The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-06-19

DY DNA - - @'o3' as words You have been very agree able, but it is quite time you were g9ne.' arose, took my hat, bowed upon her hand, even ventured to kiss it, all which she not only allowed, but was astonished to find her beautiful fingers return the respectful pressure of mine. And yet, though the fascina- Son still continued, was not for moment deceived. There was no par tiality for me, not even coquetry in it.
 "'She must love him. thought I as l descended the stairs.
 "But my poor little Kltty could not find 1t in her heart to come down to meet me. was obliged to grope my way up the back staircase alone.
 "On reaching the girls little apart ment I found her seated with her head leaning on her hands, weeping bitterly Milady, in the delirium of her joy, had revealed to her the contents of the sup posed De wardes' billet and had givel her purse of money
 Kitty on regaining her chamber had thrown this purse contemptuously into a corner, where 1t lay, disgorgine Sthrees or -four pieces of gold f . From some little remains of mod. esty, mflady had ordered all the lights to be lowesed, even in her own cham Der, and M. de Wardss was to de part before day in darkness.
 'T had not been many minutes with Kitty before we heard milady enter her chamber, andsI quickly ensconced myselfin my closet; indeed, Kitty had scarcely pushed me in, when her mis- tress' little bell rang. <
 "A, few minutes before the appoint ed hour miiady had the lights -hh her chamber dimned ndAEismissed Kitty to hers, with an injunction to intro duce the count the moment he arrived. ; '1 was at the door of milady's cham Der before Kitty had closed it.
 "eWhat is that noise? said nailady.
 "slt Is I, De Wardes,' replied in 2 suppressed voice.
 ! "swell, why does he not come inY said milady.
 Shaking of poor Kitty with as much kindness as could, I made my way into milady's chamber. And here, dear Athos, must confess that I scarcely knew which predominated, love or jealousy. Her love for De Wardes seems boundless."
 .ACal it not love, D'Artagnan," said Athos, .'it ais g dissertation of the word"
 At parting she forced this ring upon my finger with request that would return her token of responding af- lection today, and people don't give such jewels as this away lightly. My heart smote me, and wished to re- fuse it. She, however, would not hear of that, but replied, No, no; keep that ring for my sake. You will render me likewise greater service than you are aware of by doing so,' and her voice was agitated as she spoke. What the latter part of her speech meant don't know, but she is full of mysteries. The ring is, as you see. magnificent sapphire. surrounded by brilliants. She added:
 Poor dear angel, whom the mon ster of lGascon was so near killing. Do you suffer much from your woundsY
 "'Yes, great deal,' said I.
 Be satisfied murmured she. I will avenge you and cruelty
 "sWhewg thought I to myself, the time for confidence has not yet come! At our parting another interview was agreed upon for next week"
 Your milady is doubtless an infa- nous creature. But, since you men, toned it, my attention has been en- crossed by your ring said Athos. "It reminds me of family jewel. I did not think two sapphires of such fine water existed And she gave you that ring, do you say?"
 "Yes, my beautiful Engiishwoman, or, rather, Ffenchwoman, for I am sure she was born in France, took it from her own finger and forced it on to mine''
 Pray" said Athos after a minute, "either take off that ring or turn the collet inside. It recalls such recollec- tions that cannot keep my head cool enough to converse with you. But stop, let me look at that ring again. The one I mentioned to you had one of its faces scratched"
 DArtag1aan took of the ring, giving it again to Athos.
 Athos started. Look said he, "is it not strange? ?' and he pointed out to D'Artagnan the scratch he had remem- bered. .s.6s5
 But from whom did this ring come to you, Athos?'
 From my mother. who inherited it from her mother"
 And yoa-soid1 it7" asked D'Arta- gnan hesitatinely. k. ss
 "No,r replied Athos, with . singular smile. ssI gave 1t away in. a love affair, as it has been given to you
 D'AFtagnap took back the ring, but put it into his pocket and not on to his finger. vssS ssss+ sa 3s.s se