Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-08-27

The moment she entered the room where
supper was laid. Aunt Faith sprang up
with alacrity from her chair. saying that
she must call the others to supper.
mo, don't aunt: I'll do that" said Piety,
making quickly for the door.
But John Mercer stopped her, plunging
heavily but rapidly across to her. with the
old bland smile upon his face.
mo, no, Miss Piety; you mustn't go. The
truth is. I've something rather partic lar
to say to you. and your aunt. in her good
ness, wants for to give me an opportunity
of saying it," said he.
Piety paused an instant but still kept
her hand upon the door. She knew what
was coming but knew not how to avoid
the ordeal.
well" said she at last. II suppose you
have nothing to say that you can't say be-
fore my aunt"
There was no encouragement in her tone;
but John was not a man who looked ner-
vously for encouragement when he had
made up his mind.
We'll" said he. with his jolly, good
humored laugh. giving Miss Faith a sly
suppose 1 have. If you put it that way
Just you please for to turn your head away
a minute, Miss Piety and l think 1 can
make my meaning clear"
Surprised and rather confused by this I'M
expected request. in which she saw some
thing rather alarming. Pety slowly obeyed
by turning her face toward the window
There was an instant's pause. during which
back with something that made little
rafting noise. Then she saw his large
hands for a nom .nt in front of her face,
with a thing like cable dangling between
them. and the next moment he had hung
around her neck an enormous gold locket
suspended from a gold chain about half an
inch wide. 1t was one of the barbaric orna-
ments which were in fashion in the six
ties" and which fingered on. in glaring
brass limitations, for some years. after in
the East End of London. and in obscure
corners of the provinces.
Pfety could not repress an exclamation.
John, who had by this time fastened the
clasp with snap, came round to face her,
ripping over with enjoyment Of her sur
prise.
There" said he that's what I've had
preparing for you these weeks past
thought 1t would be nice surprise. It's
the very same sort of thing as my father
gave my mother when he was counting her.
and I've always said to myself as it should
be the first present I'd make to the girl +
chose for a wifel None of your -fiams,
but something solid not like the little iimsy
something as can be seen and a value put
upon It, And, see here, on the locket my
initials J. M in blue turkeywarses-true
blue, you know!"
And he lifted the locket for her to see
that she was indeed distinctiveiy labeled.
And II you look inside" he went on,
triumphantly, you'll find something else
something as hope. Miss Piety, you'll
value as much as the restr
Ptety was for moment struck duIff1
She felt that the horrible thing was indeed
an excellent type of the bondage with
which she was threatened. Of the snowy,
but heavy, yoke OF wedlock from which
her heart revolted. Instinctively her hands
went up to her neck and she tried to undo
the clasp, saying quickly and breathlessly:
Indeed. Mr.. Mercer; it's very kind of
you, but I'd rather not have it-much
rather notr'
Aunt Faith uttered an exclamation OF