Page:The leopard's spots - a romance of the white man's burden-1865-1900 (IA leopardsspotsrom00dixo).pdf/313

 denite I saw at the Exposition! It is the most beautiful stone I ever saw, and the only one of its kind in size and colour in the world. Professor Hidden told me so. I tried to get Papa to buy it for me. But he laughed at me, and said it was childish extravagance. Charlie dear, how could you get it?"

"That's a little secret. But there are to be no secrets between us any more. I had a little hoard saved from my mother's estate for the greatest need of my life. I confess my extravagance."

"You are a matchless lover. I'm the proudest and happiest girl that breathes."

"Nothing is too good for you, I wish I could make a greater sacrifice."

"Wait, till I show it to Mama," and she flew to her mother's room. She returned immediately, looking at the ring and kissing it.

"Couldn't show it to her, she had company," she said. "Allan is talking to her."

"Let's get out of the house, dear. I hate that man like a rattlesnake."

"Don't be silly, I never cared a snap for him."

"I know you didn't, but there is a poison about him that taints the air for me. Get your horse and let's go to our place at the old mill."

They soon reached the spot, and with a laugh she sprang upon the rock and took her seat against the tree.

"Now, dear, humour this whim of mine. I've grown superstitious since you've made me happy. I have a presentiment of evil because that man was in the house. I am going to take the ring off and put it on your hand again out here where only the eyes of our birds will see, and the river we love will hear."

"That will be nicer. I somehow feel that my life is built on this dear old rock," she answered soberly.