The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-11-16
by HARMONY WEILER.
Copyright. 1911, by Associated Ii
erary Press.)


Copyright 1911. by Associated Lit
erary Press.)
Doreen's hand strayed IDLY among
the swest-smelins balsam needles
These pine needles have been
here a whole year-it seems a long
time" she said and raised her de-
mure eyes to her companions frown-
ing visage.
''Interminabler' Jimmy Rogers
glowered or to tho big mountains
surrounding them. and then back to
the beautiful face beside him. Dor
cen, l have waited Just three hundred
and sixty-five days for an answer.
To-day 1t must be either yes or no.
1t is very simple"
Doreen shook her head slowly and
little wistfully. mo, 1t In not SIM
pie" She rubbed her hand back and
forth under the padding Of balsam
needles Sometimes ] am sure
love you, and sometimes ! am equal
iy sure ! do not" Her idle fingers
had encountered something hoop-like
and she slipped the third finger
through II before bringing it to OBJ
servation.
How perfectly funny! have
found ring among these needless
1t seems almost as II an unknown
man had engaged me to HIM" Dor
cen laughed and held out the ring
for inspection.
Jimmy Rogers looked out from
the depths OF his gloom. then brought
himself to a sitting posture. He 50
far forgot his misery AZ to speak
with stirring OF excitement.
by Jove, Derry, That looks like
the real thing! Let's see?'' He blew
10. ~ ~ -
accumulation from about the great
stone that was deeply Embedded in
its clutch of heavy gold.
That stone 10 worth some few
hundred. at least"
Really, Jimmy. Oh. dear, then I
will have to advertise for the missing
man. won't -" Doreen's eyes were
sparkling. and her cheeks were
flushed. 1t was the FIRST time she
had found anything valuable In her
life. 1T Is beautiful diamond, isn't
IT." Oh. Jimmy. l would love to
have 1t reset, for myself" She
sighed.
why don't you' The duffer who
lost 1t probably has dozen or go
Are there any initials There
are? What shame" Doreen
laughed mischievously. II hoped
there would be no definite CHEW. ~
Yes. 1t looks as II j. G. would
get his ring back" said Rogers Then
returning to the original subject.
And my answer"
II am afraid It Is no, now, Jimmy.
I feel somehow, that IL had not
found this ring, 1t would have been
yes"
That desn't do me any good" re-
marked Rogers, and led the way
slowly back to the Mountain Hotel.
An unusual thrill OF light happi-
ness ran through Doreen's veins. but
the man looked ahead with gloomy
eyes and saw nothing save shadows.
Returning to New York. Doreen's
first act was to have an advertise
ment inserted in the Lost and
Found columns OF the newspapers.
1t read merely: Found. ring. In
itials. j. e."
Doreen prided herself on the con-
line. She coud not we'll be
troubled with persons trying to claim
the ring.
Gradually as the days wore on a
sense Of disappointment filtered
her thoughts. In the dim
recess OF her brain she had counted
on. the claimant: he was to be big
and broad and blonde.
With shadowy eyes Doreen let 20
the romance she had Rugged close in
her innermost thoughts. and went to
the 1eweler to have the great dta-
fnond set to her liking.
She watched the jeweler examine
the ring; then his keen eyes shot up