Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1899-01-27
p X.

were busy on the farm, too busy to be
taken off for flower gardening. Barbara
had said one day that it was n pity the
beds were not put to rights; and now JAS
per was attending to her wishes during
her absence.
Suddenly he heard the clatter of horses
hOofs in the lane. He went hastily from
the garden and saw the young groom urg-
ing on his tagged horse and leading an-
other by the bride, with IL lady's saddle
ON it.
"Where is your mistress? Is anything
the matter"
"Nothing," answered the lad. "Shc is
behind. In taking off her glove she lost
her ring. and now l must get a lantern
to look for it,"
Jasper got the lantern out of the stable
and lighted the candle in the kitchen.
Then he ran with it along the rough,
stone-strewn lane, between walls of moor
stone, till he came to the moor. He fol-
lowed the track rather than road which
travcrscd it.
When suddenly Jasper came up to Miss
Jordan, he took her unawares. She was
stopping. searching the ground, and, in
her d%nrk-Srcen riding habit, he had mis-
taken her for a gorse hush. When he az
rived with the lantern she arose abruptly.
and on recognizing the young man the
ridiny-wlip dropped from her hand.
mir. ~Jaspcr!!" she exclaimed.
Miss B%arbaraw
They stood still. looking at each other
in the twilight. One of her white hands
was glovelcss.
What has brought you herc!' asked
Barbara. STOPPING and picking up her
whip with one hand and gathering her
habit with the other.
II heard that you had lost something"
"Yes; l was tiioughtlcss. l was warm.
and l hastily whiskcd off my glove that
1 might pass my hand over my brow, and
1 felt as l pluckcd the glove away that
my aunt's ring came off, SO l sent the
groom for the lantern"
II took the liberty of coming myself.
He is IL boy, and tired with his long jour
ney; besides, the horses have to be at
tended to-. l hope you are not displeas-
ed"
ION the contrary" she replied, in her
frank, kindly tone. II am glad to see you.
When one has been from home a long dis
lance it is pleasant to meet a messenger
from home to say how all are"
"You are carrying something" he said;
'let me relieve you, Miss Jordan"
ut is-your violin"
Miss Barbara! how kind, how good.
You have carried it all the way"
Not at all. johnny Ostler had it most
part" Her voice became cold, her pride
was touched; she did not choose that he
should know the truth.
but you thought of bringing it,"
Not at all. Your father insisted on its
being taken from his house. The boy has
the rest of your things, as many as could
be carried"
Nothing further was said. They search.
ed together for the glove. They were
forced to search closely together because
the lantern cast but Il poor light round.
MIR. Jasper, l saw your father" Bar
bara spoke in a low voice, their head.
were not far asunder. Il told him where
you WERE"
Miss Barbara, did he say anything tc
you about me? Did he say anything
about thc-the loss of the money!"
HE refused to hear about you. Hi
would hardly listen to a word l said"
Ibid he tell you who took the money!
"No." She paused. why should he.
1 know-it was you"
Jasper sighed.
81 can see," pursued Barbara, "tlat 70,
were hard tried. l know you had III
happy home. that you had no mother. ant
that your father may have been harsh anf
~exacting, but-but-" her voice SHOOT,
Excuse me, I am tired. and anxiou.
about my ring. 1t is n sapphire surround
ed with diamonds"
II have found your glove suddenly OK
claimed Jasper joyously. He rose an
held up n dogskin riding glove Will
gauntlet.
Feel inside if the ring he there SAIL
Barbara. II cannot do SO myself, on,
hand is engaged with my whip and skirt
II can feel 1.-THE hoop-through tn,
leather"
II am so glad, so much obliged to you
Mr.. Jasper" She held out her white hant
with the ring-ingcr extended. pleas,
put it in place, and l will close my fs
till I reach home"
She made the request without thought
considering only that she had her Will
and gathered skirt in her right. glovet
hand.
Jasper opened the lantern and raised it
The diamonds sparkled. "Ycs. that il
my ring" said Barbara.
He set the lantern on II stone. II slal
of white feldspar that lay on the grass
Then lie lightly held her hand with HI:
left. and with the right placed the rim,
on her finger.
But the moment it was in place and hi
fingers held it there. Il shock of ierro
and shame went to Barlara's heart. Wha
inconsideratencss had she been guilty of
The reflection of the light from the whit,
fcldspar was in their faces. In "a moment
unable to control herself. Barbara luys
into tears. Jasper stopped and k:sse! til.
fingers he held.
She started back. snatched her han,
from him, clenched her fist and struel, he
breast with it. "How dare you! YOU
you-thc escaped convict! Go on: l viii
follow. You have insultel me-"
He obeyed. But as he walked back t
Morwcll ahead of her. he was not cas-
down. He had wrenched open for on
moment n fast-closed heart, had looked il
and made n discovery.
When Barbara reached her home sh
.,oI.o ~ - 1,n. ,,,1o,.o cln <soo.,. l,or