Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1901-01-09

anu Sne naQ not Deen OUT OIL IL Sluce.
AT 4 o'clock a messenger-boy had
brought very small parcel, ad-
dressed to herself in Hobart's we'll
known writing, which, when she had
opened it eagerly, had found to con-
tain little band Of gold, set with q
glittering stone.
1t Is most unnatural proceeding
for young lady to burst into tears
at the first sight Of her engagement
ring; but that is what Annie did.
For the pretty, shining thing seemed
only the symbol Of her trouble and
perplexity.
She knew perfectly that her right
course was to put the ring on the
proper finger, 60 boldly to Mr.. Dod-
son and explain its position there.
She did, indeed. get as far as put
ting it on, and gazing at it fondly and
admiringly, and tearfully, from every
conceivable point Of view; but there
her courage failed her.
Dear old Uncle Dodson! how could
she dash his well-meaning hopes to
the ground with a cruel word or two?
He was SO far from strong, besides.
Sudden disappointments always did
him harm.
She dried, her eyes,, as these de!
spairing thoughts came over her, and
started for Mr.. Dodson's room.
Mr.. Dodson sat facing the window,
as usual His head was thrown back
and his eyes were closed.
Annie drew a sigh of relief; he was
asleep.
Dudley Hobart was sitting in back
corner of the room, with a news
paper in his hand, and his feet dis
posed comfortably, if not gracefully,
on a second chair. He rose hastily as
Annie entered. -
"He is asleep," ne remarked, after
a timid pause.
~ had observed it." said Annie,
shortly, not deigning to look at the
speaker. .-s.,----
The young man looked confused. He
laid down his newspaper, and passed
his hand oyer his closely-cropped
head in a troubled way, and finally
offered her q chair.
There seemed to be nothing else to
do, and Annie sat down stifhy..
Mr.. Hobart took the other chair.
if Annie had glanced at him, she
might have seen that a pleading look
filed his boyish face; but she looked
coldly over his head at the wallpaper.
There was silence for several mo-
ments.
Then the young man, with nervous
clutch Of his chair-back. and with a
visible effort, began desperately:
"He said he had told you this-his
plan"
Annie was cruelty unresponsive. .
"May I inquire what you think Of
it!' said Mr. Hobart, with q face
grown pale with agonized embarrass-
ment.
Annie rose sharply.
words would not express what I
think of it," she said, flashing an in
dignant glance toward the young man.
ut can't possibly beT'
The occupant Of Tie armchair moved
restlessly; he was waking up.
Annie lowered her voice as she weat
on. severely:
II am already engaged. L"
She paused in bewilderment. The
face Of her listener had been suddenly
transformed with unmistakable reliee
and joy. He seized her hands warm
ly.-
Engaged? Well, If we aren't in the
same boat! So am Ir'
Annie's severity vanished. Her cold
gaze gave way to q quick smile Of
sympathy.
"Are you, S1r. .Hobart?" she cried.
Tm so glad"
Don't call me Mr.. Hobart, said the
Young man, impetuously. "Call Inc
Dud. Everybody calls me Dud.'
Annie laughed; and they sat down
again, in friendly way.
Il have only been engaged since this
mIning," said Annie, confidentially
''Src? ne lust sent the ring around.
He's the incest fellow in the world:
You'll think 80 when you see him.
They had lowered their voices care
fully, further than that Mr.. Dodson's
;Itstnce was ignored.
Tic ring l gave Genevieve was
something like it" Dud continued,
briskly. 'fPretty name-Genevieve-
isn't it?"
Every pretty" said Annie.
"s'I e's pretty girl, too" sad DID,
warmly. 81 just wish you could know
Der. She's only II; but you wouldn't
think it. Here. I'll show you her pic
ture."
He took it out carefully from an ins
ner pocket, and held it out triumphant
ly.
"She is pretty" said Annie, looking
down. approvingly at the fair young
face III the picture.
81 knew you'd think so," said Dud
looking gratiied.
81 have Howard's picture In the al
bum down stairs" said Aonie. iii
run down and get it."
Si:O tripped away softly, and ca'Le
hurrying tack breathless, with the
plush. covered book in her hand.
"He looks as though he had some
get-up to him." was Dud's masculine
comment.
"Well, he has, said Annie with a
proud smile. "Of course she went
on, hesitatingly, "we. must tell Uncle
Dodson?"
"Of coursew said Dud, rather faint
ly.
Their eyes met; they smiled guilt!ly.
$40 tell the truth said the young
man oandidly HI'd rather hp Shotw