The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-12-26

cried Gabriene's mother, gayiy.
Mrs. Joceiyn," said l. If Gabrielle
becomes unmanageable will you marry
me?''
Mrs. Jocelyn has been a widow for
years.
What commendabIe thrift for rainy
day" she said, smiling
For some reason the question OF the
white sapphires took on a significance
out of all proportion. AS I drove TO
Gabrielle's that evening our love, our
future, even her adora bleness, which
was never tired of reviewing, were OF
less moment to me than whether or
not she would disregard my wishes
about the ring. 1t seemed to me lone
OF those straws which tell the wind
which way to blow But I remem-
bered with comfort that Gabrielle had
an enchanting habit of obstinacy up
to the moment Of withdrawal in other
peoples favor. So as I sat opposite
her and her mother on the way to the
HoIdon's I became comfortable, even
trfumphantly, sure that there were no
white sapphires in the carriage.
When we went down to supper at
midnight, Mr.. Algernon Phelps joined
US with his unbearable manTler of be-
ing wanted where, to be sure, he was
wanted by everyone but me. Was he,
I wondered savagely, after we were
married to persist in these visits ana
presents on the strength of when
Gabrielle was skip Then I watched
Gabrielle feverishly while she drew
off the fingers of her gloves and
tucked them, daintily and with pretty
elaboration, in her long. loose glove
wrists.
The left hand frst-and there was
my modest band of pearls suiting her
delicate little hand to perfection.
Then the right hand, and there blazed
the white sapphires.
looked away ably-some-
where, anywhere. When I came to
analyze it I did not care a continental
about Mr.. Algernon Phelps white
sapphires. I cared only that Gabrielle
had not cared to please me.
49, and the third one" Gabrielle
was saying. ais going to be that new
poppy figure. I've seen the favors for
that. They are-why, John. What is
it?"
Nothing" said I, miserabIy. She
had not even done it to tease me pur-
poselyl There would nave Deen sons
balm Of bitter-sweet in that. MY
wishes had been simply neglected and
forgotten. She did not even trouble
to triumph in having carried out her
threat.
"Aren't<you having a good time ?"
murmured Gabrielle. anxiouslv.
Really, this was almost obtuse. For
answer I stole one glance down at that
little right hand. and then buried my
glances furiously in my salad.
"Oht" Gabrielle had a fascinating
habit Of starting a little laugh and
then thinking better of It. She did
this now and stopped to say, in the
softest little voice:
"You think that 7 don't love you?"
81 know 1t" 1 said, morbidly.
II do still more softly This
would have been heaven had it not
teen for that stupid ring.
81 love you so much" she went on,
"that it hurts me to have a secret
from you. But I have had to-until
tonight"
with Mr.. Phelps?" I wanted to
know grimly. He was talking with
Mrs. Joeelyn and heard nothing.
yes said Gabrielle, land with
someone else"
Not until I followed her glance did
my eye fall upon the glittering little
hand of Gabrielle's mother. And on
the third finger Of her left hand was
an exquisite ring of white sapphires
and diamonds.
Gabrielle was watching me.
you dear she murmured,
eshaven't you guessed? Mr.. Phelps
brought her the ring today, and he
gave me mine as peace offering"
''They-you-they?' wanted to
know
'They didn't want both engage
ments announced at once, said Ca
brielle. ''That is why I didn't want
to wear the pearls. But I don't care
really, john
I looked over at pretty little Mrs.
Jocelyn sitting contentedly beside Mr..
Algernon Phelps, and then down
at Gabrielle, who was laughing at me.
Neither do I care!" said raptur-
ously.-( Copyright 1905, by Mcclure,
Phillips & Coz