The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1900-10-13

fuse the kiss on the sweet, tcmptin
lips SO near her own, or resist tn
clinging coaxing arms that wer
around her neck
And then the little grand tycoo
danced laughingly away, knowing tha
victory was on her banners.
or all the beautiful women in tn
ballroom that cvcntful evening. Jen
ME Clifford was undoubtedly the belle
and in that conscious satisfaction tha
is so gratifying to woman. Jennie'
cheeks grew daintily pink, and he,
eyes sparkled even brighter than IN
shining brilliants that swung from hol
ears and lay on her bosom, suspended
by the black velvet band at her throat
For she had accomplished her desire
and had hired the diamonds, and
thoroughly enjoyed the limpid daz
| Zling elegance than enhanced her OWL
fair beauty. and that of her snowy
| white costume.
At home, when Mr.. COurtenay had
kissed her before they took the coach,
Jennie had taken care her opara-cloall
should be around her shoulders, and a
white. fleecy covering over her fair
hair, so that, when he had met her at
the dressing-room, In the crowd about
them he could only look his complete
astonishment.
AS old Mr.. Bemerton did. when, an
hour or so later he was watching Jen-
nie dance-only look his astonishment
and. after prolonged stare. give a
little surprised "Humph" and then 20
Off to the card table for a rubber of
whist.
Jennie laughed and danced. AMI the
dimples and fiuShes We'd with each
other in their bcwitching attractive
ness. People looked ut her, and re-
marked how perfectly lovely and
graceful she was; and the evening was
one long ovation to Ter youth and
beauty, until at last she was surfeited
with the nectar, and asked Philip to
take her home, when, in the coach in
waiting for them, which was old Mr..
Bemerton's. they found the old man
himself patiently awaiting them and
very enthusiastic over the furore Jen-
ME had created that evening.
only there's one thing I'm sorry for,
and that is that shall be disappointed
in giving you these. and hurried Tiff
any up SOS to hand them to you to-
night. thinking you'd be so pleased to
Wear 'em. But, seeing you have one
%oy.
them back"
And rs he spoke he took Russian
leather casket from the seat behind
him. and sprang th.. lid. revealing. in
the light Of the carringe lanterns a
magnificent cross Of diamonds. a
broach and earrings, star for the
hair. and Il bracelet-one glittering
splendor, lying on their bed Of black
velvet
A little scream Of rapture burst from
Jennie.
"Oh. Oh. oh! How glorious! What
exquisite-exqulsite beauties! Phil. did
Tou ever see anything SO perfectly
ovcly? And they are for
And then the actuality Of her posi-
ion, with all its shame and mortifica-
ion. occurred to her, and she sank
'ack against the cushions, hot. angry
cars forcing themselves from her
yes. and dropping on the hateful,
ateful diamonds on her breast.
Philip, who began to understand it
III. said not a word. doubling whether
0 blame or pity her.
And old Mr.. Bcmcrton, with most
calmncss, carefully tied uD
he precious package.
meant en- for 4 wedding r rsent;
ut so long as you've got very pretty
Ct, why you won't want these Tiff
nyll take 'cm back. No; I'll give 'em
Fletcher's daughter She hasn't
ny, I'm quite sure. Hello, there,
'umley! Let me out here at the
aastminster,' and take these young
[ers home afterward."
Poor little Jennie! The hot tears {
ame In a torrent now, instead of in =.
ow drops, and she turned to Philip, {
cr heart almost breaking with the |
lame. and regret. and disappoint- c
lcnt. and told him the whole story.
lille he listened, still not knowing
neither to pity or censure.
In Mrs. CliffOrd's parlor Gay later,
hilip very gravely discussed the sub s
ct with her r
Il can overlook your foolish pride, il
'nnie. for know you will never re- a
eat the fault. will forgive you, "
1t my uncle never WILL" il
And Mr.. Bclnerton never did: and Il
'nnie had to bear her three fold har- Il
'st OF reward for her vanity. and an Il
'pensive lesson it was.-Saturda, is
igEt. !,