Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-10-22
kTWO WEDDING RINGS.
ARLY thouph
ARLY though it
was, I had just
heard the whistle
of the postman
at the door, and
leaned over the
banisters to in
quire of my land
lady if 1 b e + 9
were any letters
for me.

postcards, IL tnefe were any.
That is very often popularity Of
landladies' daughters, as people who
are compelled to board we'll know.
Again asked:
MRS. Metcalfe, are there any letters
for me? expect letter of some i'm
portance.
Coming, sir-.coming!" replied
Matilda, her daughter, as the latter
slowly assembled the stairs, gazing very
interestedly at postcard.
II a few moments more she arrived
at my landing, on the second floor,
and gave to me letter, two postcards
and newspaper.
81 thought that you were inspect
ing my correspondence" said, ssr-
castically.
what! 1? Oh, Mr.. Bolton, I
would never think of such thing"
And she went downstairs, tossing her
head like an enraged Shetland pony.
One card from my tailor to notify
me Of his removal; one from Louis
Durande to tell me that he could not
keep a certain engagement with me,
and letter from Percy Cresmer, who
had warmed his slippers at the same
college fire with me scarcely three
years ago.
His epistle ran thus:
Dear Bslton-I claim your corgratula-
lions. I am to be married next week to
the sweetest girl the sun ever shone upon;
There's surprise number one for you. And
wish you'd 60 to 6ilverman, the jeweler,
and get the wedding ring, size inclosed ON
a bit Of paper. There's surprise number
two. Seriously, old fellow, 1t will do me a
great favor, for business matters here are
complicated in such q way that cannot
hope to get to the city day before tho
trust your taste and judgment equally with
my own. Have the words "Helen, 1885,"
engraved on the inside, and please send
by post without delay. Ever yours faith
fully, PERCY CREsMER.
P. s.-she is an angel.
WELL" said I to myself, laying
down my old chum's rapturous letter,
"heres pretty commission for d
bachelor. An angel, is she? I don't
believe she's any more angelic than
Pauline Brooks. But every man thinks
his own goose swan. pity the poor
fellow, I'm sure; he's. clearly in q state
of glamour that makes him see every.
thing couleur de- rose. But I'm not
one to desert friend at q pinch-I'll
buy his miserable wedding ring with
the greatest pleasure in life."
So locked my desk, put on my
overcoat, and went straightway to Sill.
vermans.
Jones was behind the counter. I
knew Jones; I had bought gold
bracelet of him for Pauline Brooks six
months ago. Jones was a dspper lit
tie fellow, with s.iffly waxed mustache,
= cameo scarf pin and hair believed
with some ambrosial perfume or other.
Wedding rings, if you please"
said I, plunging at once into the OBJ
iect of my visit. Here's the size,
producing my slip of paper.
"Any inscription, sir?" questioned
Jones, assuming so preternaturslly
knowing an aspect that could cheer
fully have pitched him in among the
plated ware in the big glass showcase
behind him.
"Helen," said I. brusquely, 1886"
emma, sir?" Jones put his hand
behind his ear to assist his hearing.
"Helen!" I bawled, out, painfully
conscious that the eyes of the three
pretty girls who were at the counter
beyond were upon me.
Every pretty name" simpered
Jones, as he wrote down the order.
''Any particular style?"
''Sirnple and solid," said I; "that's
all"
"'Yes, sir. It shallbe attended to
at once" "Shall I send it to your
residence, Or"
"I'll call for it morrow" said I.
"Pardon me, Mr.. Belton," cried Mr..
Silverman, who had overhead q por-
ton of our colloquy, "but if it
wouldn't be taking liberty, might
inquire whether you intend to keep
house or take apartments?" 1>
"What?" calculated 1.
"To keep house or take apartments?"
reiterated Mr.. SiHerman. Because
in the former case we should esteem ii
a favor to supply the silver and table
ware"
1 muttered some not particularly
complimentary answer, and went out
of the shop, closing the door behind
me with some emphasis
"Going to be married, Ell, old chap"
said Bill West, a stockbroker, familiar.
ly thrusting his elbow into my side,
as / strolled into Gstti's for my lunch
that day.
'.No!" said I, taking up the bill of
fare.
"Oh, come, don't deny the soft i'm.
peachment," said West. with wink.
what has put such an idea as that
into your head?" demanded /, some-
what Indignantly.
"And her names Helen" said West,
with an idiotic giggle,
| At this stage I pretended to see
some one whom 1knew at an opposite
table, and bolted across tue room.
Old Mr.. Jessup was .trotting across
Hyde Park when unexpectedly came
face to face with him. =
..Hello" said Mr.. Jessup, turning
upon me the moony glare Of two spec.
tacled eyes. whats this I hear
Il