The Dickinson press., 1895-07-06
THE LOST RING.

The great dry goods store was
crowded, for it was bargain day and
many special sales had been advertis-
ed. All the departments were busy,
but before the glove counter was Il
struggling mass of humanity, eagerly
striving for first place. for Il favorlte
brand Of gloves was offered flor one
hour only nj half price.
The salcsyi!ls were reduced to Il
state of distraction, and answered the.
many inquiries almost at random.
Yes, madam, number six, II dollar
and Il half, best make
mo, madam, we do not exchange
these gloves"
".All shades. miss. bluct, oX-blood,
tan, cerise." These We're some of the
broken sentences one might hear as
each successful pusher tried to engage
the services of Il clerk.
A large, important-loOking woman,
richly dressed had managed, by u lib
eral S of her elbows, to get in the
front row and attracted the attention
of Il salesgirl who stood as if bcwilder-
ed at the connection around her.
Here, clerk" she called, loudly, "a
dozen Of black, six and a half, and he
quick about it, too, IL l don't wan to
be crushed to death by this vulgar
crowd"
The girl addressed, a slender. pretty
blonde with artistic features, inyolulE
t:lrily drew herself up and opened her
eyes as if to reply to this rude speech,
but, remembering where she was, clos
ed her lips and turned to select the
gloves. She Placed half q dozen pairs
before the customer, who said sharp
ly: II told you distinctly l wanted Il
Dozen"
I'VE are allowed to sell only half a
dozen pairs to IL person." replied the
girl quietly but with glowing cheeks.
The woman bit her lips in veXation.
She knew the rule, but hoped by her
imperiOuS manner to he able to break
1t, especially as the clerk was evident
ly new to her duties. Having failed,
she tried coaXing.
"Tlle other pairs are for my daush-
ter; she could not come. 1t would be
q shame for her to miss such u bar
gain"
Every sorry, madam, but l cannot
make any exception. Will you try on
a pair!"
"Of course l will, and do be careful
you do not pinch my hand: you glove
filters are SO clumsy" and, drawing
off her glove, the customer displayed
a hand bedecked with glittering rings.
II must ask you to remove your
rings, or l cannot properly fit you,"
and the pretty clerk waited patiently
until the rings were ostent>.jously re-
moved and laid in IL shining heap on
the counter.
After several Unnecessary orders,
the gloves were fitted and done up
and the buyer began to put on her
rings. AS she did so she gave a quick
glance and cried out loudly:
"YOu have stolen one of my rings!''
The proud, disdainful look Which
had appeared on the Young girls face
at the accusation gave way to one of
anxiety as the woman loudly reiterat-
ed her charge.
'Indeed, madam, l did not touch
your rings. You must have dropped
It." she cried Running around in
front Of the counter, she began to
search on the floor for the missing
OouOACs dAu llluuS StIllulhS UeilE HELD
ed III the search, but all in vain.
"You can't fool me-" declared the
owner, in positive tones. "you took
that ring, and you've got to return 1t
or pay for it. You just come along to
the office with ME and be searched -
and, Selling the girl by the hand she
almost dragged her to the office.
Two gentlemen, one the proprietor,
xys.,sA ", f1,n N1i11 1rl,o, %1,o 4,z ---
men entered.
"This girl has stolen a diamond ring
from me, Mr.. Gifford," announced the
customer, relating the circumstance,
"and l want her searched"
Impossible, Mrs. Hardlos, 1 assure
you that Miss" began MI. Clifford
but stopped at a sign from his com
panion.
May 1 ask, madam" said that gen.
tleman, IN a cold, clear voice, 'if you
are sure you removed the ring and
placed 1t on the counter? Could it not
perhaps have remained in the finger
of your glove"
The young clerk looked at the gen
tleman when he spoke, for the first
time since entering the office, and
turned very pale then red again, SO
SAdI W d SUSPICIOUS nina she vas the
picture of guilt.
"That is impossible. Such a thing
never occurred, Mrs. Hardlos exclaim.
ed angrily. but taking up the glove she
had Worn she gave an involuntary cry
OF surprise. The ring had indeed
stuck in the glove finger, and now
sparkled maliciously as it's owner pull.
ed it out.
With profuse apologies Mrs. Hardlos
turned to the proprietor. He quietly
motioned to the clerk to withdraw, but
the gentleman who was with him laid
q restraining hand on her arm.
dc not 60" lie said. until YOU have
given this-this person an opportunity
to apologize to you. as you are the
only injured party" he said decidedly
"How dare you, sir! Who are YOU
that you presume to dictate to meY
Mrs. Hardlos %haughtily exclaimed.
The stranger handed her his carr
and n marked change of expression
was noticeable Oh Mrs. Hardlos'world
~ features The name OH the care
was h of a mai well known as ,
person of great wealth and influence
one whose acquaintance was eagerl,
sought by the most select. Beside,
this, he was a bachelor and consider
ed a great "catch."
You are quite right, Mr.. Jameson
but l will atone for my mistake. Here
my good girl, take this" drawing GU,
q % note ostentattously, land call u.
) even"