The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1896-04-23
HIS FIRST WIFE.

canoe DeyOuu Ine OUTFITS. III lneduJ Jle
clipping of butterfly wings; the waning
of the homage due to a beautiful and
marriageable heiress, and which, though
often made the subject of scornful wit,
was ever accepted and acceptable; it
meant the ratification of a sweet and
binding contract with the chosen one
the man to whom wealth was no OBJ
ject. and rank no allurement, and, for
that reason, 1t dazzIed 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 Weir this?' she asked,
with curl of the liu
Because j value iC, replied her lover,
secretly resenting tl little sneer.
Her curiosity was reused. Though
she felt that for some reason lie would
prefer not to talk about it, she per-
sisted.
did you buy itf'
mo- it was given to me-"
by a friendY'
by the best friend / ever had"
The laconic replies annoyed her. She
dropped his hand, saying: well,
don't admire it"
He accepted the dismissal of the sub
ieot without word, and the converse
ton drifted into another channel-one
of the winding tributaries of love. Flu
ture plans were discussed, and dates
were fixed, to a running accompaniment
of Jest and laughter.
Suddenly the ring caught her careless
glance again.
There" she said, pointing to 1t inn
patiently; lit fascinates me. l am sure
it has history. Tell me-"
She spoke as one who is used to COM
mand, and certain of compliance. Lean
ing back she closed her eyes languidly
and waited
'Go on" she said at last with some
surprise.
And still he hesitated.
''Is it a sad one. You would not care
to know it,"
She sat erect, intensely curious.
Indeed | would now that you are
SO mysterious. Does it contain poison?
Is it Masonic symbol Or perhaps
some weird sign of witcheryT
For once her gayety Jared on him.
and he was unable to answer in the
same bantering strain.
MY dear" he said, gently, it was
given to me by one who is dead"
She was momentarily silent, then be-
gan again:
Il have never noticed it before
''And yet | always wear it"
"WhyG"
"Oh, Cynthia, you asked me that
once. Because l value it more than
anything l possess"
well, | will give you one, quite as
quaint, and with an original inscription
will you wear it for meY
Her pretty eagerness made him smile.
''Of course l will"
She flushed little. Il mean, will
you wear it instead of this?'
NO cannot promise that"
His answer startled her; it was SC
grave and resolute. She renewed the
attack: But, don't you see, if l gave
it you, it would be your most precious
possession. Don't you care for me bet
ter than any one in the worldp
He drew her to him fondly.
Yes; can answer that with truth
but you would not have me break my
promiseP'
What promiseT'
Il vowed to wear it as long as l live
If ~ L. = la1 la h.,r a1 will
me-"
The dying have no right to extor
such promises from the living" she re
marked, sententiously. Your frienC
was extremely selfish"
''Oh, Cynthia, she was an angel"
There was more sorrow than anger IL
the tone. He did not look for mucl
depth Of feeling in Cynthia-she ha'
been too spoilt. 1t was his task to brinl
out the lovable points in her natur
that her luxurious life had left unde
veloped, and i'll which his love dimme'
eyes had foreseen great and noble posi-
bilities.
''She was-your first wifeg' asker
Cynthia, slowly, and showing no dis
position to retract her former opinion
''Yes; the ring had been in her famil
for many generations. She considere
it kind of talisman, and wore it a
ways, TILL dying, she bequeathed it t
me. There is my story"
1T seems impossible that you can ia
me in so small sacrifice" she rejoinet
with bitter little laugh; still, yo
see, such things may happen"
Her air of calm resolution was mac
dening, yet he felt instinctively that n
word OF reproach or anger would hell
Assent was dishonorable, denial wa
difficult there was no way out of th
dilemma.
"A little time" he pleaded.
It'll tonight" she said, hurriedl.
''You must let Inc know your decisio
by then. Remember, nothing can alt'
mine. only claim my right. But
she added, persuasively, you can easil