National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1870-12-09


name, nobody knew but himself. He
dared not ask her, and he did not know
how else he should learn. But fortune
favors the brave" you know, so one
morning, while he was busily selecting
some cambria handkerchiefs from box,
the proprietor of the store came up
and addressed her, calling her "Miss
Romer."
Douglas flashed a quick, pleased
glance at her, and the color deepened on
the young girls cheek rs she met it with
her eve.
Miss Romer," he repeated, 81 am
glad have learned your name, because
YOU reminded me of my sister" (Oh,
Douglas it wasn't because she looked
like her then y
81 have no sisters, or brothers either"
said she, sadly.
Have you not ?" said Lennox, pity
ingly. 81 should be very lonely without
mine, though | have only one sister
Now that l have learned your name, may
| tell you mine ?"
"If you please" saidMiss Romer.
at is Douglas Lennox, at your ser
vice. Please consider the owner your
friend, Miss Romer," said the young
man, so gravelv and kindly that she
could not be offended.
Thank you" she said, simply. Then,
pushing the box of handkerchiefs near
him, added, ''Do these please YOU ?"
Douglas was very quick to take the
gentle reminders which she sometimes
gave him, that he was prolonging his
s,to he Al
handkerchiefs
1t CHANGED that Miss Romer still let
her hand rest upon the edge of the box
1t was very small, white hand, with
little diInplcs at the joints, and pink,
shell-like nails and Lennox, who was a
passionate admirer of pretty hands,
longed to clasp them in his own. and
press them to his lips. But he was a
chivalrous gentleman, and would no
more have taken any liberty with the
humble shop girl than with the highest
lady in the land.
About this time Douglas took to early
morning walks, which generally led down
| Chestnut street Whether the fact that
/ he occasionly met Miss Romer on her
way to the store, and once or twice
walked with her, had anything to do
with the matter or not, | can't say. But
after such occasions, I do know that
the spirits Of Mr. Douglas Lennox i'm
/ proved considerably.
One Sunday afternoon near sunset
Douglas left lively circle in his sister s
parlor, and went ont for a quiet walk by
himself He entered one of the parks,
and was strolling through the sunny.
green paths, when his heart gave quick
bound at the sight of a trim little figure
IN blue, resting upon one of the shady
seats. For moment he hesitated, then
he crossed over and spoke
Good evening, Miss Romer
Miss Romer rose with the lady-like
grace which had long ago told Douglas
that she was used to cultivated society,
and retured his Sanitation. And then
they sat down again together, and yield
ing to the calm Sabbath evening in.
huences, they fell into quiet talk, ma.
turally az if they had been old acquaint.
ances.
They talked of themselves, and Mis-
Romer told Douglas that her home had
been in New Haven, and her father q
ge' 'leman of means, who had lavished
~ nu her, his only child every advan
tage which money and taste could pro
cure. She told him of the death of hei
father and mother in a single week, and
| how her fathers estate proved involved
aud left her penniless and alone,
She told him how she had sought fol
some means by which to support herself
and how she had finally obtained hel
situnton in Mr.. Shedon's store. ant
kept herself in O. mfort
And Douglas told her that he. too, wa.
an orphan, only himself and Bel left
but he touched very lightly on thu
> wealth that was his, least il should give
r her pain.
While they talked Miss Romer drop
ped her fan, and Douglas, picking ii up
saw written upon the plain, ivory handle
the name, Helen Romer."
Helen was my mothers name,' h
, said roverently.
"Was it ? 1t is mine, too. said Mis-
Romer, in pleased surprise
: q am glad it is yours, said Douglas
: And he fell to thinking how often he ha'
r written his mothers name. " Heller
, Lennox," and how much he would hk
to write it again, with an "R' betweel
9 the names.
q They sat very still little while
E hardly talking at all, and forgetting tn
, latcness of the hour, until the CLEAN q
the sea-lamps close by startled Mis-
S ROmer.
8 She hastily rose, saying. - did no
e know it was so late. ] must go home n
r once"
1 Donglas rose too, saying May ! nc
company you ?"
: She hesitated u moment, her colo
+ came and went, and then she said, look
S ing up with pleading glance Il hm
g rather You did not, Mr.. Lennox.
n Douglns flushed then, bnt he aske
z gently, "Will you tell me why p
r Helen was silent, the crimson deepen
ing in her fair face, and presently Doug
II as repeated his demand in n firmc
h tone. " Please tell me why, MIS-
II Romer,
IT Because, Mr.. L.cnnox, a young Ril
r, in my position en-, not have the frienc
# ship of gentleman in yours, without
q without" she hesitatod and could M
y 90 on.
il without making herself mark fc
idle and thouRhtless tongues, ] suppos
e you mean p asked Douglas, with dns
10 Of bitterness in his tone.
p She bowed her head in assent
81 Dougas quickly asked another quo
80 tion. Miss Romer, have sought you
nr society good many times htcly. HAY
,e | been the cause Of any such pain
at you ~ -, m
n Helen seemed deeply agitatcd, an