Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1898-05-07

be centered on her golden hair and shining
dress. He said:
II have brought the little parcel, ElinOr,
thinking that you would prefer to give your
beautiful present 20 Pauline herself. Bat -
he continued, "wby are you standing, my
loveP You will be tired"
She raised her fair. troubled face 10 his.
with a smile.
Moreover, il seems to me that you are
looking anxious he resumed. Miss Hast
ings, will you come here, please? Is this an
anxious look on Lady DarIelrs faceg'
II hope not" said the gOyemess, with a
gentle smile.
Then Sir Oswald brought a chair, ard
placed his wife IN t.; he next obtained a
footstool and q small table. Lady Darrell,
though half-ashamed OF the feeling, could
not help being thankful that Pauline did not
notice these lOyer-lIke attentions.
Now, Miss Hastings" spoke Sir Oswald,
81 want you to admire Lady Darrelrs taste. -
He opened the parcel. II contained a mo
rocco case, the lid OF which, upon a spring
being touched. few back, exposing a bcauti-
full suite OF rubles set in pale gold
Miss Hastings uttered a little cry OF de-
light.
''How very beautiful she said
Yes" responded Sir Oswald, holding
them up to the light, they are, indeed. |
am sure we must congratulate Lady Darrell
upon her good taste. ! suggested diamonds
or pearls, but she thought rubies 30 much bet
ter suited 10 Pauline's dark beauty: and she
is quite right"
Lady Darrell held up the shining rubie,
with her white fingers. but she did not smile,
a look Of something like apprehension came
over the fair face.
II hope Pauline will like them she said,
gently.
''She cannot fail TO do So" remarked Sin
Oswald, with some little hdutcur. Il will
tell her that You want 10 speak to her.
He went over to the deep recess Of IN,
large window, where Pauline sat reading
He had felt very sure that she would be fiat
tered by the rich and splendid gift. There
had been some little pride, and some little
pomp In his manner as he went in search Of
her, but il seemed TO die away ar lie looked
at Der face. That wsa not the face Of girl
who could be tempted, pleased, or coaxed
with jewels. Msensibly his manner chang.
ed.
Pauline" he said, gently, Lady Darrell
wishes to speak to you"
There was evidently a struggle in her mind
as TO whether she should comply or not, and
then she rose and without q word walked up
70 the little group.
What do you require, Lady Darrell?' she
asked; and Miss Hastings looked up at her
with quick apprehension.
The fair face q: Lady Darrell looked more
troubled thar pleased. Sir Oswald stood by,
a little more stately and proud than usual
proud of his niece, proud Of his wife, and
pleased with himself.
Il have brought you a little present, Pau
line, from Paris" said Lady Darrell. Il
hope it will give you pleasure
You were kind TO remember me-, obsery-
ed Pauline.
Sir Oswald thought the acknowledgment
far too cool and calm.
They are the finest rubies | have seen,
Pauline; they are superb Stones.'
He held them SO thar the light CLEANED in
them until they shoue like fire, The proud
dark eyes glanced indlneren,ly at them.
what have you 10 say TO Lady Darrell,
Pauline?' asked Sir Oswald. growing angry
at her silence.
The girls beautiful fps culled.
lsdAg bdlAtAi NdS ApRA ~ tll4lh VI nv
she said, coldly; and the jewels are very
fine but they are not suitable for me-"
Her words, simple as they were, fell like a
tlundercl0ud upon the little group.
And pray why not?' asked Sir Oswald,
angrily.
Your knowledge OF the world IS greater
than mine, and will tell you better than l
can" she replied, calmly. Three months
since they would have been a suitable pres
ent TO one In the position | held then now
they are quite out OF place, and ! decline
them"
"lou decline themy' exclaimed Lady Oar
rell, hardly believing that ii was in human
nature to refuse such jewels.
Pauline smiled calmly, repeated the words,
and walked away.
Sir Oswald, with an angry murmur, re-
placed the jewels in the case and set it aside.
she has the Darrell spirit he said 10 his
wife, with an awkward smile; and she de
voutly hoped that her husband would not
often exhibit the same.