THE EMERALD RING.

Otago Witness, 1 June 1910, Page 89

THE EMERALD RING.

By A. Gordon Thomson.

It was a ring set in diamonds and emeralds, very massive and very valuable, and Max Carrington sat regarding it with a singular look. The ring lay on the table before him, and the gems which adorned it flashed and shone neath the gaslight. "There is no help for it," remarked Max, as he rose and began pacing the floor of his comfortably-furnished sitting room. He was a tall, handsome, fair-haired young man of about 28 years of age. "What cursed luck," he muttered. "If that stupid horse had only won the race!" The fact was that Max had lost heavily on a race a few days previously, and was absolutely cleaned out. He had a small allowance as a younger son, but that was overdrawn, and he found himself without money and at the end of his resources. He had that morning received an. invitation from his maternal aunt, Mrs Ridley, to go down on a visit to Beech Park, her place in Hampshire. Max would have declined his aunt's invitation but for a very important reason—namely, Norah Stanningly. Norah Stanningly was a very charming Irish girl, a daughter of a distant relation of Mrs Ridley's, who possessed a fortune in her own right, and who made her home at Beech Park. Max had fallen desparately in love with Norah, and up till now flattered himself that if she had not exactly encouraged his attentions had at least led him to hope. Under ordinary circumstances ne would have welcomed the invitation with eagerness, but as it was he must decline, for with the money in his .possession he could not risk the visit. "What an ass I have been!" he went on, taking up the xing. "It was my mother's last gift to me, anc 1 I do not like parting with it even for a time. Still, there is no other way. It must be done." Catching up his hat, he hurried out with the ring in his hand. Hi was only absent for a very brief time, and when he returned the ring was gone and in its place a number of banknotes and some gold. Next afternoon found him at Beech Park, a delightful old place standing in extensive grounds. There were very, few guests staying at the Park, but at dinner they were joined; by a number of residents in the neighbourhood. It was not until after dinner that he found an opportunity of talking to Norah, for a certain Captain Hunter, who had recently returned from South Africa, had monopolised her attention. They were on. the terrace enjoying the cool summer evening air, when Norah said: "That is Miss Portman singing." "Yes," returned Max; "I can detect the foxhunt shout in her voice." "Captain Hunter admires her very much, but then he is a man of taste," went on Norah with a side glance at her companion. "Yes. He seemed to admire you," returned Max. "I am very fond of Captain Hunter," she replied, disregarding the implied meaning in his words." "I could see that," he said. "I am very glad that you made the discovery, Max." "How can you make such a fuss about the little beggar—down here? What has he done?" Norah drew her lace wrap closer round her shoulders, and her eyes sparkled as she beheld the gloomy looks of her companion. "He has done heaps of things, you know. Captain Hunter was in one of the terrible battles. I can't recollect the name, but I know it was 'dorp' something. He escaped being killed by a miracle." "He is so short, I suppose the Boer bullets went all over his head," returned Max, biting the end of his moustache savagely. '"I like short men : they are always nicest," replied Norah, with an arch smile and a glance. Max frowned as he said, with strong emphasis : "It's a good thing that seme of those heroes who have fought in battles and been saved by miracles have come home; it will give the other poor chaps at the front a chance of distinguishing themselves." "And it gives to other men at home who have never shown bravery a chance of being sarcastic," she retorted. "It also gives women a splendid opportunity for slighting old friends," he replied. "One gets tired of meeting the same old faces day after day and hearing the same old phrases repeated again and again," said Norah, her eyes dancing with mischief. "I have not been down to Beech Park for at least three weeks," returned Max. "But you were at Nettlethorpe. I had a letter from clearest Etta. She is fond of you, Max." "Unfortunately, I can never tell when a girl is fond of me," he replied, looking hard at his companion. Norah did not answer, but turned her gaze away across the park, as if watching the waving trees glinting 'neath the rays of the setting sun. "I used to think that you were fond of me, Norah," continued Max desperately. "How stupid you are, Max," was the quick reply. "I said that Etta, B-'ngley was fcmd oi you,"

"You might also have added that she is thirty and very rich."

"Wet'?" she said. "You might introduce Captain Hunter to 'dearest Etta.' "

"How I hate your sarcasm, Max. You always make yourself ridiculous when you are sarcastic."

"These military men go through no end of money : always in the hands of the Jews," he went on.

"Have you beard, Max, that the rector has got a new curate?" 6he said, suddenly changing the subject. "No !" he returned gruffly. "He is coming to dine with us to-mor-row."

Max did not reply, and there was a few minutes' silence. "Are you glad I came down to Beech Park Norah?" ne asked at length.

