The Fairfield herald. [volume] (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1849-1876, 1871-09-27
II Cannot Afford It,"

vie has stepped out FOR mo.
ment," one of the clerks informed
him.
And Withdrawing to an obscure cor.
ner, ho stood watching, with, q
half comical look upon his handsom 9
face, the streams of gaily attired wo-
men that hoatod past him, gazing with
cnvious and admiripg Dyes upon the
rich fabrics, Of every hue and texture,
chat were suspended from the ceiling
nnd spread ca on tho bread coun-
tors.
Many of them wore known to him
but he was in no mood to meet tho
sparkling glancos aud gay sallies that
he knew would DO showered upon him
ifhe made them aware of his presence,
for Mr.. st. John was rich and bache-
lor, and had been 80 fattered and be-
tieged by ambitious mammas with
inarriageable daughters as to make
him almost resolve to always remain
one. f.f .".
So he stood back in the shadow,
marking with curious eye unconcious
betrayals Of the natural dispositions,
like glimpses of ffemininehuman nature
and (which tho dear creatures would
NOT have had him observe for the
world.
AS he stood thero the two Misses
Parker came in, charming and bril-
liant girls, in whose society no had
passed many pleasant hour.
They were lavish in their purcha
SOS. And Mr.. St. John contrasted
their smiling faces with the oare-
worn face of their father, whom he
met in the street scarcely an hour be-
fore, hurrying from ono friend to
another to borrow money to pay q
note on the point of being protested !;
their lively chatter Jared harshly on
his ears.
"Isn't it lovely !" exclaimed one of
the sisters, holding up somo costly
lace trimmings. II suppose pa will
scold when he sees the bill but so he
would If it were only half as large"
"To be sure he would" responded
the other. "And I'm 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 arc trying to cate
him for Georgianna. Did you eve:
hear anything so ridiculous?''
"Never =! Such horrid taste as the
girl has in dress, too She showed
me the new silk she is going to wear.
Would you believe it ? 1t is blue
And she is dark as an Indian.n
"That is for tho benefit Of Mr.. St.
John ; tits his favorite color. l met
him on the street yesterday. How
tall and handsome ho has grown
eyes, and he is so rich ! Pa says
he is worth half million, if not
more"
Hero tho two girls passed along ou,
of sight and hearing, quite unconsciou.
OF their proximity to the subject Of
their remarks.
"Good heavens" was Mr.. St.
Johns inward reflection care all wo~
men so heartless, SO wrapped in vanity
and display Z"
He was about to quit tho store in
disgust when his attention was arres-
ted by low and gentle voice, which
aroused host of vague but pleasant
recollections. IIo turned eagerly in
the direction whence it proceeded
and as his eyes rested upon n slender,
neatly attired lady, they lighted up
with pleasure.
A woman wonld havo noticed that
the bonnet, though neat and fresh,
was not of the latest style, and the
mautle of last scasou's fashion but
men rarely observe such things. All
that St. John saw was the graceful
form, tho fair and gentle face of tn
wearer.
"Sweet Rose Lennox % he thought,
'she looks as lovely and fragrant
as her name Can her fresh and
guileles nature be go perverted as to
care for nothing but outward show p
In the meantime Roso made a few
simple purchases, quite unconscious of
tho eyes that were following her every
look and motion.
"Is that all, Miss Lennox ?' said
the clerk.
Cali to-day"
eff you were thinking of getting o
dress, l can show you something that
will suit you"
GAS [ cannot purchase, will not
trouble you,' was the low and quiet
reply. ,"<
,"No trouble at all, Mies," said the
clerk unrolling the goods, and spread
ing it out upon the counter.
1t was heavy, lustrous silk
brown with CLINT of gold in it not
unlike the color of the soft hair that
shaded her forehead.
1t caught the eye Of the Parker
girls who were passing, and they gath
cred oagerly around it.
; fIts just the sweetest thing ever
saW lO nxelainne cd The nldnaf an4L.