The Van Buren press., 1870-02-08

She dreaded the dinner hour. IL ask
ed down into the family dining room
what excuse would she give? She woult
be too busy, she was really not hungry
and could truthfully plead headache
She was relieved from all such fears. how
ever, by the servant approaching with I
lunch, which was served upon the LITTLE
work table in the midst of her sswin,
materials. The Melvills were altogether
too genteel to admit seamstress to thei
own table, and Fanny was too ladylike il
her appearance, even though plainl,
dressed as she now was, to be asked t
eat with the servants.
1t was long day to Fanny; and sh'
felt inexpressibly relieved when, having
taken her own quiet observations on tn
habits and manners Of tho family, and tli
relation thereto Of its eldest hopeful, sh'
again donned her plain straw hat ant
thick veil to depart.
AS she passed down the steps she en-
countered Albert Melville, in earnest con
versation with one whose appearance wa'
anything but propossessing. There wa
no fear of recognition in her plain, darl
dress, and close veil, so she walked qui
etly up the street. and as she did so over
heard the words:
"You shall have your money, Smith
as soon as that little affair comes off. Il
my creditors only knew what am sacri
ficing for them, they would wait more
patiently" he added in an undertone Of
bitterness, and then the speakers were
out Of hearing
Fanny rather flew than walked, unit
she reached her own room, from which
she emerged in wonderful short space
of time, completely transformed in attire
to be one of the brightest ornaments oil
her Uncle's drawing room.
1t was several days before she had the
opportunity for another experiment.
Mrs Grey and her daughter usually
did their own dressmaking. A dress was
to be fitted, however, for great occa-
sion The son Of Edwards employer was
to bc united in marriage to the wealthy
Miss Fitznoodle, and as the young clerk
was a great fayorite, the old gentleman
insisted that cards should bic sent him
and his sister. So seamstress was to
be sent from Madame D.'s establishment.
To her dismay she found tho work
was to be donc in the family sitting room,
and not in a secluded sewing room, from
which she coild take notes and listen to
inadyertent remarks.
Do not think wo are reducing our prct
ty Fanny to the ordinary level Of an caves
dropper; she kept all tho information
thus thu g .a9cqgjrssaI q ed slSselyu hsy.swnhsarl,
wise of knowing the house-life of her al
most constant visitors. And, after all,
this home.lifc is the real life, the true in
dex Of character. No matter how polite
young man may be to other ladies OF
his acquaintance, if he is unkind to his
mother, or rude to his sister, he is clown
at heart, and his wife will surely discover
it ere many years have elapsed. Many n
man is noted for courteous and winning
manners abroad, who is tyrant in his
own family circle.
The very atmosphere Of Edward Grey S
home was redolent with his thoughtful
kindness. The invalid sister could hard
ly forbear his praises even to the stranger,
and the mothers proud smile whenever
his name was mentioned, spoke more than
mere words.
Ella" said Mrs. Grey, as she sat by
the invalids lounge, III a distant part OF
the room, "you must lie still now love,
and rest yourself for an hour or more
you are getting 50 much excited over this
invitation, that l fear you will be really
ill.,"
at is not the party, mother said the
young girl in low tone. NOR the
thought of my beautiful new dress tha,
excites met is seeing Edward so hap
py. If it were his own wedding he could
not betray more joy"
:" Ho has not spoken to me in that
manner" said her mother guardedly.
"Oh, no." said Ella, "he does not tel
me this-his whole manner speaks it
have been so much secluded from socie
ty that observe more closely the few
that make my little world. Neither yot
nor Edward can enjoy or suffer, without
my knowledgo and if mistake not, yo,
are both very much changed within a few
days"
"Yss, dear Ella" said Mrs. Grey
"you have judged rightly. j think Ed
ward feels relieved from fear that Albert
Melville might prove a successful rival
but fear he has other obstacles to en-
counter He is so hopeluf and SO fond
Of us, that ho refuses to consider oul
support any burdens but ho will never
marry until he can support both her ard
us. Even if he were sure OF her alice
tions, how could he expect her to give
up all tho luxuries to which SHE has beer
accustomed, and live in this simple
stylc?
Fanny felt that she was hearing toe
much, as both mother and daughter had
forgotten they were not alone, so she re
called their attention to her presence by
question about her work.
She soon after eXcused,hcrself, taking
the work with her to finish, and nevel
was dress more carefully wrought thar
this, in the solitude OF her own room
How many thoughts were interwovol
with the stitches Ella never knew bu
when few months after. Edward Grey
then partner in business with Tncl'
John, was married to pretty, and sensible
Fanny Roberts, she nSted, with tlr'
watchful eye of an invalid, the strange re
semblance which the brilliant bride bor,
to her former unassuming and plainly at
tired little dressmaker.