Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1872-04-13
81 CANNOT AFFORD IT.,

able dry GOOQS store OF Lowering
q Brothers." TO see one of the pro-
prietors.
''He had stepped out for a mo
ment, y one of.the clerks informed
him
And, Withdrawing 10 an obscure
corner, he stood watching, with q
half-amused, half-comicall look upon
his handsome face, the streams Of
gaily attired women that floated
past him, gazing with envious and
admiring eyes upon the rich fabrics,
ofevery hue and texture, that were
suspended from the ceilings and
spread out upon the broad counters.
Many of them were known to
him, but he was in no mood to meet
the sparkling glances and gay sallies
that he knew would be showered
upon him if he made them aware of
his presence; fer Mr.. st. John was
rich, and bacherlOr, and had been
so fattered and besieged by ambi-
tious mammas and marriageable
daughters as to make him almost
resolve TO always remain one.
So he stood back in the shadow,
marking with curious eye, uncon-
scious betrayals of the natural dis
positions, little glimpses offeminine
human nature, and which the dear
creatures would not have had him
observe for the world
As he stood there, the two Misses
Parker came in, charming and bril-
liant girls, in whose society he had
passed many pleasant hour.
They were lavish in their pur-
chases.-and, as Mr.. st. John con-
trasted their smiling countenaHces
with the careWorn face of their faith
er whom he met in the street scarce
ly an hour before, hurrying from
one friend TO another to borrow
money to pay a note on the point of
being protested, their lively chatter
Jared hafshly on his ears.
''Isn't IL lovely 7" exclaimed one
of the sisters, holding up some cost
ly lace trimmings. 81 suppose pa
will scold when he secs the bill; but
so he would If il were only half as
large"
''To be sure he would, J" responded
the sister. "And Pm not going to
let the Dayton girls out shine 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 catch him for Georgianna. Did
you ever hear anything so rcdicu-
ious. ?''
''Never Such a hOrrid taste as
the girl has in dress, too She show
ed me the new silk she is going TO
wear. Would you believe it2 II is
blue! And she as dark as an In
dian"
s'That is for the benefit Of Mr.. st. /
John; it is his favorite color. l met
him on the street yesterday. How
tall and handsome he has growni" +"
ayes, and he is so rich! Pa says
he is worth half million, If not
more"
Here the two girls passed along
out of sight and hearing, quite un-
conscious of the proximity of the
subject of their remarks.
"Good heavens !" was Mr.. st.
Johns inward reflections; ''are all
women so heartless, so wrapped up
in vanity and display z"
lie was about to quit the store in
disgust, when his attention was ar
rested by low and gentle voice,
which aroused host Of vague but
pleasant recOllectiOns- He turned
eagerly in this direction whence it
proceeded; and as his eyes rested
upon a slender, neatly attired lady,
they lighted up with pleasure.
a woman would have noticed
that the bonnet, though neat and
fresh, was not of the --latest style,
and the mantle of last seasons fash
ion; but men rarely observe such
things. All that ST. John saw was
the graceful form, the fair and gen
tie face Of the wearer.
"SWeet Rose Lenuoxl" he thought,
"she looks as lovely and fragrant as
her name Can her fresh and guile
less nature be so perverted SIS to care
for nothing but outward show 2"
In the meantime Rose made few
simple purchases, quite unconscious
of the eyes that were following her
every look and motion.
'1s that all, Miss Lennox ?' said
the clerk.
"All, to-day"
'If you were thinking of getting a
dress, can show you something
that viii suit YOU"
Gas / cannot purchase, / viii not
trouble YOU" was the low and quiet
reply.
mo trouble at all, Miss" said the
clerk, unrOlling the goods, and
spreading it out upon the counter.
1t was a 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 eyes of the Parker
girls who were passing and they gath
cred eagerly around it.
''Its just the sweetest thing 1 ev-
er saw J" exclaimed the oldest, en-
Enthusiastically. "Why don't you get
il, Rose Z" You have nothing for
the party next Thursday, and it's
just what you want"
"Only four dollars a yard" sug-
gested the clerk, gathering up the
silk in heavy folds, so as TO display
its lustre and beauty.
There is not the slightest touch OF
envy or regret in the soft blue eyes
that rested admiringly upon il.
''It very pretty, and quite reason
able, too, but 1 cannot afford IT,"
These words were spoken quietly,
and with such an entire unconscious
ness that she was admitting any
thing painful or humiliating, that
with the wonder il aroused in the
hearts of her companions was ming
led an involuntary respect, though
it was conduct they could not have
initiated, and but vaguely compre-
hended.
So John made inquiries in regard
to Mr.. Lennox the next day, and
learned that he had sustained some
heavy losses, but was still supposed
to be dong a good business.
Presuming on his former acquain-
tences, he resolved to call at his
house.
Despite the adulatiOn ne had re-
ceiyed, and his really fine personal
advantages, st. John was no cox
comb, and well knew with a girl
ike Rose Lennox, he must stand on
his individual merits. So, not ven
turing to call for her, who was up
permost in his thoughts, he was
shown into the family sitting-room,
where Mr.. and Mrs. Lennox sat,
with their oldest children.
Rose was among them, and the
blush that mounted to her cheek,
the bright smile she gave him, as
their eyes met, spoke a warmer well
come than even her fathers extend
ed hand and cordial greeting.
But having testified, by looks
rather than words, her pleasure at
seeing him, Rose left the entertain-
ment OF their guest to her parents.
1 A,I 1isannpinta1 a. 81 Iohu xvac