent her, but drew
back again with n pale, startled face
Before he could frame a reply Mrs
Meredith and Maude appeared upon the
scene
"Margie," cried the former, put
down that cup and como along.
should think you would have more
pride than TO dawdle here all day talk
ing with viii Demorest-
Margie's soft, hazel eyes filled with
tears as Lawyer Fay entered the room,
and from under his bushy brows
glanced sharply at each of the group.
Hunting for rubies, eh?" he said,
sarcastically. But Miss Margie seemed
to be the only successful one of the
party. This is a rare bit of glass, Miss
Margie, and was blown by our friend
here" with a motion of his hand to-
ward Will
Margies hand frightened on the cup
in her surprise; her rosy forefinger
pressed raised stamen In tho calyx of
the lily bell, when, presto! change! it
sank beneath her touch, and her
startled eyes gazed straight into
small cavity where glowed u ruby of
inestimable value, like drop of rosy
fire.
his eyes also beheld the gems
VIII, very white, shranS back against
the wall, while Mrs. Meredith and her
daughter pressed closer to Margie and
the lawyer
The rubies!" Gasped the avaricious
woman, making a dive for the other
cup
But her lawyer placed himself in her
way.
II beg your pardon" he said. THE
discovery is Miss Margics, and, in ac-
cordance with the terms of the will of
my deceased client, she is sole heircss
to the Demorest estate"
Mrs. Meredith grew pale with cha
grin. Maude burst into tears, and
Reuben Gray, who had heard all from
he door, announced his intention OF
breaking such an unjust will
You may try it." was all Lawyer
Fay said to the threat.
VIII came slowly forward and CON
graduated Margie on her good fortune.
And my congratulations are none
the less sincere that with them re-
sign the sweetest hope of my life" he
said.
Resign fddles tick" muttcred the
old lawyer "MarSie, that boy refused
to be made Miss Demorest's hcir-in-
sisted that it would be an injustice 10
those nearer of kin. Then she made
him blow these cups of tinted glass,
with the central cavity and spring. She
inserted ruby in each cup, which,
combined with the different tints, gave
them their rich coloring. He watched
her hide the rubies and he has kept the
secret Does he not merit some re-
ward?"
Margie flushed and glanced timidly
at Will Then she looked around for
her aunt and cousin. Both had disap-
peared.
Take her, WILL" said the old law
yer. with twinkling eyes, "and bless
ye, my children"
With a melodramatic gesture he, too,
vanished, and think the young people
were not long in coming to an under
standing, for cards are now out for the
wedding. Leeds Mercury.