The Elk Mountain pilot., 1916-03-04
The RING
Ey LINCOLN HOLT.

Thought aboue ring fot you dear
But it's this way, little girl: the OIL:
house on the farm is going to pieces
fast, and, besides, it's damp and un-
healthy. So have decided to build
nice new little home for my bride,
Daisy, ana get some pretty. new mod
eIn things TO put inside Of it instead
OF my old rickety stun
Daisy lifted radiant face. Oh
John, you are the best boy in the
world"
John kissed her. Then it's all right
about the ring, is Il dear? 1 wouldn't
have enough money for both just now.
It's all right, you're sure, are you,
dearest?" he repeated.
'Nes, il S all right, John. You know
best, OF course. Let's turn back now.
/ didn't bring coat and it's getting
cold"
Daisy put on brave face TO the
world, and pretended not to notice
the glances at her finger and the whis-
perins which could only mean one
thing. All 1.-THE girls in town might as
we'll have cried from the housetoos,
"Daisy has no ring for they made it
perfectly plain in a hundred little
ways that they were shocked.
Darcy could stand it no longer She
cried herself to sleep one night, blam-
ing John for all her suffering. The
next morning she sent him a note.
Dear John, | am sorry, but I cannot
marry you. Don't ask me why. please.
l have thought it over, and decided
r ltot I hat oaI
I girl should be. Regretfully, Daisy
Spring and summer passed. On the
pretty south slope of the orchard hill
stood new little stone-and-shingle
bungalow. And there had been enough
hay. oats and corn. after filing the
barn, to furnish the attractively tinted
rooms with what Jchn called modern
.up.todate furniture.
Then, twice in September. John
went home from church with the Mer-
rimans, So 1t was pretty Alice Mer-
riman to whom John was now paying
attention and who would probably
take the place in Johns heart and the
new home that Daisy still felt was
rightfully hers, What terrible mis-
. take abe had made 1t was more
packed up and left her sisters house
Tor long visit to an aunt in the city.
Aunt Emily's heart was as big as
her purse was small, and it did Daisy
worlds OF good to cob out all her trou-
bles.
Poor lamb!" comforted Aunt
Emily. I'VE are always more mis-
cradle when we bring the trouble on
ourselves. Are you quite sure about
the other girl. or Just guessing?'
"Just-g.guessing" lt
"Well-wcll! It's too bad! But you
stay here with me until you feel bet.
ter"
But Daisy, worlling for dear life so
she could forget. was apparently fret
ing her heart out.
One day Aunt Emily said thought
fully, looking at Daisy's sad face: I'll
have to be away all day on business,
! ienrie. Do you think you could keep
house here alone?"
"Yes. auntie. You so, I'll got
aloug!"
So her aunt departed and Daisy
| pitched. into the work.
! BY night she was dead tired and
| Ter aunt had not returned.
She sat alone in the little sitting
-oom watching the clock. If Aunt
Emily would only come she could
crawl into bed. She was tired enough
% sleep tonight, that was one blessed
.hingI
| Daisy's head dropped against the
, oack of the chair, and book lay un-
.,pened upon her lap. 1t had started
Ero rain and she could hear the cease
less drip from the caves on to the
/ doorstep outside. She was wondering
| lf Aunt Emily had an umbrella. when
che heard someone open the door.
| She sprang up. Are YOU wet, auntie?
It's dreadful-John!" she gasped.
John Wilson stood towering in the
little doorway. He was in his farm
clothes and dripping wet.
| .Daisyl" He took a step into tho
room and held out his arms. Dar-
ling. whatever it is that has come
between us 1T has got to go. You love
me. know 1t. Come and tell me
So
Daisy ran to him quickly with a
happy little sob and threw both arms
around his neck. John. love you"
she whispered into his soaking shoul-
( der.
John slipped something on to her
1 finger and held her hand up to the
I light "uow do you like ii, dearest?
The crops were extra heavy-enough
for furniture and ring, too. When are
you coming home, dear? I'm so anx-
! ious for you to see our little home, and
can't we be all settled before the
holidays. Daisy? It's been such long
| summer for me-
Daisy looked at the ring thoughtful
| Ir- In, Snitn Of l, M ,ntninnca dnn,t