Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-03-28
THE LITTLE
 RUBY RING
By Virginia Leila Wentz

great worth, and Cynthia had often speculated about its history. One thing, though, she knew--Frances val ued it above everything that she pos sessed. ..
 ''I say, Frances" she'd once remark ed to her sister, who happened to be polishing the stone, If that ruby had R story that went with 1t, why that would be different thing. If, for ex- ample, it had been given to Uncle John when he was consul to Calcutta by the rajah of Singhalee for service-hid- ing him in the consulate during an in- surrection or something If in hand ing it to uncle the rajah had said: FIX cellency, this ruby rolled from the wounds that killed Ezuka. favorite princess of my ancestor, the king of Ahar one moonlight night as the king stroled in the royal gardens, barking to the nightingales
 What an unmltigated goose you are, Cynthia!" Frances had interrupted, smiling in spite of herself Immediate ly, however, her exquisite face had grown grave. "We'li never speak of this little ring again, dear. Do you un- derstand?
 And Cynthia-clever, wise Cynthia understood. She understood that her sisters nature did not crave sympa- thy, the sort that thrives upon mutual confession and confidence. She under stood that serene and resolute Frances met the critical situations in life with an inscrutable reserve
 But I'm sure of one thing" Cynthia summed up to herself Here at twen- ty-eignt Frances Is still unmarried, and it's that little ruby ring that keeps her an old maid In spite of her beau- ty."
 A beauty? That is what Frances Logan unquestionably was. She had been photographed in every variety of pose that modern society approves. She had been painted by several of the most celebrated artists. In fact, she was famous on two continents for her rare and wonderful personal charms. Yet she was still unwed. Must be waiting for title," gossip said, as oth- CT girls, far less charming, came out, danced through season or two and were married.
 But above the doorway of the house of Logan was written Ichabod-every- thing belonging to them, the old home stead included. gave hint of departed glory. A wealthy marriage had been pointed out to Frances as her duty in life. No sacrifice had been considered too great to give her the proper setting to this end, and her father and Cyn- thia, the second daughter. and the two little motherless boys had uncomplain- ingly submitted to remain in the back ground that Frances might shine abroad.
 More and more plainly stood out the Ichabod More and more ardently pressed the suit of Birney Gates for Frances hand. He was man grow ing old. with thinning brown hair pa thetically brushed. but with sun red dened face and eyes sharpened to keen ness "A man for men-to plan, to di- rect. The air of the broad. energetic west in every movement" Cynthia had once defined him. Presently Fran ces grew weary of the struggle and gave in. From the beginning 1t had been an unequal contest, for all along she knew that she must requite her family for their devotion. As she was going to sell herself for price she might as well get the highest price.
 Frances, my dear. I am bankrupt" old Mir. Logan had said to her one evening as they were sitting around the library fire. "I can no longer keep up even a pretense of show. What are you going to do? Mir Caves stands ready to put me on my feet again, but-ah, Francesr' His voice was all most a cry.
 Frances looked quickly away. She was toying nervously with her little ruby ring. Cynthia bent her head over, magazine that she had picked up. and there was a constrained si- lence.
 Frances, dear, don't you think you could accept him."
 If Mir. Gates calls tomorrow. ia ther, shall accept him" There was a strange, sudden glitter in the girls dark eyes as she bent over to stir the pmoldering logs. Cynthia involuntarily turned toward the shapely hand that held the fire tongs. The little ruby ring was gone,
 One morning q few weeks later Mir Gates called and presented Frances with a jewel case In the early light he looked older and redder than ever. She shrank from the touch of his lips on her hand. As she opened the case IlstIessly q necklace of diamonds and rubies sprang to view.
 Rubies were her favorite stones Some one else had promised her q deluge of them when he should have achieved fame and fortune.
 Frances. haven't you anything to say1 They are superb.' reproved Gym thia. But her sisters lips only parted fin a faint. inscrutahle smile.
 "Mr. Gates is aware that in a pic. turesque sacrifice one always decks the victim" she said mOckingly.
 For a second Mir Rirney Gates keen eyes looked narrowingIy at this cold. insulting woman. sO speedily to become his wife He almost contern-