Year: 1874

knitting, and sat down by the opeI window in the parlor, where she could see everything that happened both in the house and in the garden.

 The doctor acted his part to perfec- tion. He was not too attentive, to at- tract attention from the housekeeper, nor did he forget for 8 moment to be watchful of his guests happiness.

 At 10:30 P. M., Sally returned to her own room, looking wonderfully serene and happy. Cousin Mary Depford was silent and watchful. Presently she saw something, and said,-

 70. Sally P

 "Well, dear ?"

 "Where's the ring P

 ooh, my love I quite forgot all all about it I did, indeed. I'll take it right back to. morrow"

 As for the doctor he sat up half the night, pacing his room alone and in the dark. At midnight he was called to see some distant patient. He was glad to go. The cool ride through the solemn dalk gave him chance to think.

 The next day Sally boldly started for the doctors, to return the ring. He was not at home. Of course she could noeiseave it with the housekeeper. Be- sides, why should she take the trouble to carry it to him? It was not her place. He should ask for it. e

 Cousin Mary fairly ragged. For the first time Sally was really unhappy over the matter, and in little passion she pulled off the ring and threw it in a drawer.

 'I'll return it by mail, Maryl Now leave me in peace P

 There was no peace. Without a thought she walked up alone to the post office through the village street to get the evening mail. It did seem as if the whole town were waiting for their letters. It was too warm for gloves, and in her haste to get her letters she forgot the absent ring. Such a lifting of eyebrows and whis- pering! Flushed and angry with her self, she darted out of the letter office only to almost run into the doctors arms.

 She hid her hand in the folds of her dress, and with a forced smile bade him good-evening. He spoke pleasantly, smiled, and passed on. In moment Sally heard his footsteps behind her as she walked rapidly home. She would not turn nor speak to him on the public road-and that would only make mat ters ten times worse. What was she to do? It was dreadful How she wished she had never touched the ring!

 To her surprise, he overlook her, and quietly and firmly put her arm in his. For moment she experienced 8 sense of unutterable relief and satisfaction. She leaned upon him for support, and was gratified as he seemed to draw her closer. How good in him to come to her rescue

 "The curtain has not been rung down yet, Miss Depford."

 The curtain Oh l he was only car rying out the joke With forced laugh she took the hint, and in 8 mo- ment was as merry and chatty as ever. Once the doctor looked at her in ques- tioning way, and once he was silent for a whole minute.

 They walked arm in arm up the vil- lage street, and at the sight half the town was dumb with astonishment, and the other half whispered the dreadful news about the missing ring.

 Little did they care. They walked on and on, and almost before Sally was aware of it they arrived at the doctors gate. The doctor opened the wicket, and with smile held it wide for her to enter.

 She paused. Was it right? Was she not carrying the joke altogether too far The blood mounted to her tenn pies, and she was silent.

 "Will you not come in, Miss Dep ford, and make us little call ?''

 "No-L-thank you. Not-now."

 She put out her hand to sustain her. the top of the gate-post. She felt ready to faint with modification, shame, and disappointment. This was the end. It was only joke-a pretence-and

 Miss Depford," said the doctor, in low voice, where is my ring ?"

 She snatched her hand away, and, hiding it in her dress, turned away to hide her face.

 "Pardon me, pardon me, doctor /; am much to blame. didn't mean any harm, and hated-hated-"

 Hated whom p

 "That-Sam Barret and I was so glad to escape from him, that I am afraid I've done very wrong-very wrong indeed.

 "How SOP"

 "In carrying out this dreadful, dread. full joke, as you call it. I am we'll pun ished for my folly. I took the ring of because I must-return it to yeu."

 But-Sally-I do not wish you to return it."

 She turned round amazed. What did he mean? One glance was sufficient.

 Come in-please-my love"

 She took his arm again without a word, and they walked slowly up the gravelled path toward the old mansion. The house-keeper came out and bade them welcome in 8 grand and impress sive manner. The crickets began to chirp in the grass. The air seemed laden with the perfume of summer flowers. The ancient ivy seemed to even vaguely hint of autumn, as it hung in motionless festoons from the walls. There was sober air about the place, far different from her childhood,s home. The doctor offered her an armchair on the wide piazza.

 How courtly and dignified his man. ners. His hair was gray-with honor. able toll. He leaned over her, and whispered,-

 "It is an old-fashioned place, and am such an ancient, solitary"

 "Hush 1t is our home, our home.

 The housekeeper turned proudly away from such childish nonsense and furtively wiped a tear for the late lamented solitary goose.

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