The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-08-09
THE PINK PEARL.
BY TEMPLE BAILEY.


Copyright. 1910, by the Associated Literary Press)
Angela, having lived in rose-oolored atmosphere
NOT give her pink pearl for engagement ring.
But dearest her mother argued, Edwin is poor
NO man is too poor to buy the right kind of ring
for the girl he is going marry"
Angelas mother, who had worked in a factory when
she was young, and had known what 1t was not 10
have any rings at all, shook her head
4 GU can't understand. darling; you never have
been poor"
IF poor" said Angela. II would live in a
cottage with around it and bake cakes for Ed
win"
AT that Angela's mother sighed for she knov that
poverty Is not thing OF of sweet cakes
but Of struggle for dry bread without any on
Il have sometimes wished" she began and stopped
WHAT" Angela demanded.
That You had fallen in love with II rr4, man hsr
mother sighed, you have always had every thing you
wantsd-and 1t won't be as easy for to with
You think l just child" Angela ragged. with
her blue eyes flashing, and does Edwin-I-I think
you are dreadful
And she sohbed as II her heart would break
VI course. she got the pink pearl. for her mother
spoke to Edwin tactfuliy. Angola pearls" she
said and have some unset ones which / can sell
70 you cheapy-they won't cost any more than any
Edwin protested. his heart he felt that he want
ed to buy little circet of turquoses. which would
match Angelaa eyes.-Ha- could haze afforded s4.4 a
ring and he would not have had the bargain counter
feeling which oppressed him when he accepted the
offer Of his future mother-in-iaw.
He gave Angela the pink pearl and was happy.
He did not tell her whore he had bought it H,r
mother had asked him tell.
Angela is such baby she had said. land it
might spoil her pleasure"
That Edwin's pleasure spoiled did trouble
her *She thought only of her daughter whose wishes
had been denied
The incident Of the pink pearl Of many
others Angelas mother pat her money at the dis
posal OF the young people. She diplomatic. aud
when Edwin suggested the buying of cottage she
offered the land for the site. she furnished 1t
ished it until all of its simplicity lost.
an exclusive neighoorhood and when the young cou-
pie moved in they found themselves the OF a
wealthy circle of neighbors.
And in the midst of all the luxury Angela pinned.
She grew pale and thin and anguid untn her mother
and Edwin were alarmed.
She away" the mother told young
husband. but Edwin shook head.
What Angela needs" he said is feel that she
means something in the world There are so many
idle, unhappy women-and somehow / believe that
We coddis her, and wrap her up in cotton wool be-
cause We love her, but she is a woman with all
womans right to make home. Should keep on
making baby of herr"
But what" the mother demanded. we do"
think you have lost your money, that We must all
go away from here TO the old farm, and viii come
back and forth on the train--we viii see how she
stands real lfe."
But she is such a baby
She is a. woman" Edwin insisted. Now and then
she let's me see deep into her heart and know. hus
let her have a chance"
she said at last.
Angela bore the shock hravely. Poor mother" she
said. 1T will be hard for YOU. and at once she began
to treat the elder lady with tenderness which
surprising and comforting.
dens- Work seemed to agree with her. Instead OF
growing faded and thin. she waxed plump and rosy.
She planted a garden and watched with enthusiasm
the growth of her lettuce and radshes and onions.
She baked cakes and put pots of jam and served
deiectabe fab chowder 10 Edwin when he came
home late chilly nights.
Il didn't think had IT in her" Angelas mother
told her son-in-law autumn day they
watched the little wife baking pancakes In the warass
cosy kitchen. She had on red house gown. with q
blue linen that almost covered her up Her
curls gathered into topknot with black bow.
| and she flushed and smiling
II sometimes think" Edwin mused that she has
just reverted type You used love get supper
for her father. didn't you. when you were poor and
Indeed I did" responded Angelas mother. THAT
recipe for chowder is the one used. and he used to
smack his lips it."
And behind you Is of good honsekeeperA and
yet you expected Angela live like idle princess
and long she felt she had your money back of
her she had no incentive---but now-you see 4
Yes see" the mother agreed
But the climax when, one day. the pink pearl
ring disappeared from Angela's finger.
Where's your ring?" Edwin demanded
"oh" Angela bushed ..'oh II don't think can
tell YOU tust now, Edwin"
But the secret was out when day led him
into her dressing 1t had been refurnshed in
pale pink and white SWISS and In corner there
was q crib with rosebuds embroidered the
And In another very tow white rocking
chair with pink cushion
~ shall cali it my pink pearl room Angela stated
II was Just hateful to make you buy such expen-
sive thing for me, Edwin-perhaps If hadn't always
demanded so much for myself. you wouldn't have to
work hard now--for us.
Her husband folded her in his arms Dearest dear"
Your mother didn't lose her money" Edwin ex-
planned. but wanted you to come to your heart
stone heritage a housewife. and you couldn't when
you having things showered on YOU.
well, won't go back to the city," Angela de-
ctded with shake her curls. lit is much
nicer here--and couldn't leave my garden and my
chicks--and besides. she hid her face against
shoulder the country viii be the best place to bring
up the baby n--won't It. Edwin"
In the months that followed Angela's mother had
| to have way about spending. She bought every
thing from a silver porrnger to golden rattle 4
Rut Edwin bought back the pink pearl ring, II
to Angela :rdenty, "a thing all rosy and sunshine,
! and Of DerfeOt beauty