The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1872-04-18

and sympathetic; the daughter was
fair, plump, pretty, and with a winning
manner charmingly made up of the af-
fectionate and the imperious. Isabel
was especially touched by the fondness
of mother and daughter for each other.
They seemed like tenderly attached sis
ters. When they heard that Isabeps
mother had lately died, their tone and
manner to Isabel grew more friendly
and sweet than ever and Miss Ger
maine observed, with swelling heart,
that the young English lady instructive
ly threw her arm round her own mother
and clung to her as if the bare thought
of possible separation had affrighted
her. The elder lady turned upon her
and smiled sweet, reassuring smile !;
and Isabel loved them both. A basis of
negotiation was soon agreed upon.
Papa will do anything we like" said
Miss Alsager.
"And have only myself to please"
said Isabel, with a sigh.
AS the house would need some new
decorations to suit the taste Of the COM
ing owners, Miss Germaine earnestly
recommended Mr.. Rowan, and mention
ed his long connection with the family.
Mrs. Alsager was oEly too glad to have
trouble taken off her hands; and Isabel
ventured to make an appointment for
the day next but one. when Mr.. Rowan
could be present, and everything could
be arranged.
The next day but one, at the appoint
ed hour, Mrs Alsager and her daughter
Alice were at the place. They were
shown into room in which they could
hear the notes of piano. 1t was a
large, low-roofed room, with folding
doors that stood partly open. The au-
tumn sun shone upon the room where
the strangers stood, and left the smaller
apartment on which the folding-doors
opened partly i'll shadow. But Mrs. AL
sager and her daughter could see that in
the smaller room Isabel sat at piano,
and that a handsome young man with
dark curling hair stood beside her. She
was playing some sad, sweet air-some
air that spoke vaguely, yet with pene-
trating conviction, of separation and
farewell.
In moment Isabel rose and ad dvanced
to meet the visitors, yet not so quickly
but that the mother and daughter had
exchanged speaking chances. They
thought they could understand Mat
scene.
Miss Germaine did not show the
slightest embarrassment. Mr.. Rowan
has come" she said. II have boen try
ing to amuse him :" and she smiled
rather wan smile.
Mr.. Rowan !" repeated Mrs. Alsager,
in a tone of surprise and she looked
round for the elderly builder
Not Mr.. Rowan, the father" said
Isabel, "but his son y and she formally
presented the young man to the two
ladies, who, fresh from England, bowed
rather coldly.
MY father says he begins to distrust
his own judgment in modern household
affairs" said young Rowan, and he al
ways insists on one of us taking his
place when anything new has to be look
ed after. / don't agree with him. l
only wish had as good an artistic judg-
ment even by training as he seems to
have by instinct. But he will have it
so, and SO l have taken the liberty to
come to-day instead of him. If you
will allow me to show you over the
house, Mrs. Alsager, shall be happy to
take your instructions, and to offer any
suggestion-with your leave-that may
occur to me-"
His manner was US cool and easy as
though he were gentleman of fortune
showing his new house to two or three
friends; yet in all the business details of
the inspection he deported himself sim
ply as the skilled artisan taking orders
and giving experienced suggestions.
Mrs. Alsager disliked him at first, mere
ly because she was little shocked to
see young lady ON such familiar terms
with house-builder's son. But his
manner was very good-neither con-
strained nor in the least degree intrusive
his taste and judgment seemed per-
feet, and he was certainly very hand
some.
When young Rowan was taking his
leave Isabel shook hands with him in the
warmcst manner, and said, in low
tone,
81 shall see you again-to-morrow 7"
Every day." he answered, "if you
will allow me, until-until you GO"
The words were spoken by both in a
low tone, but without the least attempt
at secrecy. Mrs. Alsager and her
daughter exchanged lightning glances
of wonder.
Mamma, how strange :" Miss Alice
exclaimed, when the two were in their
carriage together. Il do believe she is
in love with him-the son of builder,
or gas-fitter, or something"
my DEAR almost think she is. What
an odd country"
"She seems perfect lady"
"She IS a perfect lady. / am told that
there is no better family here than hers.
And l never met a more agreeable and
lady-like girl in my life"
Nor /. like her immensely. But
how can she go on SO with him Isn't
he very handsome young man 7"
"Very. He would pass off for gen
tleman anywhere. A strange country
1t will be long before | understand it
but 1 am inclined to like everything"
The details of redecoration and alter
alton required many interviews between
Mrs. Alsager and young Rowan. The
elder Rowan sometimes came, and was
always the respectful, commonplace man
of business, in whom one could not help
of feeling confidence, but whom certain
ly no one could take for gentleman.
The more Mrs. Alsager knew of the
younger man the more she liked him.
He had been educated at Harvard, he
had READ a great deal he could talk
French, and could converse about Taine
and Ruskin and art he could play the
piano vet he never seemed to dream of
being above his business. Even Alice
after while became quite reconciled to