Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1898-10-18
TWO WEDDING RINGS

calfe or her daughter was inspecting
my letters, probably reading the post
cards, il there were any.
That is very often o popularity OF
landladies' daughters, as people who
are compelled TO board well know.
Again asked:
MRS Metcalfe, are there any letters
for mei expect letter Of some impor-
tance
Coming, sir-coming" replied Ma.
tilda, her daughter, as the latter slowly
ascended the stairs, gazing very inter
estedly at q postcard.
In q few moments more she arrived
at my landing on the second floor, and
gave to mo letter, two postcards and q
newspaper
81 thought that you were inspecting
my correspondence, I said sarcastic.
ally.
"Whati /? Oh, Mr.. Bolton, would
never think Of such thing" And she
went down stairs, tossing her head like
an enraged Shetland pony.
One was card from my tailor to mott.
~ me Of his removal; one from Louis
Durande to tell me that he could not keep
q certain engagement with me, and
letter from Percy Cresrner, who had
warmed his slippers at the same college
fire with me scarcely three years ago.
His epistle ran thus:
DEAR BELroS-I claim your congratulations.
am 10 be married next week TO the sweetest
girl the sun ever shope upon. There's sur
prise No. for you. And ] wish you'd go TO
siiverman. the jeweler. and get the wedding
ring, size inclossd on bit OF paper. There's
surprise No. 2. Seriously, old fellow. 10 will
do me great favor. for business matters here
are complicated in such a way that cannot
hope 20 get 10 the city day before the event,
and Of conrse know that can trust your
taste and judgment equally with my own.
Have the words Helen, 1850, engraved on
the inside, and please send by pest without
delay. Ever yours faithfully,
PERCY CREsxER
p. s.-she Is an angel
WELL" said I to myself, laying
down my old chum's rapturous letter,
"here's q pretty commi ssion for bach
elor. An angel, is she? don't believe
she's any more angelic than Pauline
Brooks. But every man thinks his own
goose a swan. l pity the poor fellow,
I'm sure. He's clearly in a state Of
glamour that makes him see everything
couleur de rose. But I'm not one to de.
sert a friend at a pinch. I'll buy his
miserable wedding ring with the great
est pleasure in life.
So locked my desk, put on my over
coat and went straightway to Silver
mans.
Jones was behind the counter. KNEW
Jones. I had bought gold bracelet of
him for Pauline Brooks six months ago
Jones was dapper little fellow, with
stiffiy waxed mustache, q cameo scarf
pin and hair bedewed with some am
brosial perfume or other.
Wedding rings, il you please" said
l, plunging ut once into the object Of
my visit. Here's the size" producing
my slip Of paper.
ANY inscription, SIR questioned
Jones, assuming so preternaturaily
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, 1896.
Emma, sirG" Jones put his hand be-
hind his ear to assist his hearing.
"Helen," l bawled out, painfully
conscious that the eyes Of the three
pretty girls who were at the counter be-
yond were upon me.
Every pretty name, simpered Jones
a. he wrote down the order ANY par
ticular style?"
"Simple and solid." said l; that's
ALL"
"Yes sir. 1t shall be attended to at
once. Shall / send il to your resi-
dence, or
"I'll call for it tomorrow, said l.
"Pardon me, Mr.. Bolton, cried Mr..
Silverman. who had overheard por-
tion of our colloquy. "but il it wouldn't
be taking q liberty, might l inquire
whether you intend to keep house or
take apartments?"
"What" CALCULATED !.
ITO keep house or take apartments"
reiterated Mr.. Silverman. because in
the former case We should esteem 1t
favor to supply the silver and table
ware"
I muttered some not particularly
complimentary answer, and went out
Of the shop, closing the door behind me
with some emphasis.
"Going to be married, eh, old chap?'
said Bill West, stockbroker, familiarly
thrusting his elbow into my side, as l
strolled into Gatti's for my lunch that
day.
MOP 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. Waiter, q half
bottle Of Mumml Let q drink her health,
BeIton, when
At this stage pretended to see some
one whom knew at an opposite table,
| and bolted across the room.
Old Mr.. Jessap was trotting across
hyde park when Unexpectedly came
face to face with him.
"Hellor' said Mr.. Jeeup, turning
upon me the moony glare Of two spec
kacled eyes whats this hear about
yon. my dear young friendf Accept my
congratulations. Matrimony is always
Q blessed condition, and"-
"Oh, yes; I don't doubt it." / hur-
fiedly interrupted, "but-a-there's
some mistake about it,
miss what did you say" said old
ar. Jessup beamingly. Call round
this evening and tell % all about it
There's good fellow. Haven't time to
listen just nowi"
! could have torn my hair with rage
Mr. Jessup was Pauline Brooke's uncla
and guardian. and I knew that my
chances in that direction would be all
Oh il once the fatal story of the we'd
ding ring got to Pauline's earN
I crossed the park and hurried up
Regent street, mentally gnashing my
tssth, and IN my impetuous haste had