Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1894-05-03
AN REASON
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passenger ON board the Royal Mail
steamer Cobra on her homeward voyage
from Buenos Ayres to southampton. 1t
was Late in the year. and the passengers
were comparatively few. / cannot
with truth say that Carew was gener-
al faporite on board. He was taciturn
as q rule, and when he was not taci-
turn he was apt to be dogmatic.
Among the male passengers he was
usually spoken Of as "a decent fellow
enough, but queer" The feminine por-
ton of the community thought-or said
they thought - him uninteresting.
Among their number was tall, pretty
blond, who had gradually pierced the
armor of his reserve, and In whose COM
pany he had even been seen to smile.
They became very good friends-so
much SO indeed as to draw down upon
the young lady's head various maternal
lectures ON the folly of encouraging
young men who were 'nobodies. But as
Carew, of course, did not hear these
lectures, and as Miss Ida Lennox was a
self willed young person, their friend
ship suffered no interruption.
There was certain Mrs. Bouverie on
board, an extremely handsome widow,
in whom Carew, for some unknown
reason, had aroused violent dislike.
She was clever as we'll as handsome,
bnt was possessed of passionate and
somewhat uncertain temper - which
last, however, in virtue Of her many
counterbalancing good qualities. was
universally condoned.
One evening at dinner Mrs. Bouverie
was expatiating to those nearest to her
ON the value and antiquity of very
curious and beautiful ring which she
wore, and which she had picked up In
tour through Italy. She affirmed 1t to
be at least 800 years old. It was broad
gold band, chased richly and with mar
velous delicacy and set all round at
regular intervals with large diamonds
of exquisite brilliancy. Inside were
two capital letters, N. c.. each letter
formed Of tiny seed pearlssunk into the
gold. Mrs. Bouverie. who was Of a
romantic turn, was Of opinion that it
had been an ancient betrothal ring.
There was half effaced date inside.
which tho widows right hand neigh
Dor, a pale, consumptive looking clergy
man, was in vain trying to decipher
through q small magnifying glass.
Presently q lady opposite begged to be
allowed to examine the ring, and from
her 1t was passed from hand to hand
pretty we'll up and down the length Of
the table.
But, strange to say, 1t did not come
back to its owner. 1t had apparently
disappeared. Every one declared 1t
had passed safely out Of his or her
hands. Where was it then? There
was great commotion, of course; ev-
terybody rose, and thorough search
was made. On and under the table and
from one end to the other Of the long
saloon.
Tho ring, however, was not forth
coming. Its owner had by this time
become somewhat excited, and a rather
disagreeable scene ensued. In point Of
fact, Mrs. Bouverie insinuated that
some one had appropriated her ring.
Upon this, some of the male passengers
angrily suggested that, if Mrs. Bouverie
entertained suspicious Of that nature,
all present had better turn out their
pockets. To this proposition there was
"a general assent.
All resumed their seats, and there
was hurried disentombing of keys,
letters, pocket handkerchiefs, etc., but
no ring.
Carew, to the surprise Of all, quietly
refused to exhibit the contents Of his
pockets.
but merely as q matter Of form.
Mr.. Carew," expostulated the captain.
The young man, however. repeated
his refusal courteously, but more in
faxbly, if anything, than before.
There was an awkward silence.
Then Mrs. Bouverie forgot herself.
"May l ask, sir, she said. address
ing Carew in an excited tone, "why
you refuse to do as all your fellow pas
sengers have done?''
"You may, madam" f" was the brief
and naughty answer.
"Well, sir, and why not?'
Because have o very special reason
for not doing So" he answered in a
carefully repressed voice.
''And that reason?"
II fear / must decline to give 1t, "
he answered quietly, but with an ON
inous fash In his gray eyes.
Then you are aware Of the imputa-
ton Your refusal casts upon yonr char
Children Gvv fOv