Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1871-01-12

Il ~
ployed. Stephen, the only son, had just
abroad. These two facts caused Georgy TO
scrutinise mother and son somewhat close,
lly; and, doing 80, Stephen Halliburton
raised his hat to her.
| "A pretty face" he remarked cerelessly
to his mother. II suppose it is some one
have known, or should know"
Old Mrs. Halliburton, with her keen eyes
and beak nose, glanced back towards
Georgy, whom she bad not perceived, ana
nodded slightly.
1t is that young person whom Jane Ap-
pleton brought up. She Is marrled now
to one Of our men, believe"
Georgy found Paul Appleton and his
bride holding . sort Of informal reception;
The rooms where her own wedding had
been, . year before were quite fl!ed with
| guests. A very dainty and graceful bride
was the new Mrs. Paul, in her lavender
| train and point lace shawl. Georgy tried
to feel the least tinge Of envy as she look
! ed at her
Aunt Appleton had always sense OF
gratitude towards her portsge, for having
forborne to fascinate either OF her four
manageable boys; and this gratitude
cropped out in active kindliness, under the
exultation she felt over Pauls match.
Georgy moved easily about the we'll
furnished rooms. Somehow she SEEM
ed just fitted for such surroundings.
The subdued, well-bred manners, the
faint perfumes, the refined faces
and rich dresses, were like a
stimulant TO her. She needed such quick
ening to be fully herself. Her composed,
delicate beauty unfolded TO perfection in
this atmosphere.
She had been talking with one
and another, taking in shapes and
trimmings with her quick artists
eye, and in pause was just reflect
| ing upon the hang Of the new cur.
tains, when voice said, near her: II
seem not to be able TO recall you at all,
Mrs. Randall. Yet I must have known
you before went away. My mother has
Just told me your name, and l have come
to reclaim acquaintance, If you will permit
me-"
II remember you perfectly, Mr.. Halibur-
ton" Georgy returned, quietly. Il was
hardly grown up when you first left us,
five years ago..
give years. All, true enoughl Won't
you take this chair! What lovely lily!
Why, it is not real"
mo; these wax flowers are very like
nature, though almost plagiarism don't
you think 80, Mr.. Halliburton
why, yes 1t must be quite difficult to
make them. dare say they bring good
price,"
Under her serene smile quick thought
went through Georgy Randall s mind. She
began to examine the gentleman before her
with interest. Es
Stephen Halliburton was gentleman by
habit and man Of the world by force of
But nature intended him
for diligent, painstaking, pcrsevering man
Of business.
If he was not great or very good man,
it was because he had so much time, SO
much money, SO much flattery. lie was
spoiled by his opportunities, yet he needed
only the right touch to elevate him be-
You'd himself He was thirty years old
now he was past tho age when man
disdains to be led by woman. But
Stephen Halliburton had never disdained it.
He had always been led by the keeneyed,
beak -nosed woman, in the steel silk, who,
as Georgy talked with the heir, sat, hold
ing her wine up to the freight not far
The heir seemed to like Mrs Randalls
talk perhaps because there was so little Of
it, In return he was rather unreserved-
gossiping about his plans and his prospects.
He said he was glad 10 get home. He
meant to settle down at Millville now look
after his factories and the operatives; in
troduce some improvements. He wanted
a better class Of work, more tasteful
designs. He hadn't seen a pretty print
from the factory. Didn't Mrs. Randall
agree with hims
Yes she agreed with him. II was a
strange basis for parlor gossip-Oils,
chemicals, designs for calicOes. He was
surprised to find how much she knew
about it and she-she, was little sur
prised herself. The delicate pink began to
flush her cheeks, the irises Of her eyes
grew into great black flakes, full of luster.
All at once, at last, she turned casual
glance without the window.
"Why," she said, with slight start, it
is almost dark. And believe it Is rain
ing. must go at once"
She stepped towards the window. Great
FLASHING drops were falling upon the Tag
stones. The dull November daylight was
almost gone.
Mr. Halliburton rose also
Dlu you WIKI uc luvuiicu. lNs
us take you home. My mother will be
going soon.'
The little stir attracted Mrs. Appleton
who-most of her guests having gone
was dcvoting herself to Mrs. Halliburton
"Stay to tea, Georgy," she suggested
"John knows you are here--does he not Y
4" Yes but 1t is raining. think l had
better not STOP
II have been asking Mrs Randall to
take seat with US, mother" interposed
Stephen Halliburton
"Ah, yes" said that lady, with con
tracted nostrils and prolonged lip again
II shall he happy" 8EFs
And then the keen eyes overlooked
Georgy, as if to ask If there were any just
cause why the Halliburton carriage, the
Halliburton horses, and, it might be, the
Halliburton heir, should traverse the length
of Millville to take home this young per.
son who had married one of the Halibur.
tons employees.
Georgy stood unmoved, little con
| cerned ~ to whether her last dress and
bonnet should walk or ride, not at all con.
ccrned as to her own disposal
The factory bell had done ringing, and
John Randall was in sight Of home just as
the carriage of his employer stopped at his
door, and his wife stepped from 1t. He die