"Oh, yes," she replied carelessly. "If I had not come would you have been sorry?" "Yes ! You see one regrets the absence of even a nuisance at times. It is always somebody or something to talk to or of. While speaking she glanced away_ across the park to hide the smile on her lips and the mirth shining from her eyes. "How provoking you are! But, Norah, do be nice and drive over to Lynn with me to-morrow?" , "Captain Hunter has promised to drive me to the Grange," was the quick reply. Max's brow clouded. "Perhaps alter luncheon you will walk as . far as the Priory?" he said. ' ~.',.,« "I should have been delighted, Max, but Captain Hunter has promised to take me out on the lake." she answered watching his looks. ',,... i "Then it's all up!" he returned, bitterly. "I mav as well go back to town." The "tone of his voice a wave of compunction to sweep over Norah. She was fond of Max, and now began to think she had been too hard on him. Looking up in his face with one of her rare smiles, she said : "I will drive to Lynn with you on Wednesday, Max. Will that make you happy?" ""Xou know it will," he answered, as they turned into the drawing-room. Next morning, after breakfast, Max went into the library to write some letters. Having finished them he found he was a stamp short. Hastily pulling out his poc-ket-book, he hurriedly searched through it •until he found another.' Then replacing his papers in the pocket-book he left the room. One small piece of paper, how-

ever, escaped his eye, and was left on the •blotting-pad. It was the pawn-ticket for the emerald ring! A few minutes Liter Norah entered the library and sat down at the same writing table. The piece of paper attracted her attention. She picked it Up and glanced at it curiously, then read the name: "'Maxtone Carrington, one diamond and emerald ring." For a long time Norah sat quite lost in thought, then she rase and quietly made her way to her own room. Max saw very little of Norah during the rlay, for Captain Hunter made the most pf his opportunities, and monopolised her society. This Max din not mind, for he was to drive her to Lynn on the morrow, »nd during the drive he determined to know his fate, and he felt very confident that her answer would be favourable. Then the question of a ring cropped up, and he determined to write to Messrs Barton & Berwick, his solicitors, and ask them to redeem the emerald ring. It would make a splendid engagement ring, he thought, and so at once sat down and wrote to them. Having finished the letter, he took out his pocket-book and began searching for the pawn ticket, but all his efforts to find it were fruitless. Surprised, he searched again and again, but without result —the pawn ticket was evidently lost. Not knowing what to do under the circumstances, he thrust the papers into his pocket and went out. After dinner he encountered Norah in the conservatory, and with . a beaming smile went up to her side and said: "You look serious, Norah. I hope the gallant Captain's society has proved agreeable?" "Yes, Mr Carrington," she answered, icily, at the same time walking on between the rows of flower stands. "I think I will take the bay mare when •we drive to Lynn to-morrow. She is a splendid stepper, Norah," said Max, paying no attention to the acidity of her tone. "I have changed my mind, Mr Carrington." with enmhnsis on his name; "I have no intention of driving to Lynn." Max opened his eyes wide with astonishment. "What is the matter Norah?" he asked. "Nothing," she answered, looking away from him. "But I would prefer, Mr Carrington, that you did not call me by my Christian name." The smile had died from the features of Max, and a puzzled expression gathered on his brow. "What have I done to offend you?" he asked. "I wish to return to the drawing room. Dear aunt will be waiting" for her game at whist," she replied, utterly disregarding his words. "But surely yon can explain " "No explanation is necessary," she interrupted quickly, with a very reproachful glance at Max. The latter was having a very bad quarter of an hour, and he felt it keenly. Utterly perplexed, he followed her into the drawing room, and throughout the evening he did not exchange a word) with iher. Next morning, at breakfast, amongst the letters that Norah .received was a small packet, which she glanced at curiously, then thrust into her pocket, at the same time bestowing a swift glance an Max. The latter was looking gloomy and miserable, for he really loved Norah, and was at a loss to account for her behaviour. Leaving the breakfast table as early as possible, Norah retired to her room, where she opened the packet and took from it Carrington's emerald ring. She had sent the money and redeemed it. The ring, which was a family heirloom, was a superb one, and delighted Norah immensely. She tried it on her finger, and it fitted beautifully, nor could she help admiring the magnificent gems with which it was studded. "It is lovely," she mused. "But, of course, I never can forgive him—never. He does not care for me ; like Sale rest, it is my money he is after. And I did think that Max oared for me. Oh, it is •wicked of him! His debts must be awful. Of course, I never can forgive him —that is impossible." While musing thus, Norah felt very much at a loss what to do with the ring, for she could not see any satisfactory way of returning it to Max without letting her identity be known. Max did not drive to Lynn that day, but hung about the house and grounds in tie hope that he might obtain an inter;yiew with Norah, but the forenoon was far advanced before his eyes were glad!dened by a sight of heT. He wsa returning from a visit to the kennels when he .observed Norah making her way along a aiarrow path that led to a small cottage Where an old woman, a pensioner of Mrs lived. A few quick steps, and he was at her side. "May I walk with you, Norah—l mean Miss Stanningly?" he asked. Norah gave him a quick glance from her : dark eyes, and was not slow to observe a change in his appearance. He was very jpale and' haggard looking, and there was something reckless in his bearing. i ■.'.; 'T saw you walking in another direc- ' turn, Mr Carrington," she said. "There '& no necessity for you chanJ.'.Eg your route." "None in the least," he answered, with a hard laugh, "so long as it lies in the same direction as yours!" The eyes of Norah flashed angrily. "But " "1 have offended you, Miss interrupted Max, "and being of my offence I camnot apologise." "You need not flatter yourself tist your actions could in amy way affect my behaviour," she retorted, fixing her- dark eyee on his face. Max returned her look as he asked: "Then what has changed you?" "Nothing!" she answered. "Such is the logic of women," answered - "It is not so wicked as the fereit of men."

