The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1896-10-30
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pleaded Meta. "It has been in our
family hundred years aud more"
"Aud what earthly good has Il done
youf' coaraoly interrupted Charles
Maury. Poor folks have no busi-
ness to indulge in sentiment Will
you take tive dollars2
II bad rather not sell It, sir, pro-
tested Meta, genuinely distressed.
'Pshawl" said Mr. Maury; II want
it. Aud II you care to keep Miss
Maury's custom, You had better DO
littlemo 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, sirl" faltered she, ''you would
not be so ungenerou8-so-"
81 mean what sayl" sharply in
terrupted Mr.. Maury. "Wll you let
me have that china dragon for five
dollars, o. won't you?"
Meta looked in bis 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 TIL just wrap the little
worthless concern up in my pocket
handkerchief and carry it of 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-hye
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 triAe," said
he, magnanimously,a as Rachel Raynes-
ford's dark eyes glstened at the sight
of the antique treasure, "but l knew
you liked that sort of thing"
Like itl' cried the heiress, with
pretty clasped hands, and lips apart 81
adore old china-and this is a perfect
gem. Is it from your own collec-
ton.
"Oh, don't pretend to know any
thing about such relics" said Mr.
Maury, carelessly pulling his NOUS
tache. cit has been in our family
ever since the Revolution, believe.
Ny 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 sutton. "Believe me,
Mr.. Maury, feel hattered 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 I
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 60
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
a charm. saw it the day we were
there, and tried to buy it Of her, but
she would not sell it. l must have it
now at any pricel !"
And straight to No. 10 Lamb Cour
Rachel Raynesford went.
where's that dear, delightful little
china dragoh2" said she. 81 am sure
1 can induce you to part with it now
The match to this.
And she drew out her new treasure
carefully wrapped in silver paper anC
cotton wool.
"The match2" repeated Meta, vague
ly. why that is the very dragon
ITSELF"
.