Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1871-04-12
81 CANNOT AFFORD TT.v

Mr.. st. John entered the fashiOna-
bic dry-gOOds store of Lowering &
Brothers, to see one of the proprie-
tors.
He had stepued out for moment, +"
one OF the clerks informed him.
AMI Withdrawing to an obscure cor
ner. he stood watching, with a half
amused, half-cOmical look upon his
handsome face, the streams Of gaily
attired women that finated past him
gazing with enjOyOus and admiring
eyes upon the rich fabrics, Of every
hue and texture, that were suspended
from the ceiling and spread out on the
broad counters.
Many of them were known to him
but he was in no mood to meet the
sparkling glsnees and gay sallies that
he knew would be showered upon
him if he made them aware of his
presence; for Mr.. st. John was rich
and q bachelor, and had been so fiat
teaed and besieged by ambitious NAM
mas with manageable daughters as
TO make him almost resolve 20 always
remain one.
2 So he stood back in the shadow,
marking with curious eye uncon-
scious Tayals Of the natural dispO-
sitiOns Ike glimpses Of feminine hui
man nature, auJhwhich the dear erea-
tures would not have had him OBJ
serve for the world. -..-.-..
As he stood theie the two Misses
Parker came in, charming and bril-
liant giris, in whose society be had
passed many a pleasant hour.
They were lsvishin their purchases.
And Mr., st. John eOntrasted their
smiling faces with the care worn face
pftheir father, Who be met IN the
street scarcely an hour before hurry.
ing from Que friend to another to bor-
row money tOpay a note on the point
Of being protested their lively chat
ter Jared harshly on his ears 81
isn't it lovely :" exclaimed one of
the sisters, holding up some costly lace
trimmings. 81 suppose pa will scOld
when he sees the bill; but 50 he would
if it were only half as large" M E
ITO be sure he would, responded
the other. And Pm not going TO let
the Dayton girls outshine me, you
may be certain. It's my belief that
they give the party simply on account
Of st. Johns return from Europe. /
suppose they are trying to catch him
fer GeoFgianna. Did you ever hear
anything so ridiculOus?n
"Neveri I Such horrid taste as the
girl has in dress too She showed me
the new silk she is going to wear
Would you believe it2 1t is blue l.
And she is as dark As an Indian"
THAT is for the benefit Of Mr.. st.
John; II is his favorita color. met
him on the street yesterday, How
tall and handsome he has grown ?n
YES, aud he is so richi Pa saws be
is worth halfa million, IL not more.n
Here the two girls passed along out
Of sight and hearing, quite unconsci-
Gus OF their proximity to the subject
Of their remarks.
"GOOd heavensIn was Mr.. st.
Johns inward reflection; ''are all
women 50 heartless, SO wrapped in
vanity and displsy2"
He was about to quit the store in
disgust when his attention was ar
rested by a low and gentle voice,
which aroused a host OF vague but
pleasant recollections. He turned
eagerly in the direction whence it
proceeded; and as his eyes rested
upon a slender, neatly attired lady,
they lighted with pleasure.
A woman would have noticed that
the bonnet, though neat and fresh,
was not Of the latest style. and the
mantle of last seasons fashion; but
men rarely observe such things. All
that st. John saw was the graceful
form, the fair and gentle face OF the
wearer.
sweet Rose Lennox be thought,
she looks as lovely and fragrant as
her namein Can her fresh and guile-
less nature be so perverted as to care
for nothing but outward show.
In the meantime Rose made q few
simple purchases, quite unconscious
OF the ewes that were following her
every look and motion ~"
"Is that all, Miss LennOx ?'' said
the clerk.
dAll to-day"
III you were thinking Of getting q
dress, 1 can show you something that
will suit you
''As cannot purchase, will not
trouble you" was the low and quiet
reply.
mo trouble at all, Miss, - said the
clerk unrOlling the goods, and spread
ing 1t out upon the counter.
ItWas a heavy, ,lustrous ssilk-brOwn,
with a CLINT of gold in It, not unlike
the color of the soft hair that shaded
her forehead.
It caught the eye Of the Parker
girls who we're passing, and they
gathered eagerly around Il 4
''It's Justine sEeetest thing | ever
saw" claimed the oldest enthusiast
cally. Why don't you get it Rose! I
You have nothing for the party next
Thursday, and it's just what you
want"
"Only four dollars yard - sug-
gested the clerk, gathering up thei
silk in heavy folds, 50 as to display its !
lustre and beauty.
There was not the slightest touch OF
envy or regret in the soft blue ewes
that rested admiringly upon it.
ut is very pretty and quite Ieasons- ]
bic too; but | cannot afford it.u
These words were spoken quietly,
and with such an entire unconscious
ness that she was admitting ANYTHING 4
painful or humiliating, that with the I
wonder it aroused in the hearts Of her (
was mingled an involun- I
tary respect; though It was conduct 1
they could not have initiated and but
comprehended.
st. John made inquiries in regard
to Mr.. LennOX the next day, and
learned that he had sustained some
heavy losses, hut was still supposed
to be doing a good business.
Presuming on former acquaintance
he resolved 10 call at his house.