1 "At any rate, it is quite equal to woman's wilfulness." Norah did not like this, and with a keen, reproachful look from her dark eyes said : "Once upon a time there was a young girl who was rich, and her admirers called her beautiful. Among them was a young man who professed to love her, and she rather liked him and almost —almost believed h.:n to be sincere." A hard look at Mas as she continued: "One day the young girl discovered that he had done something very mean—very bad and deceitful, —and she banished him from her presence for ever." A brief silence, when Max, assuming a tone of lightness and gaiety which he was far from feeling, salS: "Chapter two, Miss Stanningly: And ' the young man, to whom all explanation ; was denied, left her presence. Chapter three, Miss Stanningly, ends with the good old word 'ruin,' " he concluded with a harsh laugh. • Norah glanced at b;im keenßy, and saw that beneath his assumed lightness was a grave and deeper note, and almost involuntarily the words escaped her lips: "He could have repented." "And been forgiven?" he asked quickly. Norah saw her mistake, and abruptly changing the subject, said indifferently : j "I hope you enjoyed your drive to Lynn?" j "I did not choose to go," he answered. , "But, Miss Stanningly, I am almost ] tempted to say how charming you are i this morning." "My face is not my fortune, Mr Car- ■ rington," she replied. ! Her words caused the hot blood to mount to the cheeks of Max, and he said : "I see it now. I forgot. God knows I am poor enough, but when I sought your love your fortune never entered my | thoughts. " But 1 will not further force i myself upon your unwilling presence. I 1 shall leave Beech Park to-night, Norah," , he added, and; his voice trembled, "will I you say good-bye?" | For an instant a smile brightened her I features and shone from her dark eyes, ! but as quickly passed away. ! "You cannot leave Beech Park to-night, Max —I mean Mr Carrington. Of course it is best that you should" go. I will say , good-bye to-morrow." Without _ another word she turned and walked quickly toward Mrs Goodwin's cottage, which was i only a few yards distant. j ' Max stood and watched, her enter the j cottage, then he walked slowly towards I the house. I Norah was still puzzled as to what to do ! with the ring, but as she was dressing for j dinner came to a sudden resolution. _ "I I will wear it in the drawing room to-night ' after dinner. Tt will be such fun," and her eyes sparkled at the thought. On leaving the dining room she went 1 upstairs to her chamber, and putting the \ ring on a particular fingei returned the ' drawing room. "What will he do?" she kept asking herself. "It will be such fun." j During dinner Max had been unusually silent, scarcely uttering a word, only now and again bestowing a wistful, lingering glance on Norah, which that young lady chose to ignore. I When the gentlemen joined the ladies in the drawing room Norah was at the ' piano, and Max stood up at her side. He watched her fingers stray over the keys, | and- with a start of surprise saw the emerald ring. There was no mistaking it. Everything was clear now; and his face became red and white by turns. He had lost the' pawn ticket. Norah had found it, > and there was the ring on her finger. I Shamed beyond measure, Max did not know what to do or which way to turn. j Meanwhile Norah had left the piano and ! seated herself beside Miss Portman. | The keen eyes of that young lady dei tected the ring, and in what was meant ' as a whisper, but "which was sufficiently j loud to be heard half across the room : j "What a love of a ring! May I congratulate you, dearest Norah?" | But Norah had not thought of this, and her face became crimson. A whisper went ! round the room, and, other guests came I and offered their congratulations, while J Max stood apart watching the scene. ■ "Norah, that was my mother's engagej ment ring," said Mrs Ridley, "and she • left it to dear Max's mother. A marriage between you and Max is just what I had longed for. Dearest, if you are as- happy in your married life as was the first owner of your engagement ring, you will be happy indeed. But why, did you keep your engagement so secret?" "But, aunt—it ——" "Aunt," interrupted Max, stepping into the breach and standing up at Norah's I side, "it was just a little surprise that I Norah and I planned for you." I "Oh, you young people!" said the old I lady, laughing and turning away to attend j to some of her guests who Avere preparing j to. depart. "Is the young man, forgiven?" whispered Max, with a beaming smile. "The girl had to forgive him," she replied, looking up in his face. "You are the dearest girl in the whole world, Norah," he answered, "and I have a good mind to kiss you before the whole company."