The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1900-03-28
THE NATTER
OF A RING.


Young Dr.. Henderson read with sur.
prise Miss Harringten's note asking
him to call that same evening. Only
that morning the twain, agreeing that
what they had considered a life engage
ment was All a mistake and would bet
ter be ended, had parted, and the doc
tor wss at a loss to account for this re-
call
What can she want ~ he muttered.
Il thought we said all there was 70 saw
this morning more, too, naybe-and
don't know Of any more gifts to be
returned, and he smiled grimly at a
miscellaneous assortment of packages
on his center table.
Can she be trying to make it up ~
and though knowing the thought to be
prepostsrous, he WAS conscious of a
thrill.
Miss Harrington received him ia a
small room, almost den, opening out
Of the library; il was here that they
had passed their happiest hours. She
did not offer to shake hands, and he
caught himself thinking how very be-
coming that cool little bow of hers was.
he had never noticed it before.
''Of course you were surprised at my
asking you to call, she began, and then
paused for him TO deny it, which he,
with even the slightest regard for truth
for truths sake, could not do.
''Do you know why I have sent for
your" Miss Harrington asked, indig-
nation growing stronger in her voice.
Considering that only that morning
he had been convinced that her favor
or disfavOr could never more be to him
matter Of concern, be now felt
strange sorrow, almost fear, at her evil
dent anger; he paused a moment TO
draw in with long Whit the warmth
and cosiness OF this little roOm-they
had spent some delightful evenings
here; then in answer 10 her question,
be made the brilliant remark that be
supposed she wanted to see him
She looked at him seornfnlly.
NO" she declared; II did not wish
to see you. am leaving TIE city to-
morrow morning; so are you, in an
other direction. have something Of
yours, something you had forgotten,
which thought too valuable to send
by mail OF messenger, 50 there remain
ed nothing but for you to come in per-
son and get it-1
The doctor shook his head sadly.
''Pm-Tm sorry" be faltered, apollo
geticaIly, "but l can't imagine what
you mean"
There is some senrn too great for
words-for time, at least.
Miss Harrington walked swiftly
across the room to the mantel, and
returning, placed on the table small
red plush case; opened, this showed
handsome diamond ring within. Step
ping back from the table, she eissped
her hands behind her, and looked at
him without a word.
He stared with puckered brows, first
at the ring, then at the girl
'Our engagement ringg she an
nouneed finally when the silence had
lasted as long ss she could stand.
siOh, surely n0tp' he answered quick
ly. "You gave me that this morn
ing"
Aud you thought so little Of it, it
was TO you a matter Of such little i'm
portance, that you went of and forgot
il, left it lying here on the table," she
interrupted
81 beg your pardon have distinct
recollection Of taking it with me" To
himself he was saying, II always
knew you were pretty, but not this
pretty
"You are certainly Mistaken said
the girl
Il remember distinctly placing it IN
my right hand lower vest pocket, - and
be clasped his hand to the spot indi-
tied
That is impossible"
Did you ever hear two children dis
pcting? Il did" '.You didn't II
did, "You didn't" 1t came to DIR.
Henderson that they were fast APP
preaching that stage. He pulled him
seif together 10 crush her with one fine
masculine stroke
Il have too much respect, Miss Har-
rington," be said, with great dignity,
mot only for your feelings, but for my
own, to treat so lightly as you have in
sinuated the seal of our engagement.
Had been so careless as to forget it, as
yoa charge, eOncede that you would
have a right to consider yourself slight
ed. if not insGlted, but il you knew the
true state Of my heart you would in
SANITY realize that your charge is a5-
snrd. A moments consideration should
have convinced you Of this; or If your
knowledge of me WAS not sufficient,
simple examination Of this ring, to de-
send TO material things, should have
been. But, womanlike, you rush ahead,
acting on mere impaIse, and, of course,
blandsr.
He picked up the ring. handsome
diamond solitaire, to point out to her
wherein she had bsen so foolish HIS
fsce wore a sarcastic, whitening smile,
but as he glanced at the inner surface
Of the ring, his expression slowly froze,
for there stared him in the face this ie-
gend: "a. H.-M a."
And what did "a. H.-M. H.. stand
for but Arthur Henderson Mary Har-
rington2"
Seeing his surprise, his dismay, the
girl laughed grimly-
Now" she said, II suppose even
your-shaIl We say assurance = will
hardly permit you TO deny longer that
you forgot your engagement ring"
He was still staring at the ring with
apparently nothing to say.
Miss Harrington took a step back
ward. and with little bow said:
II believe I remarked earlier in this
interview, Dr. Henderson, that my
only purpose in sending for you was to
restore to you your property"
Aefhis c,rrt dismissal the doctor rose