The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-04-05

Certainly. One would think he was
burglar to see the way you look at me,
Aunt Martha. He read Franks letter
aloud to me last night. He is going to take
the ring to Emanuers, in Bond street, to-
day, and will give ii back to me again with
lovely sapphires instead of those detest-
able opals, tomorrow or next day. Then
you may be quite sure you'll always see it
on my finger. Oh think he is the most
good-natured, obliging young man 1 have
Margaret jumped up as she spoke and
nothing more was said about the ring
The next day saw she was on the watch
Tor Mr. Fleming. We sat once again in
the bay window and took our dainty tea
out OF the silver service, and the Crown
Derby china. We were in full view of
the terrace, and as usual a good many
people looked at us, but no Mr. Fleming
came into view. The next day passed also
without his making an appearance. Three
or TOUR days followed in the same way
put still neither Margaret nor Janet
seemed in the least disturbed. For my
part l began to have horrible and un-
worthy thoughts about this nice looking
young man. and wondered if after all he
were burglar in disguise, and had stolen
the ring which l happened to know was
one OF exceptional value. On the fifth
day, 1 made up my mind to set some de-
finite inquiries on foot with regard to Mr..
Fleming.
After lunch went off without saying a
word to anyone to see the Towards. Mrs.
Howard happened to be at home, and to
her l told my story quite simply. 1 said
about her ring, and asked her if she could
give me any particulars with regard to
Mr.. Fleming: Was he a special friend of
the famllyS? Had he known them long?'
My son Constantine introduced us to
Albert Fleming about a month ago" she
replied. Il believe he is a special friend
of my sons, but have really never made
special inquiries about him. l am sure
however, Miss North, that your nieces
ring is perfectly safe The fact of Mr..
SO intimately ought to assure you on this
point"
right. Pray forgive me for worrying you
with my fears"
Mrs. Howard smiled affably.
Not at ALL she answered. II am much
pleased to say anything that can reassure
you. l always pity people when they get
nervous. l will be sure to speak to Con-
stantine this evening, and ask him what
he really knows about Mr. Fleming"
AS was leaving the house she said sud
denly:
by the way, I wonder that such ner-
vous people as you and your sister seem
to be should make the display you do
of that valuable china and silver in your
bay window each evening. Oh l admit
that the whole effect is Wonderfully pic
turesque, but is it safe, do you think?
A good many people have spoken of it.
and now l recall the fact that Mr.. Flem-
ing was one of them. He said it was
extremely imprudent.
so I think" l answered "but the
whole thing is just a whim of that child
give her her way. Janet and 1 have
however gone to the expense of pur-
the silver at night, SO there is really no
danger"
Mrs Howard expressed her pleasure at
hearing of our prudence, said she would
not forget to speak to her son about Mr.
Fleming, and l took my leave. The day
was again very hot one, and 1 walked
slowly. When l reached the house Mar
garet opened the door for me-
Where is James?" l asked.
"Oh, poor james, she replied. HE has
just had a telegram from his son, who
has broken his leg, and wants to see him
a once. Aunt Janet and 1 felt sure you
would spare him, Aunt Martha, so he
back early Tomorrow
And are you acting butler in his placer"
I remarked.
For the present / AMI quite enjoy
it. You see, while we sit in this nice
bay window we can see any one who
comes to the door. If the person hap
the door, but if a friend should call,
shall enjoy letting him in Come along
now, auntie, and have your tea
We sat down as usual. / remember there
We're hot cakes for tea, and large dish of |
fresh Strawberries. Margaret was daintily |
pouring some cream over hers, when she |
suddenly uttered an exclamation, turned |
rosy red, and laid the silver cream jug on |
the tray. l looked up and saw Mr.. Flem- |
ing mounting the steps of the house.
Three cheers for my saDphres," ex- |
claimed the girl. May ask Mr.. Fleming |
in, auntieS2 ~
Certainly, my love-" exclaimed Janet.
Certainly" / echoed, more family.
There was a hustle and eager words in |
the hall, and then the girl and the young |
men entered the room together. Mr. Flem- |
ing spoke to my sister and myself and |
then turned again to Margaret. He had a |
delightfully."- modulated voice, his figure |
was perfect-his face the handsomest |
had ever seen. Margaret's eyes quite /
glowed with pleasure as she looked at
him.
Here is your ring" he said, taking a |
little parcel out of his pocket and putting |
it into her hand. 1.-The jewelers. were lon
ger fitting the sapphires than / expected. |
That accounts for the delay in my arrival /
Now, will you do me a faVor?"
Certainly" she replied.
go up to your room before you open
this box. Put the ring on there and come /
down with it on your finger. have a
particular reason for asking you to do
this IN short, / wish to be paid for the |
small trouble / have taken in executing
this commission Of my friend Capt. North,
by your obedience"
My obedience shall be the price," she
replied with a little bow, and laugh. Il /
shant be long away. Take care Of aunties
until ] return"
She left the room-Mr. Fleming came up
at once TO my side.
Il will now tell you" he said, why 1 |
made that rather extraordinary request to