The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-07-28
:: F.: THE ::
Romance of a EimQ.

Chicago Tribune.
John Burroughs got into the habit OF
taking a dose of literary browsing every
afternoon. Indeed, he went as regularly
up to the aloof and delightful rooms OF
the Crerar or public library as othdk- men
dropped into their favorite haunts for
glass Of Madeira, or Frenchman stops
to sip his o'clock glass Of absinthe. To
be sure, the reading of good literature
was his only intemperance. And love or
the arts can never be an Objectionable
mania, although occasionally 1t proves an
Improbable one. He was broker. He
was neither young nor old. He was ordi-
narily good-lookng. He was successful
in his line, but he continually experienced
a sense of deprivation. He fancied the
making Of a literary luminary was lost
in him-obliterated by training and en-
vironment. This idea was probably an ii
fusion. Nevertheless, it prevailed. And
in reading the poets, in keeping abreast
with current thought, and in delving in
old books he found much mild and legit-
mate entertainment. He knew that his
pleasure In reading was a vicarious ex-
preston Of himself-a sort of self-offered
atonement for his failure to make his
mental imagery vivid to the eyes Of less
keenly imaginative men.
One blistering summer day he flung off
Wabash avenue, passed between wide
reddish portals, swung up the few stone
steps leading to the hall, entered the
elevator at his right, and said, Sixth"
One-two! He happened to glance at his
hands. He had feminine detestation of
soiled palms and fingers. That rummag-
ing for old receipts In the old desk
Ski
He stepped from the elevator There,
to be sure, at the left, was row of
marble basins. He wheeled around. gave
his hat to the attendant, removed his
cuffs, and turned the hot water faucet.
A sense of gratitude to the founder of
this particular library, and to the in
dividual who suggested a public lavatory,
came over him. One of these days, when
he had made his pile, he would see that
his money reverted to those who should
be benefited in a manner at once as
worthy and artistic as the former, as
unitarian as the latter. He
Whose ring was that?
1t lay on the marble slab before which
he stood lathering his shapely hands. A
tiny golden circlet, set with one flashing
diamond, which was fianked by emeralds,
cleaning and translucent as the heart of
an ocean wave. A beautiful little trinketI
Never had he touched or handled a wom-
ans ring. Then, why should this seem
so absurdly familiar2 Where-when-ho
had he seen it before2 Some time
somewhere. That was sure. The peculiar,
old-fashioned flagree work at either end
of the jewels drew his attention. He had
admired that at the time, and
Great Scott!'' he said to himself. what
kind Of memory have I got. anyway
I haven't been drinking Might as well
have been, though To get cueered over
bauble-" Just here he picked up the
bauble In question and furtively slipped
1t into his pocket He sent a stealthy
glance in the direction Of the attendant.
While he fastened his cuffs and pulled
down his coat sleeves, and walked away
into the long, lovely, book-liued room at
| his right, he experienced all the sensa-
tons of an accomplished kleptomantac.
| If he saw the girl to whom the ring be-
| longed he would recollect under what cir
| cumstances he had formerly seen the cost
| ly trif1e. He would explain. He would
| apologize. He would restore It to It's
owner But there were few in the refer
| ence library that hot afternoon Half a
dozen specialized men deep in ponderous
tones, few precocious youths with de-
| liberately puckered brows, some middle
aged women who were unnecessarily en-
| ergettc in the matter of turning the leaves
of the books before them-no one else
A great disappointment swept over Bou-
roughs. He stood still, lingering the ring
| In his vest pocket. He must hand It over
to one of those In charge of the room.
IL WOO10 undoubtedly De missed ana call
ed for. But as he moved forward to per-
form this act of restoration a swift re-
membrance Of the time-the hour-when
he had seen the ring required to him.
His friend Dick Lyden had shown It to
him.
This Is for the dearest girl in tho
world" he had explained. Its my en-
gagement ring for Phyllis Lane. We will
be- married In the fall, and you'll be best
man. God willing!"
Whereat John had shaken his hand
heartily and wished him Joy, and from
that hour experienced q loneliness at once
morbid and perplexing. He did not feel
like looking up any of his kindred ac-
quaintances today. Those kindly people
between covers would be here when he
came again. He swung around on his
heel. Something caught his eye. What?
A lot Of tulle huted into the shape of
sweet peas7 Braided dark hair over a
shapeiy neck2 The glimpse Of a young,
eager, rose-lipped face bent over q book
of old English engravings2
Three seeonds-sixi He was beside her
was looking down at the pretty pink, ring
less hands.
IT beg your pardon he said, standing
bareheaded before her. Your name Is
Miss Lane2"
She rose, coioring deeply, drawing back
little, looking up at him
You are mistaken, sir. Ny name is
Faith Ferris
Burroughs drew the ring from his pock-
ct. This he began.
She sterted-glanced down at her IN
adorned fingers. Have lost-dfd I leave
that in the lavatory2 How good you are
to seek me outi It is the engagement
ring OF my cousin. Phyllis 1 begged her
TO let me wear 1t to town, that I might
remember a certain commission. took n
off when washed my hands before com
ing in here. I do a good deal Of maya
zine work, you know, and occasionally
there are references to be secured. How
shall thank your"
by letting me offer you the use of tho
library I have been accommodating. adore
literary work, but have only the desire.
lacking ability. And-as Pm to be best
man for Dick Lyden this fall-perhaps
you will allow me to see you home"
He did not browse in the library that
day. He did see Miss Ferris home And
It seems that there is to be another ro-
nance Of rtng-or the romance Of an
other ring