The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1869-11-04

"Nowherc near 1t, said Nelly, laugh.
ing again II am going to have real
fun, you may believe"
"But what object have you in this
quite foolish scheme asked her mother
80! you will see," replied Nelly
~ am going now, aud when Agnes is
dressed III come down and exhibit her."
Agues was pretty, and smart Also
She was very ignorant, but having been
dressing maid in several good families,
she had picked up little smatteriug Of
useful information. As for the rest,
she was full as handsome and nearly as
graceful, when she choose to be, as
many lady Of fashion.
She entered into the scheme with
spirit. "You are not to buy anything,
you know" said Nelly, as she turned
dressing maid, clasped on the bracelets
and aided her in dressing, "but ask for
such and such silks, speak in an order,
ing, commanding way. you know, and
manage somehow to show your money.
o! l have it, carry it in this purse the
gold will shine through the meshes
beautifully"
Sand what shall you wear 7" asked
Agnes, surveying herself in the long
mirror, with pleasant 4 ce.
ali? o. plain meriuo, with closed
sleeves and linen cuffs mamma's every
day straw bonnet with the flower taken
out, common Lisle glo?es, and look just
as plain as a pipe stem"
70, dear, dear" cried the girl, laugh
ing, why people won't know you"
81 don't mean they shall, said Nelly,
dem1rely, proceeding to dress her hair
low upon her forehead, and otherwise
alter her appearance SO that her mother
would hardly recognize her. Throwing
on at last o deep brown veil to shade
her face, she was ready. Agnes had
received her directions to keep near
Nelly, both in the street and in the
store. IL was not long walk to Lloyd,
Sheldon j. Co.'S. There were three
young men; the firm was new, aud the
partners took an active part in the
sales-rOonI, thus overseeing their bust.
ness and economizing somewhat.
Agnes acted the great lady to per.
fection. She shook out her silks,
tossed her head little, as if with the
feeling that everything about her was
entirely beneath her notice, yet she
could condescend perhaps to buy some.
thing, and sailing along the store, her
humble looking companion behind her,
she paused at place where four clerks
stood with their eight hands ranged
along together, ready to jump over the
counter if need be, to execute the lady's
commands.
Nelly stood quietly back, her face
shaded by the brown veil. She saw
Lloyd immediately leave plain looking
customer to the civilitics of Sheldon,
who was near him, aud making a sign
to the clerks, he was left alone with the
new customer.
81 want 70 see some moire antique"
said Agnes, with the air of one who
has plenty Of money.
"Certainly, madam" replied the DO.
lite clerk Immediately taking out im.
mense cases Of the splendid silks, and
spreading them before her.
"How much do they come to yard ?"
asked Agues, eunningly showing her
gold.
The young man informed her, with a
great deal Of Difference, turning over
aud displaying great number Of the
goods.
They don't exactly please me; they
amt costly enough" said Agnes, long.
ing TO look over towards Nelly and
laugh.
ave have very splendid embroidered
silks at almost any price" said Lloyd,
delighted that he had fallen in with q
customer who seemed to have no care
how much things cost, aud with great
trouble he took down other cases, catch
ing his coat.slseve unfortunately on a
nail, and tearing it nearly from shoulder
to elbow.
Nelly was obliged to turn away then
TO conceal smile Meanwhile Sheldon
had got through with his customer, aud
the young girl heard Lloyd say in a
muttering voice, "Just look out for
that woman there-goods are lying about
loose"
The indignant blood rushed to her
face.
"lsu't she a customer" asked Shel.
don in the same tone.
"No, servant, l expect; carry home
bundles" said Lloyd, still in that sup.
pressed voice. But Sheldon did not
seem to be satisfied; he came forward,
saying in a geutlemauly manner: "Can
wait upon you, madam"
Instantly Nelly experienced glow
Of warmth about her heart that had
felt the risings Of scorn before. She
modestly replied, "Some aanuels, il
you please"
"Be kind enough to walk over to the
opposite counter. As see the clerk Is
engaged there, l will serve you," he
said. Nelly followed with a beating
heart. How different this treatment
from the uukind suspicious Of the more
elegant Lloyd. Very courteously he
waited upon her, forcing no goods TO her
attention; merely bowing II she was
not satisfied, taking down with alacrity
whatever she asked for, so that every
moment, as she looked at his fine coun,
tenance, her admiration grew stronger
perhaps another sentiment increased
also in depth and intensity.
Suffice i to say that Nelly bought til