Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1895-01-15
THE LOST NECKLACE.

had been to purchase diamond neck
lace for Edith, my fiancee- 1 had for
my companion in the compartment q
very lovely young woman and Il little
poodle dog that she addressed as Chico
It seemed to me that somewhere. and
not very long ago, I had met my fair
companion before.
ST sat for some time vainly trying to
recall the circumstances of our meeting,
but the more pondered on it the more
helpless seemed the task.
"a little later on, looking up, found
that my companion was without book
or paper. So, taking an illustrated mag
azine from my satchel, I offered it to
her. She thanked me and smiled sweet
". After a time I grew tired of my
novel and resolved to attempt Q little
conversation with my neighbor. asked
her if she was going to Nice She re-
piled that she was and went on to say
that her sister, whom she had expected
would go with her, had disappointed
her at the last moment. She, however,
could not wait until the following day,
as her father, who was at Nice for his
health, had wired her to return at once.
''She spoke of her dislike for travel
ing; that, as the compartment reserved
for ladies was full, she had been obliged
to enter mine. She was sorry to intrude,
but the train was about to start, and the
guard had told her all the other seats
were taken.
ST hastened to assure her that was
glad of the lucky chance that had given
me so charming companion. She smil-
ed and asked mo if was to be long at
Nice. She chatted on about the place,
mentioning the names of many well
known people, who, she said, were her
friends and whom I should no doubt
meet.
''As the evening wore on she opened
q basket containing a dainty lunch.
Would I share it with her?' The cook
evidently had ridiculous idea of her
appetite. Why, there was enough for
SIKH This seemed to be the case. So, as
we were by this time very we'll acquaint-
ed, I accepted her invitation, and we
were soon doing justice to really ex-
cellent lunch.
"'What charming creature she ISL
thought. How Edith will like heri'
Growing confidential, I spoke of my
visit to Nice and Of the dear girl who
was awaiting me there. She seemed in
terested and listened patiently to the
recital of my fair one's many charms.
sYou will meet her and can see for
yourself if all say of her is not truer
exclaimed. She will be very grateful
to you for having made this stupid
journey pleasant for me-.
'"We will drink her healthp cried
nv companion gayly, drawing small
silver flask of exquisite workmanship
from the depths of her basket I al
ways carry little cognac,with me in
case of sickness, she explained Open
ing the flask and filling dainty glass
with the amber liquid, she handed it to
me, with a radiant smile. To Edith's
health she said.
''I drained the glass. 1t was brandy
of the finest quality had ever tasted.
She seemed to read my thoughts.
s'You are judge of good liquor.
That is Otard of 18T0.'
'Taking the glass from my hand, she
poured a little of the liquor into it and
barely touched it TO her lips.
You must not judge my good
wishes by the amount 1 take. wish
you all the happiness that life can give,
DUE A5 yOA IL
me it is simply medicine
''Soon after this l began to grow
sleepy, and as my companion did not
seem inclined to talk made myself as
comfortable as circumstances would
permit. I turned my head toward the
window, through which the surround
ing country could be seen dimly in the
moonlight, as we rushed along, and re-
signed myself to night of comfort.
The next thing it was broad daylight.
I awoke with a dull pain in my head
and a sense of weariness that my sleeI
had rather increased than diminished
'sMy companion was sitting by the
window reading the book I had given
her the night before. On perceiving that
was awake she put down her book
and remarked that was sound sleepe1
and that she envied me. She had passed
a wretched night and was glad that We
would soon be In Nice. / thought oi
Edith, whom should now see so soon,
and then of the surprise had In store
ssir her.
81 hoped that the necklace would
please her, and then, for the first time,
il occurred to me that perhaps it woulf
have been better If I had consulted son1s
| woman of taste before buying it. a
brilliant idea struck me-my compan
ion was Just the one to decide youie
ask her opinion. It was not too late q
change the necklace for something els
If she thought it not suitable va.
sure she would tell me candidly JUS
what she thought,
ssUn5attoning my coat, drew th'
package from my pocket and laid it cI
ny lap. Removing tis wrappings.
( onened tie little bluo casket- FoE a mo
nieuf I could not believe my yes-i
was emptyl
II turned ouiclIv to nv con panion