The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1901-08-17
A DIAMOND RING.
Gr INA BREvooRr ROBERTS.

nv -
Max felt decidedly pleased with him
self as he walked up the steps of a
nalace belonging to one of New York S
m;lliopaires. This millionaire and all
his belongings were of special interest
10 the public just at that time because
his daughter was shortly to be married
to a titled foreigner and the wedding
in the magnitude of its splcndor was to
eclipse all previous weddings.
"A we'll known photographer had re-
ceived an order from a magazine for
photographs of the important rooms III
the home of the bridcelcct, and Max
who was the photographer right hand
man was now on his way to take the
pictures.
Arrived at the house, Max began with
the drawing room. He then proceeded
10 the library. This room, though large
md impressive because of the number
81 books it contained, looked more
homclike and less inspiring than the
0ther rooms.
when he had the light and his camera
arranged to his satisfaction Max sent
away the servants who were helping
him and prepared to take the picture
As he was about TO remove the cap he
heard the rustic of gown. and wo-
mnn's face appeared between the cur
tains that hung in doorway directly in
range Of the camera.
Tic face belonged to tall, slender
creature, half girl. half woman. When
she .saw Max she seemed startled. but
at sight of his camera she recovered her
conposurc.
"May l come in?' She asked the
question in hesitating way.
Max smiled at her. Il would rather
you waited few minutes" he returned
uneasily, unless you want to be in the
picture. Just step back out of sight and
will call you in a moment"
The girls astonished face as she obey
ed him made Max realize that he had
been a trihc dictatorial to someone who
had piore right there than he. She evil
IDENTIFY lived in the house and he found
himself wondering, as he timed his ex-
posure, in what capacity.
He CAME to the conclusion that she
was probably companion or secretary to
one Of the family Her dress, as well
as her way of carrying herself and her
manner of speaking told him she was
not a servant, and he knew that the
millionaire and his family were out Of
town. They were supposed to have
slipped away to give the bridc-elcct a
few days rest and shelter from publicity
before the wedding
You MAY come in now," Max called
As the girl entered the room he no
tced that she was very pretty. She
walked over to his camera, which she
examined with interest.
DO you like this work." she asked.
gg"Why, yes Max answered carelessly,
and he smiled. He was good-looking
young man, with peculiar charm in his
\ Hnlei which made it difficult to refuse
nm a:'whing he chose to ask.
The girl seated herself before the fire
ana began listlessly to turn the pages
Hh"edLiliC, liiSdliWililG dShIitS HuNS
tons about his work until Max found
himself growing communicative He
told her how busy they were at the
studio and that he preferred photo
graphic interiors to taking portraits OF
actresses and celebrities; interior work
was harder, but portraits became mono
/ pnous
This house is beauty, isn't it?' he
remarked
! The girl looked surprised, then she
miled.
Yes; it is a nice house." she said
You don't say that very enthusiastic
any" observed Max, turning to look
her, but suppose you're too used
% 1t to have it impress you as it does
nc. There'll be a fine time here when
taat wedding comes off" he went on.
Ns going to cost something, | tell you.
out like to see rich people spend Their
money 1t seems queer, though, max
ing such fuss over slip of girl not
M Of her teens. Do you know her
y s4ed Suddenly.
,TMe know her."
Do you like her? l have always
r1eard she had a very lovely disposition.
2Mea and gentle, you know, and all
oh, l suppose under all her moods
We has fairly good heart" said the
slH. rising and going over to look out
IRON one of the windows.
We'll, she'll need it if she keeps her