Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1871-06-14


/ have learned your name, because you
remind me of my sister, (Ob, Douglas
1t wasn't because she looked like her
thenD
Il have no sisters, or brothers, either,
said she, sadly.
Have you moi I? said Lennox, pitviug-
Iy. Il should be very lonely without
mine, though / have only one sister,
Now that have learned your name, may
tell you mine?
IF you please said Miss Romer.
1T it Douglas Lennox, at your service.
Please consider the owner your friend,
Miss Romer,' said the young man, SO
gravely and kindly that she could not be
offended.
Thank yon,' she said, simply. Then
pushing the box of haudkerchiefs near
him, added, DO they suit!'
Douglas was very quick to take the
gentle remainders, which she sometimes
gave him, that he was prolongIng his
stay, SO he turned his attention to the
handkerchiefs.
1t CHANGED that Miss Romer still let
her hand rest on the edge of the box. 1t
was very small. white hand, with little
dimplos Mt the joints, and pink. she'll like
nails, and Lennox, who was passionate
admirer of pretty hands, longed to clasp
them in his own, and press them 10 his
lips. But be was a chivarous gentleman,
and would no more have taken any lib.
erty with the humble shop girl than with
the highest lady in the land.
About this time Douglas took early
morning walks, which generally led down
to Chestnut street. Whether the fact
that he occasionally 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, cannot say. But
after such occasions, | do know that
the spirits of Mr.. Lennox improved con-
siderably.
On q Sunday afternoon, near sunset,
Douglas left lively circle in his sisters
parlor, and went out for quiet walk by
himself. Re entered one of the parks
and was strolling through the sunny,
green paths, when bis heart gave a quick
bound at sight of a trim little figure
in blue, resting upon one of the shady
seats. For moment he hesltated, then
crossed over and spoke.
Good evening, Miss Romer.'
Miss Romcr arose with the lady like
grace which had long told Douglas that
she was used to cultivated society. and
returned bis salutatiou. And then they
sat down together, and yielding to the
calm Sabbath evening influences, they
fell into a quiet talk, as naturally as if
they had been old acquaintance.
They talked of themselves, aud Miss
Romer told Douglas that her home had
been in New Haven, and her father was
"a gentleman of means, who had lavished
upon her, his only child, every advantage
which money aud taste cond procure
She told him of the death of her father
and mother IN single week, and how
her fathers estate proved involved, and
left her penniless aud alone.
She told him she had sought for some
meaps by which to support herself, and
she had finally obtained her situation in
Mr.. Sheldou's store, and kept herself in
comfort.
And Douglas told her that he, too,
was orphan-only himself and Belal left
but he touched lightly on the wealth
that was his, lest it should give her pain.
While they talked, Miss Romer drop
ped her fan, and Douglas, picking it up,
saw written upon the plain ivory handle
the name, 'IIelen Romer.'
Helen was my mothers name, said
he reverently.
WAS it? 1t is mine said Miss Ro-
mer, in pleased surprise.
Il am glad it is yours said Douglas,
and he fell to thinking how often he had
written his mothers name-Helen Len
nox-and how much he would like to
write it again with an RI between the
names.
They sat very still little while, hard
ly talking at all, and, forgetting the late
ness of the hour, until the CLEAN of the
street lamps close by startled Miss Ro-
mer.
She hastily arose, saying Il did not
know it was so late. must go home at
once
Douglas rose, too, saying, may l &C
company you:'
She hesitated moment, her color
came and went, and then she, looking up
with a pleading glance, and: i had
rather you would not, MIR. Lennox.'
Douglas flushed then, but be asked
gently, twill you tell me why?'
Helen was silent, the crimson deepen.
ing in her fair face. and presently Doug.
las repeated his demand in firmer tone,
please tell me why, Miss Romer.'
Because, Mr.. Lennox, a young girl
in my position cannot have the friend
ship of a gentleman in yours, without
Without she hesitated and could not 60
on.
Without making herself mark for
idle and thoughtless tongues, ! suppose
you mean Q asked Douglas, with dash
of bitterness in bis tone.
She bowed her head in assent.
Douglas quickly asked another ques-
tod, Miss Romer, have sought your
society a good many times lately. Have
been the cause of any such pain TO you 2
Helen seemed deeply agitated. and did
not replv until the Young man said en-