The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1898-07-29
AREFLECTION|
by WILLIAM BUCKLEY.

"A ring. sir?" said the attendant, n
Cockney 10 his finger tips. What sort
Of ring?"
AN engagement ring" said /, yalor-
ously.
docketing me mentally.
Five and half" replied. thinking
Of the glove.
That's rather an unusual size, he re-
marked, rubbing one eyebrow, 'unless
us a bangle the lady wants"
I'm not sure that she wants il al all,
murmured. producing the little san
dalwood scented bit OF SILK; but that
is he size, think"
Otis the size Of the lady's and
he observed with mild liberation, I'M
rolling it, well, sir. ladies' fingers
vary in girth. and it's more usual to fit
them with piece of cardboard; but
vel do our best"
Gould not the member be recon
stitutcd ?" | asked impressiyely.
That knocked the conceit out OF him;
he stared at me helplessly.
'.Fill 1t with powder or something,
explained.
II took him five minutes self-discip-
line TO grasp the startling novelty, but
he did, and, under my direction, filled
the third finger sheath with plate pow
der. which | rammed home with my
pencil case. Then, producing minia-
cure calliper. he took measurements,
and began to search his scintillating
stock, displaying reverent familiarity
most Impressive TO behold. Cleopatra,
how they dazzled! Pearls, rubies, en-
eralds. diamonds, each challenging the
admiration, but checking the desire by
the narrow parchment slip attached set
ting forth the price. $40, So 100;
Il was charmed place, where money
lost lis everyday significance, for what
man Of spirit would be content to offer
the girl of his heart a thing costing a
miserable tenner when close beside 1t
twinklel a rose diamond worth wilder
ness of "monkeys?" l felt almost pau
perized. recollecting that had only -
available from the Derby hundred.
NOW. sir. what do you think of this?"
asked the shopman patronizingly, as
he displayed an opal changeful as the
shifting sunlight on a misty sea. Its
exactly the lady's size. making allow
nnces. for Of course she won't want to
wear ii over 'er glove"
Are not opals unlucky?" said l. en-
deayoring 10 decipher the price.
20. we don't hold with such super
sttion." replied the jeweler. loftily
"bat they do say one will keep you from
being poisoned"
Then / shall leave il for the next rich
widow" answered. But what is the
cost Of this?'
| alluded to an emerald set amid
pear,s which | already saw glittering or
the loveliest hand in the world. He ex
tracted ii with silent respect he Dor
rowed from my eagerness, and made
measurement while / watched him, m.
heart beating madly. The size was ex
actly the same; the price-but that is
Detail decided upon it. The shop
man thanked me perfunctorily, and
leaned against the counter, feeling Tx
one who had received a great favor
But when fumbled in my pocket 10
the notes and heard their crisp crackle
NV confidence returned, and then as
watched the splendid thing flashing !
Its violet bed believed must after a.
be rich man. unknown TO myself, :
great was the suggestion OF unlimite
wealth thus conveyed.
II should like a piece Of glass on tn
Inside of the case lid" l observed. care
lessly. us i. usual?"
That's looking glass" queried tn
lapdary. CHANGING up from a surrept
tious examination of the notes.
| nodded. / knew l must be geitin
red
well" he remarked tolerantly, "it
not exactly ual, but it's pretty ide
--'ightens the attraction of the gen
makes the lady see the present from Nv
points Of view"
Hardy an advantage sometimes,
observed; but can you do it?'
We'll. yes, | should think" be reptile
condescendingly.
Then get it done. and | shall star
the racket" answered, magnificent
lie hurried away 10 effect the alter
tion. his place being taken by bal
headed salesman who wore spectacle
and talked to me over them soothingl
As one would to person OF weak mt
lec,. while formulated pirate
schemes, and asked him puerile que
tions with a gravity equaling his ow
When | left the shop headed straig
for Bloomsbury square, but. remel
boring that she might be just then
cupied by domestic duties, decided
call later in the day. Even the Ri
in my pocket gave me no addition
courage, and presently began to Thu
i was not quite royal enough. Edgi
my way TO Regents park, hunted Q
a quiet spot and sat down to exami
/, a, leisure. II was glorious still, b
somehow not so glorious as could ha
wished, and I was actually question:
the wisdom of my choice when an
preaching football made me close
case. II was light, though firm. and
everlasting flint would have worn
beneath It. Something. more OF
intellect than Of the sense, made