National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1870-12-09
SHE WAS ONLY A SHOP GIRL.
ny MATTE DYER BRITrs.

"Glovos. sir? Yes, sir. What num-
ber?'
The words fell with tired little sigh
from the lips Of the young girl who stood
behind the counter, and caused Douglas
rennox TO take a second look into the
sweet face. and dark grey eyes which met
his for the first time.
BENDING over the box of gloves which
she had taken down for his inspection
the Young girl sighed again, and Douglas
hastily rose from the stool upon which
be had lnzily dropped.
81 am ashamed to sit when you are
standing, he said, am sure You must
I've very tired. Are Won not -
That young girl would have refused to
notice 4 remark from most strangers. mp
on any subject except their purchases,
but there are some people we instinc-
lively feel we can trust. and Douglas
Lenno1's kind voice and frank, honest
free effectullv 4 'rmed resentment.
She looked up and said
Rather tired. I have been on my
ieet all dav. "Snd the faint smile which
dimpled the corners of her mouth added,
IN the younT mans eyes, to the winning
beauty of her face.
But surely vou can sit down when
von have n spare moment " he said,
somewhat Indignantly.
The young girl shook her head No,
not in business hours"
d" II is n shame" said Douglas, 81
have heard that such denominations exist
ed in our city, hut | never really be
leved it,"
d" II is allowed in some stores, said
the Young lady.
Then why do YOU not leave youl
plnce here. and go 10 such one ?" askec
Douglas.
She gave another faint smile 81
vou had been n shop girl for four years
and knew the difficulty of getting {
situation Won would not ask that ques
ton, Then hastily pushing n seconf
box Of gloves towards him. she added
in lower tone.
Mr. sheldon is coming this way.
should lose my place here if he hear'
what | said. Please look at the gloves
Aud Douglas, not stopping to examine
whether he got the number he wanted o
NOT, quickly selected two or three pairs
pad for them and left the store.
But he carried with him the image O
me sweet-faccd shop girl. and it haunte'
nm, unaccountably, all day.
Poor little tired thing - he said
pltyingly, ~ wish she were my sister
md then she needn't work so hard"
Once or twice he curled his haught,
mp NJ the idea of himself, the aristocra
uc Douglas Lennox, who was sole maste
vi handsome place upon the Delaware
VINO counted his money by thousands
ana who had been for several season
the lawful prey Of all the managing nam
mas and matrimoninlly-incined daugh
'ers IN " society should he wasting s.
many thoughts on little shop girl
but II he was nrstocrntic, Lcnnox wa
also democratic and had no false notion
opont the disgrace of labor. The littl
thop grl held the same claim TO homo
N nus mind that she would have hel
md She been n queen.
ana when, rather early next morning
We TOOK his way to the same store. Doui
u' acknowledged to himself that HI
purchase was merely an excuse, and Ii
I"'' object nm honest interest in, and
S"rm desire to see again, the winnin
dav.
IN she recognized him Douglas f.
s're' nom the faint sweet smile whic
nP'ln dlmpled the corners Of her sma
month But he said nothing exccl
p'o't the goods He looked ut he
tho"ever, with an earnest glance
uo'est admiration, and when, in maxim
'' change, her soft hand accidental
Iuched his, it sent u thrill through h
L. ,Whcw " he said to himself, lftn
p's mt aud drawing free breath as
Wv, tne store "Douglns I4cnnox. I h
Ave as ~ my soul you're captivated ut las
na'aa M"u mat too. hYa little shop girl who
mt'nc m.I. You dom, oven know Wond
,L Iun, siater Bel would say r. And as
nouRht OF his stylish sister entering IA
,o., o,y ,,lore, Store, aud perhaps trading with tn
bo.N lltt,e girl entirely v unconscious III
prother'a eye had over rested ndmi
alon%I ls% on THE sweet face, Douglas laugh,
,. vel after the little speech he ma.
s' wv 'elt the store, | think Won can /,
,nn ,mr abont what followed. n wns 4
n"n'1'ng how many little purchns
IN us1l' iolnd he could not do witho,
"o next lew weeks. Aud from dro