The Bienville Democrat. [volume] (Arcadia, Bienville Parish, La.) 1912-1980, 1922-05-04

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the ring. Bruce Manners bent his un-
covered head until his dark hair
brushed hers.
"Yes," he explained, unusual and
significant. The sapphire Is set like
an eye In a band Of enamel-edged gold.
Inside Is the motto, I see.' The ring
was given to me by a wealthy cap
itallst, who happened to be lifelong
friend of my father. This man never
made a deal, or serious venture, with
out first consulting the eye for Its
vision of success. The ring had been
given to him by an East Indian mer-
chant, who earnestly believed In Its
clairvoyant power"
But" asked Nance, smiling, "how
does the mystic eye make known Its
readlng?"
Bruce gazed Quizzically out across
the meadows.
I'm a strangely, unexpected man.
ner," he replied, "and Its directing Is
unmistakable."
"You," Nance asked amusedly, nave
sought its advice?"
The young man nodded. MANY
times"
She slipped down from the wall.
II am going home" she declared
laughingly: "you make me feel eerie.'
He led Ter, his strong Drowned hand
beneath her arm, his admiring eyes on
her rose flushed cheeks.
Inside the home living room Nances
family greeted her. Aunt Phronsle's
face wore a frown, and pale-faced
Lille Ray, after one quick glance at
Nance's glowing cheeks, left the room.
Even mothers smile was strained,
feeting.
my dear" began Aunt Phronsie'.
haven't you admirers enough Of your
own, that you must make a conquest
Of Lilies hero, alsoT
Lille Ray" mother gently remind
ed, lis very frail, Nance; disappolnt'
ment might 90 hard with her.
The brown dress she wore was not
as becoming as usual, Bruce Manners
thought, when Nance met him later
at the door.
"You said once" Nance hurriedly
began, that you would like to prove
your friendship for me, by some "a
vor. I'm asking the favor now, Bruce.
VIII you let me take your ring to-
nighti want It to advise me-"
Certainly" the young man agreed;
"but the ring sees for Its owner alone,
Nance-Rose. To him only it gives
q slgn."
"Still I'd like to take It," she per.
sisted. She looked back at him, an
enigmatic smile curvlng her llps-T
suppose" she Knocked, this uncanny
ring will one day direct you to the
woman you are to marry"
Bruce Manners spoke seriously. u
am sure" he said, "that the sapphire's
eye, then, will not be more blue than
her own"
Lille Ray was In the living room
playing the piano, the last log dying
In the fireplace.
"These spring evenings" she com.
planned, ARE so chill. can't walk
outside. You and Bruce will walk, /
suppose"
Nance hastily ended the frall girls
fears.
NO." she replied, I'm going up.
stairs to write. Bruce will come In
here. Lille, i want you to do some.
thing for me. Put this ring Of his
on your finger for safe keeping, and
when Bruce comes In give 1t to him
Here, you might sing a song. I Love
You, Dear that's pretty. Then give
him the ring"
"Myl It Is beautiful" she ex
claimed.
Nance sank down on the floor Of hel
own room to rest her face against
Don's loving head.
"Just about now" she murmured
lille is looking up from her song
into Bruce's face she is giving him
the ring-the clairvoyant ring. And
Bruce will know It's a sign, Don
How could 1t be other than a sign o.
the woman he Is to marryT
When Nance could bear It no longer
she crept down the stairs. Lille wal
not In the living room. Bruce wal
there poklng about the dead fire with
a stick. Surprised into action, Nance
crossed to his side. His radiant smile
greeted her; breathlessly she waited.
"Well, Nance Rose" he said severe
1y,, "you trusted poor messenger
the llstless Lille, tossing my ring II
me, tossed 1t into the FIRE BY mistake
And when I said DAMN, she indig.
nantly, disgustedly, departed
Weakly, remorsefully, Nance dropped
into chair. Then sudden blue
CLEAN shot into the air to drop hatly
into her outstretched palm.
Il dislodged it that time" Bruce
Manners cried excltedly; turning, b,
met the wondering gaze Of Nance
Rose,
On her eutstretched palm the up
phire eye twinkled up at him. Deliber
ately, triumphantly, Bruce Manner,
came to clasp Nance In his arms
You can't beat that old ring, nj
lsar." be said.