Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-06-13

how else he should learn. But " for
tune favors the brave" you know; 81
one morning, while he was busily select
ing some cambria handkerehiefs from
box, the proprietor of the store came vi
and addressed her, calling her Mis-
Romer."
Douglass flashed quick, pleased
glance at her, end the color deepeneC
on the young girls check as she met i
with her eye.
Miss Romer," he repeated, 81 am
glad have learned your name, because
you reminded me Of my sister" (0h
Douglas! it wasn't because she looked
like her thenD
II have no sisters, or brothers either, u
said she sadly. 81
Have you not?" said Lennox, pity.
ingly. " | should be very lonely with.
out mine, though | have only one sister.
Now that l have learned your name
may ! tell you mine2"
"If you please" +" said Miss Romer.
1t is Douglas Lennox, at your SER
vice. Please consider the owner your
friend, Miss Romer," said the yoang
man so gravely and kindly that she
could not be offended f..
Thank you, she Said simply. Then
pushing the box of handkerchiefs near
him, added, Do these suit2
Douglas was very quick to take the
gentle reminders which she sometimes
gave him, that ne was prolonging his
stay, so he turned his attention to the
handkerchiefs.
1t chanced that Miss Romer still let
her hand rest on the edge of the box.
1t was a very small, white hand, with
little dimples 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 staken 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
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 not know
that the spirits of Mr.. Douglas Lennox
improved considerably.
On Sunday afternoon near sunset,
Douglas left lively circle in his sister S
parlo.', and went out for 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 trim little figure
in blue, resting upon one of the shady
seats. For a moment he hesitated, then
he crossed over and spoke.
Good evening, Miss Romer"
Miss Romer arose with the lady-like
grace which had long told Douglas that
she was used to cultivated society, and
returned his salutation. 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, and 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 advan-
tage which money and taste could pro-
cure. She told him Of the death of her
father and mother in a single week, and
how her fathers estate proved involved,
and left her penniless and alone.
She told him she had sought for some
means by which to support herself and
she had finally obtained her situation in
Mr.. Sheldon's store, and kept herself in
comfort.
And Douglas told her that he, too, was
an orphan, only himself and Bell left;
but he touched very lightly on the wealth
that was his, lest it should giver her
pain.
While they talked, Miss Romer dropped
her fan, and Douglas, picking it up, saw
written upon the plain, ivory handle the
name, Helen Romer."
Helen was my mothers name, said
he reverently.
"Was it2 1t is mine," said Miss Ro-
mer, in pleased surprise.
| am glad it is yours" said Douglas,
and he fell to thinking how often he had
written his mothers name, Helen Len
nox," aud how much he would like to
write it again with an "R between the
names.
They sat very still little while, hardly
.alking at all, and forgetting the lateness
IF the hour, until the gleam of the street
amps close by startled Miss Romer.
She hastily arose, saying, did not
know it was so late. | must go home at
)nce."
Douglas rose, too, saying, May / &C
company you?"
She hesitated a moment, her color |
.ame and went, and then she, looking |
I'D with pleading glance, said: had /
ather you would not, Mr.. Lennox."
Douglas flushed then, but he asked |
,ently, "Will you tell me why2"
Helen was silent, aud crimson deepen
ng in her fair face, and presently Doug |
as repeated his demand in frmer tone,
Please tell me why, Miss Romer."
Because, Mr.. Lennox, young girl |
n my position cannot have the friend /
hip Of a gentleman in yours without
she hesitated and could not
% on.
without making herself a mark for
die and thoughtless tongues, / suppose
-ou meanl asked Douglas, with dash
4 bitterness in his tone.
She bowed her head in assent.
Douglas quickly asked another ques-
ion: Miss Romer, / have sought your
Iociety good many times lately. Have
been the cause Of any such pain to
TouF !