The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-09-18

of graves, assuming the responsibility of
keeping cemetery lots in order with we'll
trimmed grass and walks.
The curious disappearance of a valuable
ornament at a recent social function, says
the New York Tribune recalls an odd
train of circumstances some years ago
which, beginning in similar fashion, re-
suited in the end In bringing the theft
home TO a very unexpected quarter. The
first scene was fashionable dinner party
Minnie" called out guest whom we
win call Smith, TO his wife, who happen
ed to be in his vis-a-viS at the table.
Mrs. A. has ruby which think is even
finer than yours"
His better half looked annoyed
"All I can say, Henry" she answered
incredulously lis that it must be a very
good one, then. 1 would like to compare
them" and she unclasped a large brooch
that confined some lace on her bodice and
passed it around the table to Mrs. "A, who
in the mean time had slipped the ring con-
tanning her jewel from her finger. The
stones were compared, and although they
were both magnificent specimens, that of
Mrs. A was pronounced to be the finest
Meanwhile as some of those who were
present afterward remembered, the con-
vcrsation turned on stones and their rise
and fan in value rubies and pearls be-
ing cited as an excellent investment.
May I see them together" said Mrs.
Smith and this time both Jewels made
the half-circuit of the table. Mrs. Smith
reluctantly acknowledged the superiority
of the rival ruby, fastened her own
brooch in Its place, and saying, laughing
ly, See, l am honest enough TO send it
back" gave it to her neighbor, who also
passed it on.
Meanwhile the general attention, which
had been more or less arrested by the con-
troVersy, returned to individual interests,
and the matter was dropped. ''Where is
the ring?" suddenly exclaimed Mr. Smith.
"Why, I laid 1t by your plate" said
his neighbor, a fashionable little woman
who had the reputation of being extrava-
giant. She grew very white.
Didn't you take it," she exclaimed, in
startled accents. 81 thought, of course.
you saw me put 1t there, and just at that
moment Mr.. X on the other side, said
something, and never thought to look"
pray, don't worry about it," said Mrs.
A., who was also their hostess. 1--WE will
find it when we get up easily enough. We
had better not look now, as 1t might dis
turb the dinner" and with admirable
sangfroid she changed the conversation 10
other topics, until the time arrived for
the women TO leave the table. Meanwhile,
Mr.. Smith and his distressed and troubled
neighbor whom we viii call Mrs. Brown,
made futile efforts to find the missing
move they both eagerly began a thorough
search.
BY this time the other guests had be-
come aware that the ring was missing,
and with subdued excitement the exodus
to the drawing room was arrested. and all
involuntarily assisted in the hunt. In
vain, however. for the ring had totally
disappeared. For Mrs A. there was moth
ing to do but TO accept the situation This
she did with charming tact, but the Incl
dent was too unpleasant to be overlooked,
and the company soon dispersed That
some one had taken the ring was evident,
that Mr. Smith and Mrs. Brown were the
last person concerned was certain, that a
dishonest servant might have committed
the theft was possible, and thus the mat
ter rested. Under the circumstances there
could be no investigation. Public suspic-
ion, however, was directed toward Mrs.
Brown, who was known TO be in con-
tinual financial straits, and who gave
color to the general belief shortly after
ward by taking up her residence abroad.
Several years passed, and the unfortu-
nate episode which had created a nine
days wonder and was nearly forgotten,
when one of the guests who had been
present at the dinner happened to be talk
ing 10 a well-knoWn man milliner In Paris
about collections.
My grand passion is for rings" he said
81 will show madam my collection, which
IS very fine' and opening a succession
Of flat drawers in his safe, he showed her
a quantity of rings Of all epochs and ma.
tons.
MANY Of my rings have histories-this
one, for instance" and his hearer started
as she recognized the never-to- be-forgot-