Orange County observer., 1903-08-06

HsfS IT'D L SouISC, It's 1At1luSlC tdIuS;
IGg Ga3 is very slight I said, as
n Theodora stood holding
w. the ring in her right hand.
MD lLsia us that why you are of
i'"''A fering it to me?" she de-
manled. elancing up brightly.
Because 1 explained. lit is sup
posed to bring the owner all m.x.ner
Ofluch."
Then cried Theodore, ''it is kind
Of char1nr'
n talismann'
What is it supposed to do:''
20. well, the idea used to be that it
eceved an influence from the plan
els
L wonder which planet:" asked
Theodora.
The stone is green" I answered,
"and green was the color of Venus,
YOU know. Anyhow, it is supposed to
protect your house from visitations
Of evil spirits"
Your house." she demonstrated.
1T is the same thing" insisted, and
Theodora's face grew rosily red.
"Oughtn't d talisman to have some
mysterious writing ON it?'' she asked.
Every occult condition is fulfilled,' -
assured her. and she carried the ring
to the window. But after an en-
deavor to read the words which were
minutely engraved on the inner face
Of the thin gold band, she gave it up
with sigh. Taking the ring from
Theodora's hand, 1 held it to a more
favorable position.
To give and keepr" she read. then
turned her head with an inquiring ex-
preston: rs that right?" she asked.
Quite right" I answered, and l
shlyercd as her hair brushed my cheek
DO you feel cold?' she asked, look
Inc at the fire.
Not in the least
1 viii ring for Edwards to put some
more coal on" she suggested, going
towards the bell.
You haven't made out all the words
yet" | insisted, and after a momentary
Aestaton, she returned to my side.
1t is extremely ridiculous,'' she ex-
canned, because how can you give a
thing and yet
1t must be done in order to bring
out the full virtue of the charm
But # you give it away
Precisely what I am endeavoring
to dor'
Then how can you keep it," Theo-
dora demanded
suppose you try to read the remain
us Dne,' | said, but she read it eau
pus!y to herself before repeating it
NO0d. saw her lips moving.
To give and keep:
Nor lose nor Weep,'"
she read.
1t IS supposed I explained, "to be
uahSat!on Of an old French couplet
'Ao you perceive that the last line
'Ontans the moral
AND the first an impossible condi
ton
Insisted.
Iii the Greek Kalends," said Theo
O0Fa with a smile.
.,,,l nuch sooner, hope"
her face N '- W "'
r,l IL 1t IS left to me, 1 should say {
Viii VI at the latest"
mt t"lnlhs to face me again, she helt
'" Vt, ule ring at arms length.
ri,, Snai' w al refuse to have anything to dt
WIN it" she cried.
"Ay:' asked.
sand.' 'n'nss can unoei
"Ih' urged.
~1n III "har:' asked Theodore.
taxa - n''' OF course promise, if vol
tpo y ~ '2e ring shall bring good for
rnr." was thinking of YOU" she mur
~r( ~r1 at the moment"
esc1ai sA the spell begins to workr'
h,ir hDe0 What better luck coul,
be-, 'han to make you think o
II" T" ne Or to youw she demands.
Yours w. o'A' at present it is neithe
qarked rather ancient" she re
for scoars.: ss@' it has been a family reli
>rhcn a'ons" I explained.
"Eyin,rll IL mas always been kept.'
Given ~ ssolsequcntly i, has never bee:
"N,59SSS 5SS'l2r h; Intervals" insisted.
@SSjand Sne laltered, IL don't III
but fanctsd she did.