t. The
circumstance of her selling me this valuable ring caused me to notice
her particularly, and I recognized her countenance ever after." "Name
your price for the ring," said the gentleman,--"I must purchase it at
any price; and the next thing, I must, if possible, find the young lady
who brought it here, I have seen this ring before, and that is all I
wish to say of the matter at present; but is there no way in which you
can assist me in obtaining an interview with this young lady?" "I have
no knowledge of her name or residence; but if you were in my shop when
she chanced to pass here I could easily point her out to you in the
street." "You may think my conduct somewhat strange," said the
gentleman, "but believe me my reasons for seeking an interview with this
young lady are most important and if you can point her out to me in the
street I will endeavour to learn her residence, as that will be
something gained." Before the gentleman left the shop he paid for the
ring, and placed it in his pocket. For several days, he frequented the
shop of the jeweller with the hope of gaining a view of the lady. At
length one morning the shop-keeper suddenly directed his attention to a
lady passing in the street, saying, "there, Sir, is the young lady from
whom I purchased the ring." He waited to hear no more, but, stepping
hastily into the street, followed the lady at a respectful distance; but
never losing sight of her for a moment till she entered her home two
streets distant from the shop of the jeweller. He approached the door
and rang the bell. The door was opened by the same young lady, whose
manner exhibited not a little embarrassment, when she beheld a total
stranger; and he began to feel himself in an awkward position. He was at
a loss how to address her till, recollecting that he must explain his
visit in some way, he said: "Pardon the intrusion of a stranger; but, by
your permission, I would like to enter the house, and have a word of
conversation with you." The young girl regarded the man earnestly for a
moment; but his manner was so gentlemanly and deferential that she could
do no less than invite him to enter the little sitting-room where her
mother was at work, and ask him to be seated. He bowed to Mrs. Harris on
entering the room, then seating himself he addressed the young lady,
saying: "The peculiar circumstances in which I am placed must serve as
my apology for asking you a question which you may consider
imperti