Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1900-11-14

marching up to the counter. asked for
. ring.
"A ring. sirf' said the attendant
"What sort Of a ring|
IAN engagement ring" said l, valor-
ously.
"What size. sir? demanded the man.
docketing me mentally.
Five and hail." replied. thinking
Of the glove.
That's rather an unsual size" he re-
marked. rubbing one eyebrow. unless
its a bangle the lady wants"
"I'm not sure that she wants II at
ALL" 1 murmured. producing the little
sandalwOOd-sc bit Of SILK; Dut
that Is the size, think"
"O-it's the size Of the lady's hand,
he observed. with mild federation, un-
rolling it. "Well, sir. ladies' fingers
vary in girth, and It's more usual TO nj
them with a piece Of cardboard; Dut
We'll do our best"
Now, sir, what do you think Of
this?" he asked. patronizingiy, as ne
displayed an opal. changeful as the
shifting sun on a misty sea. Its exact
ly the lady's size. making allowances.
for Of course she won't want to wear II
over 'er glove"
Are not opals unlucky| said l. en-
deavoring to decipher the price.
20. we don't hold with such supersti-
tion." replied the jeweler loftily, but
they do say one will keep you from
being poisoned"
Then l shall leave 1t for the next
rich widow" answered. But what
is the cost Of thisY'
l alluded to an emerald set amid
pearls which l already saw glitterinS
on the loveliest hand In the world. He
extracted 1t with a silent respect he
borrowed from my eagerness. and
made measurement, while l watched
him, my heart beating madly. The size
was exactly the same; the price-but
that Is a detail decided upon 1t. The
shopman thanked me perfunctorily,
and leaned against the counter. feel
ing like one who had received a great
favor. But when l fumbleI In my
pocket for the notes, and heard their
crisp crackle. my confidence returned,
| and then, as l watched the splendid
thing flashing in its violet bed l be-
neved l must after all be q rich man,
unknown to myself. SO great was the
suggestion of unlimited wealth thus
| conveyed.
II should like a piece Of glass on the
inside Of the case lid." observed. care
lessly. "Is 1t usualY'
That's looking gfassT queried the
| lapidary. glancing up from a surrepti-
tious examination Of the notes.
nodded. l knew I must be getting
red.
"Well," he remarked, tolerantly, Its
not exactly usual, but It's a pretty idea
-'ightens the attraction Of the gem.
makes the lady see the present from
two points Of view."
Hardly an advantage sometimes"
observed; but can you do ity'
well. yes, l should think 3d." he re
piled. condescendIngly.
Then get it done, and I'll stand the
racket" l answered, magnificently.
When left the shop headed straight
for Bloomsbury Square, but remember
ing that she might be just then occu-
pied by domestic duties decided to call
later In the day. Even the ring In my
pocket gave me no additional courage
and presently l began to think it was
not quite royal enough. Edging my
way to Regents Park, l hunted out a
quiet spot and sat down to examine il
at leisure. 1t was glorious still, bu,
somehow not SO glorious as l could
have wished, and l was actually Ques
tiOning the wisdom Of my choice when
an approaching football made me close
the case. 1t was light, though firm. AND
the everlasting flint would have wOrI
well beneath it. Something. more OF
the intellect than Of the sense, made INT
look up. and saw her.
The sensation of being shot through
the heart has not, l believe, received
adequate literary expression, those whl
experience 1t being usually preoccupiet
at the exact moment with other mat
ters; but l think know what it means
I'm so glad to see YOU" cried. be
cause-I want to restore something yol
forgot in the restaurant yester-a few
weeks ago"
How kind of you." she said, comm,
near.
20, not at ALL" replied; but hop,
you were not inconvenienced. l shoult
have sent 1t, but IL didn't"
put my hand in my breast poke
hurriedly. and extracted my handker
chief. which. in turn. brought to ligh
a sheaf Of letters and memoranda
shook out at her feet like a skillful con
turer. Then l tried the other pocket
but va 's,y Its a glove" said, weak
ly. gathering up my belongings: zone o
yours. don't you know"
"I recollect-I missed It," she said
coldly.
but the cab went SO quickly"
pleaded; ''ah. do sit down until l fin,
it."
She did so. I was in a gentle pers
piratiOn.
Pray, do not take SO much trouble
she murmured. plaintively.
II have itr' cried. and extracted tn
wisp of silk from my watch poke,
where / had thrust 1t on leaving tn
shop.
, $50 kind Of you " she observed. tax
ing il.
Would you allow me to keep it?"
"WhyY she answered, quietly, bu
!. the voice was low.
ITO remind me Of that happy day.
replied. shying.
Indeed? I am glad that you thin
Of 1t as a pleasant one," she said. gra
: ciOusly. "Mr. Turnbull was declaimin
!! all the way back in the cab. He seeme'
prejudiced against you"
HE may be described as a man VIII
means WE'LL" observed, severely. 81
hope he said something actionable."
20, hardly thatr" she answered
L L. IL.