The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1906-04-10
what big. long words he usesr

WudL DlB, long WOEub ne uses!
cried Gabrielle's mother gayly.
MRS. Jocelyn," said l, III Gabrielle
becomes unmanageable will you marry
meT
Mrs. Jocelyn has been a widow for
years.
What commendable thrift for a
rainy dayv' she said, smiling.
| For some reason the question of the
white sapphire took on a significance
out Of all proportion. AS 1 drove to
Gabrielle's that evening our love, our
future, even her adorableness, 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 remembered with com
fort that Gabrielle had an enchanting
habit Of Obstinacy up to the moment Of
withdrawal in other peoples favor So
as sat opposite her and her mother on
the way to the Holdons' l became COM
fortably, even triumphantly, 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 manner of be-
ing wanted where, to be sure, he was
wanted by every one but me. Was he,
l wondered savagely, after we were
married to persist in these visits and
presents on the strength Of when Ga
brielle was sixY Then watched Ga
brielle feverishly while she drew or
the fingers of her gloves and tucked
them daintily and with pretty delibera-
ton in her long, loose glove wrists.
The left hand first, and there was my
modest band of pearls suiting her deli
cate little hand to perfection Then the
right hand, and there blazed the white
sapphires.
Hooked away miserably-somewhere,
anywhere. When l came to analyze 1t
l did not care continental about Mr..
Algernon Phelps white sapphires. I
cared only that Gabrielle had not cared
to please me.
And the third one," Gabrielle was
saying, SIS going to be that new
poppy figure. I've seen the favors for
that. They are-why, John, what Is
itY
Nothing" said miserably She had
not even done 1t to tease me purposelyl
There would have been some balm Of
bittersweet 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 timer
murmured Gabrielle anxiously.
Really, this was almost obtuse. For
answer stole one glance down at that
little right hand and then buried my
glances furiously in my salad
"Ohw 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 don't love your"
you know it." said 1, morbidly.
II do''-still more softly. This would
have been heaven had it not been for
that stupid ring.
II love you so much" she went one,
that it hurts me to have a secret from
you. But have had to-until tonight"
with Mr.. PhelpsT l wanted to
know, grimly He was talking with
Mrs. Jocelyn and heard nothing.
Yes" said Gabrielle, land with
some one else''
Not until l followed her glance did
my eye fall upon the glittering little
hand of Gabrielles 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, haven't
you guessed? Mr.. Phelps brought her
the ring today, and he gave me mine
as peace Offering"
'They = you i theyT 1 wanted to
know
They didn't want both engagements
announced at once" said Gabrielle.
THAT is why l didn't want to wear
the pearls. But l don't care really,
John"
l 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 l care" l said raptur.
ously.