Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1896-02-26
AN ENGAGEMENT Ring.

There could no longer be any reason
able doubt. Poor Jack Lester had been
drowned in the wreck of the Otacu-
mund, and Celia Grey was the most un-
happy girl in Woodbury.. She was forced
TO keep her grief to herself because she
had not been officially engaged to Jack.
She thought it might have been 4 little
easier to bear if her friends had known
how unhappy she was, and with what
good reason. With this great secret sor-
row in her heart the ordinary routine Of
life grew painful. She had no spirit
for tennis parties, she hated her gay
summer frocks, she even wished she need
not act as bridesmaid TO her cousin Su
sic. She used TO lie awake at night anu
think about Jack, and wonder how much
he had minded being drowned.
However, Celia went to her cousins
wedding, and spent three days away
from Woodbury.. The news OF the wreck
was fortnight old and forgotten by
most people when she came back again.
She arrived by a morning train, sent her
trunk TO Beechdene house with porter,
and walked home through Woodbury.
High street, where she wished to do
some shopping. AS she went into the
stationers she found Fannie Potter
there a girl she knew slightly and dis
liked. If it mad been possible she would
have escaped from the shop rather than
speak to Fannie, but she was recognized
at once. .
ter. putting down Il packet of black
edged envelopes and coming forward
For Il short time some years ago the two
girls has been in the same class at the
high school, and on the strength OF THIS
Fannie continued to address Celia by her
II id 1ln
the chance Of doing so. The Potters
were not people with whom the Greys
wished to be on friendly terms. MI
Potter was an attorney of doubtful repu-
tation 1t was we'll known that on Fan
MES behalf he had threatened Well-to-
do farmer with a breach-Of-pronlise case,
and that the young man had only got
off by paying a substantial sum. Since
that time Fannie had dressed more fash
ionably than ever but she had not been
asked for her hand and heart again.
Celia bought what she wanted, and
was about TO leave the shop when Fan
ME followed her and said that they might
as we'll walk little way together. She
was going past Beechdene.
Celia had no excuse on the tip OF her
tongue so she did as she was asked,
although she rather objected to be seen
in Miss Potter's society. The two young
women walked through the town togeth
er, and were soon in Il quiet country
road It was very hot morning.
"YOu must find that gown rather
heavy" said Celia, who saw that her
companion wore mourning deep enough
for Il young widow
MY heart is very heavy said Fannie,
with an accentuated sigh.
Celia reflected. She had not heard of
Nh POtter's demise; and Mrs. Potter
she had seen at the station dressed in
bright blue.
II did not know you were in trouble"
she said civilly
1t was rather difficult to be more than
civil because Fannie showed her grief
in such an Objectionable way She had
pulled out a pocket handkerchief with a
broad border, and was sobbing into it so
loudly that anyone they passed stared
after them.
Didn't you know?" howled Fannie
NO" said Celia. what is the mat
ter"
II thought everyone knew am stay
ing with the Testers. That is why l
have to pass Beechdene.''
Celia felt as if her heart stopped for
a moment, and then went on again in
a greater hurry than was comfortable.
She laughed rather nervOusly and said:
Il don't know what you mean. You
are not in mourning because you are
staying with the Testers. [ supp0se?'
what heartless girl you must be
to make fun of us when we are in such
trouble!" sobbed Fannie. She paused,
while wave of extra strong emotion
shook her breast; and then she added in
sepulchral tone: Poor Jack Lester
is drownedr'
Il know that" said Celia sharply;
'but [ don't see yet why you should be
in mourning"
''Jack and I were engaged
Celia turned ashen white. Otherwise
she made no sign. She walked ahead
doggedly, and kept her open sunshade
between her companion and herself.
'Ie gave me this ring continued
Fannie, pulling off her glove. Look at
it! From Jack to Fannie is engraved
inside. Poor. dear jack
Celia raised her sunshade little and
glanced at the ring. She thought it
rathor vulgar and quite suitable for
Miss Potter. 1t consisted of a. large
emerald surrounded by coarsely-cut dia-
monds. She thought it did not look
Jacks choice.
''How long" she began, aud then
to her veXation, she could not go on
Her heart beat too much.
How long were we engaged? Oh,
of it; but when [ heard that he was
drowned | wrote to his father and moth |
er. l felt sure they would be glad |
poor old things. am staying with
them now
Really said Celia, and then, having
arrived at the gate of Beechdene. she
rather abruptly babe goodbye.
From her mother Celia learned that
the impossible story was true. Wood
bury rang with the news. The Testers
were great people, the Potters very little |
ones. No one could understand why
Jack Lester should have made such q