North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1862-12-10

full soft lips did not, and her soul was all
hcart-a creature pretty and most wnsoIne,
but one whose good deeds would be ofshoots
of impulse, not principle; none the less grace
full for that. however. She reverenced her
cousin Gertrude as a superior being and,
after her own gay fashion, loved her dearly.
She sprang up and clapped her hands as Miss
Chaloner spoke.
"Going to get winter things? Oh, that
is charming! l always love to see you shop
You 60 at it royalty. No shilling counters
for you! 1t is well that your purse, is as
long as your taste is lofty"
Miss Chaloner smiled.
I" fear you'll be disappointed, Nan. am
going to buy practical, useful things this
morning"
AS if did not know that your most use
tuI gown was a Frenca cashemere, and your
most serviceable stockings were finespun of
the silk worms cast off winding sheet"
Well, l am not going to buy cashemere
robes this morning, but shall get good
many winter things nevertheless"
Nan put on her dainty velvet cloak and
tied her French hat round a face bright
with the careless, thoughtfulness joy of youth
Miss Chaloner made graver toilet and
soon they were on Washington street
Their first stopping place was at grocers.
Flour, and sugar, and butter were purchased
in liberal quantities, and sent to different ad-
dresses. which Miss Chaloner read from
card which she held in her hand.
Nan began to wonder, but she maintained
discreet silence. She walked on beside her
cousin with her tripping footsteps till they
turned into Summer street, the more congen-
ial regions of dry goods shops. A half sup
pressed exclamation of delight escaped her
as she saw the tempting array of silks in
window on the north side; and when Miss
Chaloner entered the door she began to think
the true business of the day was conmenc
ing. But they did not go up to the silk
counter, or turn aside for the soft faces float.
ing out mistily. Half way up the store,
where the shelves were piled with substan-
tlal cottons and warm blankets, Gertrude
Chaloner stopped, and Nan made halt-un-
willing pause at her side. The purchase was
extensive-several pieces of cotton, half
dozon pairs of soft, warm blankets, in these
DAYS when cotton and blankets are at a pre-
MUM. Mans wonder increased. But the
articles were to be sent home this time, and
she began to think her cousin was secretly
contemplating .matrimony and house-keep
ing.
"We will cross the street now," Miss
Chaloner said, as they went out, "I saw
over there some nice, serviceablc winter dress
goods cheap"
" When, in the name of wonder, did you
begin to care for cheapness ?'' muttered Nan,
as the little door boy let them in.
The dresses were purchased-a few rem
nants for children, some dark calicoes, and
strong woolen goods in larger patterns; and
dozen or two of coarse, warm stockings
and the list was complete.
Now, to pay you for being good, you
shall look at pictures lttle," Miss Chalo-
ner said, as she led the way towards Ever
ett's.
They looked over some choice engravings
for half an hour, and finally Miss Chalonsr
purcha sed one--small, but gem of the most
exquisite art-a Madonna with the Holy
Child smiling in her arms, and the attend
ant angels looking out from the clouds around
with the brightness of ano ther world upon
their brows. She gave direction for it to be
framed simply, and said that she would call
for it on the morrow"
With usual reticence Nan refraincd from
any questions until they had reached home
and sat down in her cousins pleasant room
to rest awhile. Then, when the bundles be-
gan to come in, she asked
Are these blankets and cotton for your
self, cousin Gertrude 2"
No."
"And of course the calcoes and stockings,
and remnants are not. Who, in the name of
common sense are they for and how much
morning on this rubbish ?''
As to whom they are for, you shall see
that tomorrow and as to the money have
spent, it is less than half my usual winter al.
lowance."
"And you expect to dress on the other
half ?"caried Nan, with wide open wondering
eyes.
"No, the other half goes for coal and
house rents"
"And you are to dress on-what 2"
a "What have. Except boots and gloves,
do not mean to have a single new article
this winter"
"Excep:, of course, your bonnet one
could hardly imagine Miss ChaloneI
in last years chapeau."
"Not even excepting my bonnet
NV last winters one was black velvet. 1t
will alter over irreproachably. do not