The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1869-06-10

"hh u couplc W young 1llcn VINO were
chatting together. Notknowiug wheth
er to turn to the right or to the left,
she politely inquired ifthey could direct
her q Mr.. Barclays Office. ..
The gentlemen who were none other
than Billings aud llartly scanned Flor.
ence for moment, when the former
gentleman, surprising her to be some
poor client, raised his hat in mock cour-
tcsy, and inquired: How much would
you give to know" While his other
companion said that if she wanted to
know how fur it was he could inform
her, it was as far again as half
Poor Florence, it she had raised her
thick veil, they might have seen the in
dlgnant scorn that flashed from her
brilliant eyes, but ere the last speaker
had finished she was hurrying on.
A quick step sounded behind her,
and in eentlemanly, polite voice, she
heard Clarence Raymond exclaim;
This way, madam" aud in another
moment she stood before the door on
which she recognized her unclc's name.
She only bowed her thanks to the
gentleman and then rushed into her
uhcle's office.
Blanche was very indignant when
Florence informed her Of what the
young gents had said to her. She
vowed she would let them know pretty
quickly who it was they insuted,
But Florence said she had better
idea tn n that, and it was to appear at
a ball they were going the next evening
in her real character.
The following evening Mr. Barclay
felt glow of pride as he entered Mrs.
Armatager's well filled drawing room
with his daughter and niece. Both
were SO beautiful, yet SO unlike, and
dozens passed towards the hostess to
inquire who the beautiful stranger was
for Florence Leslie presented quite a
different aspect dressed in the height
Of fashion, and she was suddenly trans.
formed from the plainest dressed young
lady to the most elegant attired Que
there.
Foremost among the group for an in.
PRODUCTION were our former acquaintan.
ces, Mr.. Billings and his friend Hartly.
With most polite bow and gracious
smile, she recognized her introduction
to Billings who Immediately asked if
she would do him the honor of dancing
the next set with him.
There was a naughty look about her
beautiful lips for moment, and then
in silvery accents and with peculiar
emphasis, she returned; How much
would you give to know"
Mr. Billings gave Florence one look
and he knew all. Without one word
the poor fellow shrunk out of sight.
Not many minutes had elapsed ere
Florence found herself chatting gaily
with Mr.. Hartley.
Have you been in the city very
lougy' he inquired.
"Not very"
How far from here to your home,
Miss Leslie?"
Just as far again as half, Mr.. Hart.
ley"
In another moment Florence stood
alone, while her companion took one of
the back streets towards his boarding
house.
MIR. Raymond had recognized Flor.
ence the moment she entered, but now
stood aloof from the reigning BELLE
As soon as she got the opportunity she
went towards him with the question:
Have you forgotten me this EVENING""
mo-" was the reply, "but tonight
you were surrounded by such brilliant
crowd that thought you wonld forget
me-" - -
"No, indeed" was the warm rcjoiner
:" never forget my friends"
Florence returned to her own beauti.
full home, and as she sat one morning in
hersdrawing room Mr.. Raymond was
announced. The hours few swiftly by,
and when he rose to 60, there was
happy smile on Florences face, aud as
she extended both her hands to him at
parting, there flashed 90 one Of her
tapering fingers, her engagement ring;
aud as Clarence bent over and whispered
some questions in her ear, she laughing.
ly answered; "Yes, Clarence, yes, the
heiress loves you just as well aud better
than the young lady in drab did"