The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1871-09-07
9nberson ynteAigerlfer.
ONLY A CLERK.

Laura SdTllSlc sGOOu WhOAO oSoASSiJ hoAA
dozen women in the room would have dared to
stand. directly under the blaze of the chande-
ler, her cheeks crimson with excitement, her
eyes bright as the jewels which flashed in her
brown hair, her heavy garnet robes sweeping
against the simple muslin dress of her cousin,
Katy Carlisle, who was as different from her
rs the tender twilight from the brilliant noon
day.
Yet sweet Katy, even in that simple dress,
with her eyes blue as the torquoise sash which
bound her slender waist was no less attractive
than her naughty cousin, and so thought FLOYD
Laurence, as he stood chattering 20 them. 1t
was not lack of beauty which often cast Katy
IN the shade-but Katy was poor, and golden
bait is soonest snapped at you know; ,,.
''Oh do think so much OF a good OLD faml,
lyr' said Laura, who, having heard that Floyd
Laurence belonged to one of the "F. +; VS.,
desired to create an impression. "Why,
wouldn't look at prince if he did not come
from good stock"
aPrinces are generally supposed to do SO,
Laura" laughed Katy, a mischievous twinkle
coming into her eyes as she met Floyds glance.
"Oh, of course meant if they could do
otherwise" said Laura, reddening with veAa-
tion at her mistake. And then glad to change
the conversation, she turned to Mary West and
began to inquire about some beautiful lace she
"I got it at Warburton's," said Mary, smiling
''o6, must get some tomorrow, if there i, is
q yard of it left" cried Laura. g! shall be
sure to 90 there right away. Yes, that is our
waltz, Mr.. Laurence" and taking his arm, she
moved gracefully away.
"Hem-yes-yes, they are pretty girls-thee
sweetest girls 1 saw tonight" soliloquized
Floyed Laurence, in his room, that night.
"But wonder if Miss Laura would smile so
sweetly if she thought hadn't a penny in my
pocket? Loves Wings you see, when tipped
the money! 1t makes one suspicious OF every
body But do wish there was way to test
the truth sometimes"
He sighed, lit his cigar, and sat down to
smoke away his fancies. Suddenly he sprung
up, flung the cigar into the crate, and begun to
pace the room.
'By Jove I've got an idea p said he. "Miss
Laura is going to Warburton's tomorrow; now
Warburton happens to be friend OF mine--l
think Pll go there too! He'll enter into the
thing, Pm sure; and l have fancy to see If
FLOYD Laurence behind a counter, and Floyd
Laurence in Mrs. Howards ballroom, stand
Just the same in Miss Carlisles Estimation
Heigh-ho! wonder if that pretty blue-eyed
cousin will come with her"
After dinner next day Miss Carlisle's carriage
stopped before Warburton's store, and the
naughty beauty and her pretty cousin Kate en-
tered the wide doors and crossed over to the
lace counter.
"Show me your finest Mechlin," began Miss
Laura, but stopped in utter amazement, as she
recognized in the polite clerk, her partner OF
the night before. "Mr. LaurenceF' she ex-
claimed.
And Katy opening her blue eyes very wide,
repeated the exclamation.
IMr xuo didn't pYDpct Tn
herep'
"Why not ?" asked our hero, smilingly.
"We were not aware-we did not know that
YOU" began Miss Laura, haughtily, and
Floyd finished her sentence.
'dThat was Mr. Warburtons clerk? Oh,
yes, Miss Carlisle! What style Of lace would
you prefer~ ,,. ., ,ooo
to-day. Katy, come, we are in haste.
She turned and swept her silken robes away,
but Katy, her cheeks scarlet, fingered to give
one little white hand to Floyd Laurence, and
say, cordially:
aMr. Laurence, remember, you promised last
night to call upon me. THAT IS, we shall ex-
pect YOU"
And Floyd, as he ventured lightly to press
that tiny, little hand, said, fervently:
sThank you, l shall surely come"
''The idea The very idea!" cried Laura
Carlisle, Indignantly, when they were in their
carriage. "Whas does Mrs. Howard mean by
introducing such persons to her guests? I'll
never forget her To think l should have
danced with low clerk
"Why, Laura, ! am sure he is perfect gen.
tleman," said Katy.
Gentleman indeed common clerk to be
gentleman, and aspire to good society! Katy
Carlisle, you are a little idiotp'
;l-o b,po much qc I did
last night" said Katy with some spirit.
Every we'll, indulge your low tastes if you
like" returned Laura, scornfully, II shall GER
tainly not cultivate his acquaintance"
A few evenings later, at Judge Glover's ele-
CANT saloon, she saw Floyd Laurence making
his way toward her.
"Re here! Are people all gone mad? But
he wont dare to address me w she thought her
bright cheek reddening angrily.
But he did dare, coming up to her with
frank, gentlemanly greeting. Laura looked
full in his eyes, with glance which might
have turned him to stone, had her power
equalled her will, and turned away in naughty
silence.
Floyd's handsome face did not even flush !;
he only elevated his fine eyebrows, while
curious smile curved his mouth, just as soft
voice behind him said, impulsively,
"Mr. Laurence, won't you shake hands with
me?"
He turned quickly, and then, indeed his face
did flush and his eyes kindle, as he once moro
held the soft, little hand he had held ONCE be-
fore, with strange thrill in his breast.
care you brave enough to acknowledge the
acquaintance of mere clerk, in this place,
Miss Carlise?" he asked.
81 don't care whether you are clerk or a
king" said Katy innocently, smiling up in his
face. aYou are gentleman, and like you"
"Thank you," said Laurence, drawing her
arm within his own. "Thcn perhaps you will
promenade with me for few moments"
eyes, wish to remind you that you have
not kept your promise to call on us"
'But will, answered Floyd Laurence, as
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