The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-10-27

Mr.. George Wilson was a rich man,
who possessed the gift of giving to an
unusual extent. one year. shortly be-
fore Christmas, his generosity took the
direction of presenting diamond orna-
ments to several of his female rela-
tives. His wife did not object; she had
as many diamonds as any one woman
could conveniently wear, and sense
enough to think a tast for giving hand
some presents, If solely confined TO
female relatives, very harmless in
husband who could well afford to in
dulge IL. The Wilson's were a couple
who had already given marriage four
years trial, and found II complete
success.
Mrs. wilson took no credit to herself
for being complaisant regarding the
new phase of her husbands generos-
ity. .-....
IT am only too glad to have George
amuse himself so innocently," she sald'
in answer to a suggestion of her lr1ehu'
Miss Julia Brooke. Think What men
are, Lady Upshire has to look on
while the family diamonds are worn on
the stage. Mrs. Elliot knows quite
we'll where the pretty Mrs. Fanes new
diamond star comes from. None OF my
husbands gifts cause me even mo-
ments uneasiness."
For all that most women Woulu op-
iect to having such valuable presents
given to their nieces by marriage,
said Miss Brooke.
"I should have far more cause 10 op-
ject to the present George is giving MS
sister" Mrs. Wilson smiled placidly as
she spoke. ~
you don't mean to say he is giving
diamonds to Mrs. Raymond
Mrs. Wilson nodded.
"Why. l call that sending Goals to
Newcastle" exclaimed Miss Brooke.
He is giving Maria the sweetest
thing in diamond necklaces you ever
saw! But don't you know that she
has no diamonds? There were none III
the Raymond family, and her late hus-
hands principles prevented him buy'
ing any"
But she could. if she cared for them
buy whole parures of diamonds Tor her-
self and never miss the money.
Yes, but it is a matter of principle
with her to adhere to Charles Kay
mond's principles. Nothing would in
duce her to buy even the tiniest piece
of iewelry for herself George is moi
satisfied that she should shine only
with the lustre of virtues; he wants
her. i'm addition, to shine with dla'
mondS like other women; so he is CIV
ing her this necklace, which, ne says
being a present from him, she VIII lee
herself bound to wear. l Wlsh Eo'
could see it. Such beauty. so au
soutely unique. George bought IL IRON
Smart, who warrants it to he the ollS
one of the pattern in the Kingdom or
possibly. in the world, so peculiar are
the stones and the settings. only saw
it by the merest accident.
Mrs. Wilson explained that her nus
band had a weakness for making nix
presents surprises lie had sen al
opportunity for producing a great sen
sation and surprise" in the family pI
his gift to his sister. Mrs. wilson mac
accidentally frustrated this idea, as re-
garded herself, by going unexpectedly
into her husbands study at late hOui
on the previous night. The caretuIiy
guarded secret had been revealed-sh'
had found Mr.. Wilson bent over al
open jewel case, in which flashing II
the lamp light, lay this curiously beau
tiful necklace.
George got as great a start as if
had been caught in felonious posses
sion of the diamonds. He had though
that the whole household, including
me, were in bed, and fancied himsel
quite safe from intrusion
II wonder if Mrs. Raymond will wea
the necklace" said Mrs. Brooke.
George seems quite confident abou
it, She has views about gifts whicl
1, h In a
gift from him she will wear the neck
lace, and, l add" laughed Mrs. vii
son, like the necessity for so doing"
In the afternoon Mrs. Wilson wa
anxious to accompany her husband t.
his sisters"
81 would give anything to see Maria
face when the box is opened" sh
said. do let me go with you"
But Mr.. Wilson would not hear of il
so fearful was he that anything Nigh
spoil the prepared effect of his 'sur
prise"
well. mind you tell me all abou
the presentation this evening-ever
detail" Mrs. Wilson said as he was set
ing out.
Mrs. Wilson was again disappointed
however; Mr.. Wilson returned lookin
somewhat disconnected, and had yer
little to tell. Mrs. Raymond, ii ap
peared, had not opened the box Will
he was with her. Shortly after his al
rival other visitors had come in; the
had stayed so long that Mr.. Wilso
was obliged to leave before them.
Did you tell Maria, or give any hin
of what was in the box" Mrs. VIII
son inquired.
ITO tell you the truth, / did not,
Mr.. Wilson acknowledge, rattle
shamefacedly. at was STUPID of mt
suppose; especially as l will have n
opportunity of seeing her again unit
my return from Monte Carlo"
II cannot help you either in the wa
of a visit. My start nOrthward is onl
a few hours later than yours"
"Oh, well. it does not matter. Their
is always the post for communication.
The subject of the necklace was dis
missed, Mrs. Wilson being just con
scious that her husband-natural II
enough under the circumstances
seemed a little put out about the wa
in which he had managed the affair.
1t was the Wilson's habit to spen
Christmas apart, Mr.. Wilson goin
abroad with a party of men, and Mr..
Wilson to her parents in Yorkshir,
Neither of them heard from Mrs. Ray