The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1921-08-26
Daisy's Ring
By HAROLD SINCLAIRE
@. 1921. western Newspaper Union. }

Bart Wilson, at the jewelry coun-
ter, looked up in surprise as he heard
Daisy Martin ask falteringly:
what kind Of ring can l buy for
five dollarsT
Not very good one" he returned
then as her pretty brown eyes filed,
he added, but you might give me
that much as deposit, and pay the
rest later"
II didn't know you ever sold goods
that way" Daisy said softly, and for
the first time Bart smarting from a
hurt given him by a heartless city
girl who had fiirted with him during
the past couple of months, noticed
how lovely the girlish face was.
Il never have" he said smiling, "but
1t is never too late to change my meth
DDS. Don't tell anyone about it, will
your"
"Oh no, no." she cried in alarm,
"and you won't tell that have bought
itT and the tears started In her sweet
eyes.
why, surely not" he returned,
wondering at her emotion, and brisk
ly turning matters into a thoroughly
business channel, he pulled out a tray
of rings, and asked:
"How high do you want to go2"
The girls eyes fingered upon a
dainty little pearl cluster ring, and
Bart finally let her have 1t at cost,
twelve dollars, telling her to pay him
the other seven as she saw fit. He
laughed at himself a little scornfully
the rest of the day when the transac-
ton required to him, but by the next
forgot it, for his heart was still heavy
with the sorrow the city girl had
made for him.
Daisy came in a week later with a
dollar, and he was somewhat sur
prised to see the ring on her finger,
for he had thought she was buying it
for someone else.
While the two lived near each 9TH
er, they moved In different circles,
Bart being in one Of the older sets,
so he did not meet her socially until
the charity entertainment at Christ
mas in which all the young people Of
the town participated. There was a
program made up of local talent, and
afterwards a dancing party. Bart,
who was very popular, danced with
the various bellies Of the place, but
began to notice that Daisy did not
seem to be asked, and so he inquired
of his partner why so pretty a girl
as she seemed to be neglected.
"Oh, don't know. She just doesn't
seem to take, l suppose, and then
since the talk about her ring, 1 guess
people think they had better know
just who she is going with before
they are seen with her."
what talkT Bart gasped, skillfully
guiding his partner into a recess as
the music ended, so she could con-
tnue her conversation.
"Why, she has ring that she says
was given her by someone who cares
q great deal for her, and who knows
her better than anyone else. She
won't tell who that someone is, and
PNOpAC uAC luc Ell
threw up her head.
Bart looked serious, but said moth
ing, and excusing himself started to
cross the floor, intending TO ask DaAy
to dance with him. He saw several
of the older girls go up to the little
figure and evidently say something TO
her that was not kind in its nature,
for Daisy sprang to her feet, her eyes
blazing. Then her head dropped and
she seemed to wilt as she resumed
her seat dejectedly.
In moment the young man was by
her side, asking gently:
what is IT, Daisy?"
The girl turned, her sweet young
face changing from white to crimson,
and then paling again, but she said
nothing.
He turned to the tormentors. per |
haps you will tell me the trouble"
"A mysterious person has given her
4 ring, and she won't tell who it is" |
said the elder of the young women.
Calmly, he took Daisy's little hand, |
,n which appeared the offending ring
and drawing it through his arm said |
oddly:
MY dear, while l thank you for /
keeping our engagement a secret, still
think you have gone a little too
FAR. AS YOU have respected my
wishes not to have II known until
lfter the first Of the year, I'll solve
he mystery Of this ring, and tell these
aides, and they can spread the news
Ill over town, that you obtained this
ing from me-" and with these words
lie swept the astounded girl from the
Dom.
sect on your wraps" he told her,
and / will take you home" and he
waited in the hall, fully conscious Of
he buzzing tongues inside as the
Jews spread like wildfire.
what made you buy the ring,
Daisy. dearT" he asked.
The girls say I'm too quiet for the
'oys to like me, and I thought IL
lad a pretty ring they would think
omeone out Of town cared for me-"
ssI on moor iiffle thing" he cried. Il !