Palisadian., 1922-04-08
THE RING
BY AGNES G. BROGAN

low garden wall. Nance sprang MIN.
bly, to her favorite seat. while the
young man took place beside her.
Its great view," he said, and as
he tapped his boot, ring slipped from
its place on his finger, to roll glinting
down the road. The young man
jumped after his treasure and re-
turned, breathing a sigh of relief.
Il must be CAREFUL" he told the
girl, "and see that does not happen
again; my fingers growing thinner;
your fault probably" He cast side
glance at her.
Nance leaned forward to examine
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 band of enamel-edged gold.
Inside is the motto, 4 see.' The ring
was given to me by wealthy cap
italist, who happened to be lifelong
friend of my father. This man never
made 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, chow
does the mystic eye make known its
reading?"
Bruce gazed quizzically out across
the meadows.
"In a strangely, unexpected man.
ner," he replied, land its directing is
unmistakable"
"You," Nance asked amusedly, "have
sought it's advice?"
The young man nodded. MANY
times"
She slipped down from the wall.
IT am going home," she declared
laughingly: you make me feel eerie."
He led her, his strong Drowned hand
beneath her arm, his admiring eyes on
her rose-flushed cheeks.
Inside the home living room Nance's
family greeted her. Aunt PhrOnsie's
face wore a frown, and pale-faced
Lille Ray, after one quick glance at
Nances 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, also?"
Lille Ray" mother gently remind
ed, sis very frail, Nance; disappoint-
ment might go 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 fa-
vor. I'm asking the favor now, Bruce.
VIII you let me take your ring to-
night? l want it to advise me-"
Certainly" the young man agreed;
'but the ring sees for it's owner alone,
Nance-Rose. To him only it gives
sign"
"Still I'd like to take it," she per-
sisted. She looked back at him, an
enigmatic smile curving her lips-1
suppose" she Knocked, "this uncanny
ring will one day direct you to the
woman you are to marry?"
Bruce Manners spoke seriously. II
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. l can't walk
outside. You and Bruce will walk,
suppose"
Nance hastily endad the frail girls
fears.
mo" she replied, "Pm going up
stairs to write. Bruce will come in
here. Lille, 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 it to him.
Here, you might sing a song L Love
You, Dear that's pretty. Then give
him the ring"
"Myl it is beautiful" she ex'
claimed.
own room to rest her face against
Dons 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 sign, Don.
How could it be other than a sign Of
the woman he is to marry?'
When Nance could bear 1t no longer,
she crept down the stairs. Lille was
not in the living room. Bruce was
there polling about the dead fire with
a stick. Surprised into action, Nance
crossed to his side. His radiant smile
greeted her; breathlessly she waited.
swell, Nance-Rose," he said severe
ly, "you trusted poor messenger;
the listless Lille, tossing my ring to
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