The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1896-10-22

Indeed, sir, it isn't for sale !"
| pleaded Meta. ''It has been in our
family hundred years and more"
"And what earthly good has it done
your" coarsely interrupted Charles
Maury. Poor folks have no bust
ness to indulge in sentiment. Will
you take five dollars ? ~
II bad rather not sell it, SIR" pro-
tested Meta, genuinely distressed.
"Pshawl" said Mr.. Maury; 81 want
it. And if you care to keep Miss
Maury's custom, you had better be
little more obligingl"
Meta looked up with startled eyes
With rent behindhand, trades people
waxing importunate, and sickness put
ting in imperative demands, she dared
not run any unnecessary risks.
"Oh, sir!" faltered she, 'you would
not be so ungenerous-so-"
II mean what 1 sayl' sharply in
terrupted Mr.. Maury. "Will you let
me have that china dragon for five
dollars, or won't you?"
Meta looked in his face and saw no
sign of pity or melting softness. Her
eyes fell, blinded with tears.
''Ah, that's sensible" said Mr..
Maury. "Here's your money, cash
down-~and I'll just wrap the little
worthless concern up in my pocket
handkerchief and carry it off in my
coat-pocket.
He took his departure, secretly
elated at the bargain he had made.
cat the rate Sauvitelli charges, the
thing would be cheap at seventy-five
dollars" chuckled he to himself
And calling at Miss Raynesford's
house, he presented this new Offering
at the shrine of her attractions.
"Of course it is mere trife," said
he, magnanimously, as Rachel Raynes-
ford's dark eyes glistened at the sight
of the antique treasure, "but I knew
you liked that sort of thing"
"Like it'll" cried the heiress, with
pretty clasped hands, and lips apart. II
adore old china-and this is perfect
gem. Is it from your own collec-
tion."
"Oh, don't pretend to know any
thing about such relics" said Mr..
Maury, carelessly pulling his NOUS
tache. "It has been in our family
ever since the Revolution, 1 believe.
My great-uncle brought it from
China"
"The possession of such things de-
notes refinement and luxury" said
Rachel. softly, as her eyes shone graf
itude upon her suitor. "Believe me,
Mr.. Maury, I feel fattered by you
presenting me with gem like this "
"What fools women are about
china" said Mr.. Maury to himself, as
he walked down the street. "But l
believe I've made long step in my
tickle little princess favor today,
thanks to the green-and-gold china,
and my pluck in securing it"
Hardly had the front door closed
behind Mr.. Maury's departing foot
steps, before Miss Rachel Raynesford
rang the bell vehemently.
"The carriage at once" was her
order.
"My DEAR" said Miss Rothsay, her
sage companion, "where are you go
ing?"
"To the dressmaker's Immediately"
said Rachel-"the little dressmaker in
Lamb Court, Miss Rothsay, that made
your purple satin. She has got an old
china monster that will match this to
charm. saw it the day we were
there, and tried to buy it of her, but
she would not sell it. must have 1T
now at any pricel"
And straight to No. 19 Lamb Court
Rachel Raynesford went.
"Where's that dear, delightful little
china dragon?" said she. 81 am sure
I can induce you to part with it now.
The match to this"
And she drew out her new treasure,
carefully wrapped in silver paper and
cotton wool.
"The match?" repeated Meta, vague
ly. why that is the very dragon
itself! |"
s'But it can't bel" said Rachel, posi-
lively; sbecause this was given to me
by gentleman this very day !!
"And sold it to gentleman this