Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1906-04-07
WH/IE
SAPPH/RES
By POMONA PENRIN
Copyright, 1905, hv Mcclure, Phillips & Co.

the hoop of pearls. We hAd been en-
gagged almost two months, but it had
been rngless engagement, because
Gabrielle said that ring was extrava-
CANT
John" she cried now. "why-oh.
you shouldn't.'
But l should" ! persisted. BE
sides. l doubt if bctrothals are legal
without rings"
II love pearls" said Gabrielle but
there was little puckcr in her fore
head that nature had set there to warn
me-and other men, alas-when she
was not quite pleased watched her
in secret alarm. In spite of her pro-
tests then, she would have preferred a
diamond.
NO | wouldn't" she said positively
when | said so. "Really, | wouldn't.
But l was wondering"
Wondering what" demanded l, pal
plating
'Evcrybody will have to know now"
the truth came "Everybody will see it
on my finger"
well" said in relief. that's what
| want"
'Not right aWay-you know we said
not right away" said Gabrielle hastily
l looked away through the vines of
the veranda and glowered ut all the
sunny world Gabriclle's mot right
away" was disquietingly elastic She
had been using that phrase for two
months
"I'll tell YOU" she solved the matter
brightly, when we go to places
wont wear it on this tinger-for little
while. you know, John. I'll just wear
1t on this finger-for us"
Gabrielle was never so alluring, but
hardened my heart.
80" | said, without looking at her
'thc reason that you said Il ring was
an eXtravagance was because YOU did
not want Mr.. Algrrnon Phelps and the
rest of them to know. hadn't thought
of that"
"Certainly it wasn't" flashed Gabri-
ellie "You are inSanely suspicious,
John. Algcmon Phelps" she finished
"Ie is quite old enough to be my ia
thcr'
He isn't Old enough not to give you
presents" said |, (which you have no
right to accept"
Gabrielle looked at me in amaze
ment Well she might, for in those
two months, despite the fact that | had
bitterly resented the continual presence
of big, devoted Mr.. Algernon Phelps at
their house. | had resolutely concealed
it,
John" she cried, how ridiculous.
He is mothers friend"
and in love with you" ! grmy
supplemented.
Gabrielle lau%hed-n ringing, adora-
bic little laugh that made me wish our
engagement had never come between
us. We were perfectly happy before
we We're engaged.
"That's very funny" said Gabrielle
frankly. lie has given me presents
since was six However. that isn't
the point I'll wear the ring OH the
right tinger-l mean on the right left
finger really | WILL dear. I'll wear it
TO the Iloldons' tonish
"WiIl you. sweetheart" said |. pacl,
fed, land will you want TO. Gabrielle?"
"Of course | want to wear ii with
all my heart" she said simply
She spread her two little hands on
her blue muslin gown and looked at
them, and then | caught sight of the
other ring. She wore on her right
hand Il magniticently carved bit of
gold, set with three exquisite white
SapphireS.
"Gabriclle." cried. "Whcre"-
She smiled at me serencly without
moving her hands
"Mr. Phelps bought il this morning"
she said. I've been waiting for you
to notice it,"
sank to the depths of despair. IT
was not only that the ring was far
more beautiful than the little circlet of
pearls that | had selected. but 1t had
been brought to her by that man-tho
great, devoted creature whom | liked
in spite of his foudneSs for Gabrielle
on the very day that we had come into
possession of our engagement ring.
isn't it beautiful" Gabrielle ap-
pcaled TO me swcetly.
ut is" said shortly.
Gabrielle looked first nt one ring
and then at the other with charming
partiality.
Two new rings" she said musngly.
won't the girls envy me! What q
pity that | will have to wear gloves at
the Holdons' tonight
"Gabrielle," | cried surely you
will never wear both rings today Of all
days."
"Why not?" Gabrielle wanted to
know wonderingly. "Oh, don't be
stupid" she cried prettily. why, what
can you care for his ring, John? You
might as we'll object to my wearing my
baby locket that he gave me when !
was In pigtails. It's beautiful ring
not nearly SO beautiful as ours, but
still beautiful, and | want to wear
them both"
Really this was going too far. That
presents since ! was six" matter
could not much longer be tolerated. No
man appears at a house morning, after
noon and evening, as Mr.. Algernon
Phelps appeared at the house of Gabrl.
ellie, In exactly the spirit in which he