Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-05-07
AN ENGAGEMENT RING.

one of many that sparkled on her deli
cate white hand, but it bore a signifi-
canoe beyond the others. It meant the
clipping of butterfly wings, the waning
Of the homage due to a beautiful and
manageable heiress, and which,
though often made the subject Of scorn-
full wit, was ever accepted and accept
able; it meant the ratification of sweet
and binding contract with the chosen
one-the man to whom wealth was no
object, and rank no allurement, and
for that reason, it dazzled eyes familiar
with the radiance of gems.
The fingers that had just bestowed
the gift still clasped hers with tender
pressure, and, for the first time, she
noticed their single ornament-an oddly
shaped gold ring, that found fault in
her fastidious eyes.
why do you wear this?' she asked
with curl of the lip.
Because l value it," replied heI
lover, secretly resenting the little sneer
Her curiosity was reused. Though
she ut that for some reason he would
prefer not to talk about it, she per
sisted.
Did you buy it?"
mo, it was given to me-"
by a frienu?"
by the best friend I ever had
The Iaconic replies annoyed her.
She dropped his hand, saying: well
I don't admire it,
He accepted this dismissal of the
subject without a word, and the con-
versation drifted into another channel
one of the winding tributaries of
love. Future plans were discussed,
and dates were fixed, to a running ac-
compartment of jest and laughter.
Suddenly the ring caught her careless
glance again.
There" she said, pointing to it i'm
patiently; sit fascinates me. l am sure
it has a history. Tell me-"
She spoke as ane who is used to COM
mand, and certain of compliance.
Leaning back she closed her eyes Ian
guidly and waited.
NO, OIl, SuS Scl1u IdoIs Will SOAIlS
surprise.
And still he hesitated.
cit is a sad one. You would not care
to know it"
She sat erect, intensely curious.
Indeed l would, now that you are
so mysterious. Does it contain poison
Is it a Masonic symbol? Or perhaps
some weird sign of witchery?"
For once her gayety Jared on him,
and he was unable to answer in the
same bante1ing strain.
MY dear, he said, gently, cit was
given to me by one who is dead
She was momentariIy silent, then be-
gan again:
81 have never noticed it before
And yet I always wear it,"
'Why?"
ooh, Cynthia you asked me that
once. Because l value it more than
anything I possess
well, l will give you one quite as
quaint, and with an original inscrip-
tion-will you wear it for me?"
Her pretty eagerness made him smile
"Of course, I will"
She flushed a little. Il mean, will
you wear it instead OF this?"
mo; ! cannot promise that"
His answer startled her; it was so
grave and Tesolute. She renewed the
attack: But, don't you see, if I gave
it to you, it would be your most pre-
cfous possession. Don't you care for me
better than anyone in the world?"
He drew her to him fondly.
Eyes; I can answer that with truth,
hut you would not have me break my
promise?"
what promise?"
'1 vowed to wear it as long as I live.
If it be possible, it shall be buried with
me-
''The dying have no right to extort
such promises from the living" she re-
marked sententiously. "Your friend
was extremely selfish"
ooh, Cynthia, she was an angelo
in the tone. He did not look for much
depth of feeling in Cynthia-she had
been too spoilt. 1t was his task to
bring out the lovable points in her
nature that her luxurious life had left
undeveloped, and in which his love-
dimmed eyes had foreseen great and
noble possibilities.
''She was-your first wife," asked
Cynthia slowly, and showing no DISPOSE
ton to retract her former opinion.
Eyes; the ring had been in her f 1mily
for many generations. She considered
it kind of talisman, and wore it al
ways till, dying, she bequeathed it to
me. There is my story
ct did not bring her luck" said
Cynthia, her voice still sounding hard
and unnatural.
1T had no power to prevent the &C
oident that ended our three years Of
happiness" he assented, bitterly. "Still,
she believed in it's power, and said it
would link me with the past, when"
Cynthia interrupted him passionate
ly:
''But there is your future and my
future she said, rising and pacing the
room rapidly. 81 don't want you to be
always dwelling upon what has been,
making useless comparisons. 1 want
you only to care for me-only to think
of me. Look" she went on, facing him
suddenly, with wet eyes, "you have
made me cry. But it is better that we
understand each other hefnre il is too