The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-10-19


Cynthia regarded the flashing little cir
clet with evident delight It was one OF
the many that sparklod on her delicate
white hand, but IL bore a Significance be-
Eond the others. Ii meant the clipping of
butterfly wings; the waning of the hom-
age due to n beautiful and marrlageable
heiress, and yxkich, though often made the
subject Of scornful wit, was ever accepted
and acceptable. II meant the ratification
of a sweet and binding contract with tho
chosen one--the man to whom wealth was
no object and rank no alluroment, and,
for that reason, it dazzled eyes familiar
with tho radiance of gems.
The fingers that had just bestowed the
gift still clasped hers with tender pressure
and, for tho 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 value IL, {" replied her lover,
secretly rcscnting the little snccr.
Her curiosity was reused Though she
felt that for some reason he would prefer
not to talk about 1t, she persisted.
"Did you buy its"
"No. It was given to me-"
"By friends"
by the best friend ever had" f"
The laconic replies annoyed her. She
dropped his hand saying well, / don't
admire IL. z"
He accepted the dismissal of the subject
without a word, and the conversation
drifted into another channcl-onc of the
winding tributaries OF love Future plans
were discussed, and dates were fixed, ~
running accompaniment OF jest and laugh
ter.
Suddenly the ring caught her careless
glance again.
"Thcre!" she said, pointing to IL impa-
tiently. 1T fasclnates me. am sure IL
has history. Tell me"
She spoke as one who is used 10 com
nand and certain of compliance Lean
ing back she closed her eyes languidly and
waited
go on" she said at last with somo
surprise.
And still he hesitated
ut Is sad one. You would not care
TO know Il, he said finally.
She sat erect, intensely curious.
Indeed would, now that you are So
mysterious. Docs IL contain poison? Is
il n Masonic symbol, or perhaps some
weird sign Of witchery?"
For once her gaycty Jared on him, and
he was unable TO answer in the same ban
tering strain.
my dear" he said, sit was given TO
me by one who is dead.
She was momcntarily silent, then began
again:
II have never noticed il before"
And yet i always wear it,"
"WhyY"
"Ah Cynthia, you asked me that once.
Because / value it more than anything
possess"
well, will give you one quite az
quaint and with an original inscription.
ill you wear IL for mes''
Her pretty eagerncss made him smile
"Of course will"
She flushed IA little. II mean, will you
wear IL instead Of thisY"
mo. l cannot promise that.
His answer startled her. IL was so grave
and rcsoluto She renewed the attack
But, don't you see, IL / give it TO you, il
would bc your most precious possession.
Don't you caro- for me better than any one
In the worldi"
Hc drew her 20 him fondly.
Yes can answer that with truth,
but you would not have me break my
promise?"
what promisc?"
81 vowed to wear IL as long as live. II
it bc possible, IL shall bc buried with me"
1.-The dying have no right To cxtorrsuch
promises from the living, she remarked
scntentously. Your friend was extreme
ly selfish. "
"Oh, Cynthia, she was an angel" !"
There WAS more sorrow than anger in
the tone. He did not look for much depth
pf fnn1inc, In b., haI fn
spoiled 1t was his task to bring out tho
lovablc points in her nature that her lux
urious life had left undcyclopcd and In
which his love dimmcd eyes had foreseen
great and noble possibilities.
"Shc was--your first wifcE asked Gym
thia slowly, and showing no disposition 10
lretract her former opinion.
Yes The ring had been in her family
for many generations. She considered il a
kind Of talisman, and wore IL always. till,
dying she bequeathed IL 20 me. There is
my story.
1T seems impossible that you can fail
me in so small u sacrifice, shc rcjoincd,
with bitter little laugh. "Still. you see,
such things may happen
Her air OF calm resolution was madden
ing yet he felt instinctivcly that no word
of reproach or anger would help. Assent
was dishonorablc, denial was difficult
There was no way out of the dilemma
* fittle time" he pleaded.
"Till tonight. f" she said hurricdly, "You
must let me know your decision by then.
Remember, nothing can alter mine.
only claim my right. But, she added
persuasivcly, you can easily decide now.
Let me have my way. All do, and end
our first and last quaTrcl!'
There was n subtle fondness in her tone,
an undcflnablc power In her swift upward
glance that swnycd his wavcring heart,
Dit the golden token on his finger pressed