The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1919-01-17
THE RUBY RING
BY ALICIA BoCkELMAN.
Copyright, 1918. by Mcclure Newspaper
Syndicate.)

and mother seem determined to give
me something else"
She was sitting on the front porch
with flushed cheeks and an angry
scowl clouded her beautiful face. She
pushed aside her curly, black hair,
which the wind would blow In her eyes
to irritate her still more.
Margaret" voice called from up
stairs, ''you had better dry your tears
and look cheerful"
"Oh, mother, how can be happy
when you will not give me what I
want for graduation present." fretted
Margaret.
"Child, enough of that foolishness.
You have several rings already
enough for any girl Of your age. A
ruby ring! No, indeed, you shall not
have It,"
~ didn't want gold wrist watch,
mother"
"Why, Margaret, you have been ask
ing for one all along until this new
idea Of ruby ring came into your
mead. Whateyer-
"Why doesn't father buy me one"
interrupted Margaret
"Father has already bought you
pearl pendant. But, Margaret, my
dear, 1t is four o'clock and you have
never once thought of Aunt Mehita-
bel. She will be waiting at the sta
ton for youl" exclaimed Mrs. Ken
dali.
Dear me 1 wish Aunt Mehitabel
would forget to come to my gradua-
tion," complained Margaret, going to
the garage.
AS she drove up the street Mrs. Ken.
dali breathed a sigh of relief. swell,
she is off at last. If Margaret would
only like Aunt MehItabelw
In few minutes Margaret was at
the station as the train was disappear.
ing around Atlantic Hill. She was
jumping out of the machine when
Charlie Montgomery hurried up to the
station curb.
"Why, Charlie" she asked, what
are you doing here?"
"Oh, l was to meet two of my col
lege chums on leave from camp" he
painted. Are you to meet someone,
too?"
more likely someone is waiting for
me-" replied Margaret. "Oh, Charlie,
look at Aunt Mehltabel arguing with
one of the porters. Do you remember
herr"
"Of course I do" laughed Charlie;
''but look at my friends, the young
lieutenants, witnessing the parley."
The tardy pair rushed up to the
newcomers. and after salutations, in
Productions and apologies Aunt Mehita-
bel and Margaret were handed into
their auto and had started homeward.
lands sake, child, why were you
so late?" scolded the tired traveller.
81 delayed to tease mother to give
me ruby ring for graduation, but
she won't" confessed her designing
niece.
"Ruby ring-stuff and nonsensew
cried Aunt Mehitabel.
1t was graduation night. Margaret
was putting the last touches to her
pretty gown. when a warning call from
downstairs told her 1t was time she
was ready.
! "Just moment" she answered. tax
ing another survey Of herself.
| Being satisfied she snatched up
her outer garments and sped down
stairs. Aunt Mehitabel was waiting for
her in the lower hall.
Margaret, here Is useful present
for you," she said solemnly, handing
her youthful kinsw0man a book. Mar.
garet glanced at its title, Household
Arts"
"Th--thank you very much, Aunt.
You are $50 kind" she stammered.
The graduation exercises were about
to begin. Margaret heard her name
called softly. Turning around, she
saw Charlie In soldiers uniform.
Come" he said quickly, come a
little way from the door. have some
thing to say to you"
Margaret followed him, somewhat
bewildered.
81 have been ordered to Camp
ONEIDA and wish to say good-by. I
would like to have you accept this
little gift from me as keepsake"
Charlie drew small box from his
pocket, pressed the spring, and Mar
garet saw-a ruby ring!
"Why, how" began Margaret as.
tonished.
;. "Oh. don't hesitate to take 1t. Your
Aunt Mehitabel told me what l might
give you,' he pleaded. ...
1T is just what wanted, but ]
didn't think it would come from you
shall wear 1t as talisman. But
you will come back from camp soon, "
she added, anxlousy.
mot until I've been over there"
Charlie answered, smilingly. There
was no smile on Margaret's face and
all the light went out Of her eyes.
you will writer he asked.
Yes" she said, putting her hand In
his outstretched one. They were part
ng, perhaps never to meet again In
This w0rld--so he kissed her reverent