The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1872-02-02
THE LITTLE MIlLiNER.
by KIT KARLYLE.


Moore & Reese, in one of our eastern
cities. George was an ambitious young
man, had many bright hopes OF the
future, and was generally in good
spirits, though sometimes the great
highway of life seemed darkened and
the star of hope shone feebly on his
path. But George was honest and
Messrs. Moore q Reese had long
since come to the conclusion that he
was just the clerk for them.
Some distance from Messrs. Moore
81 Reese's-away down street, quar-
ter of mile, perhaps, and nearly op-
posite Georges boarding place, was
milliner's shop-a real fancy shop
with handsome sign, large windows,
with splendid curtains on the inside,
displaying rich and beautiful array
of those dear treasures that so delight
the fair, viz: dear little beauties ofbon-
nets, all styles and trimmed in every
imaginable way, with bright ribbons
and delicate flowers, formed with ex-
quisite taste by the fairy hands of
blooming maidens.
Were not these attractions? Yes,
George never passed the door of Mad
ame Josephine Lavelle, from Paris,
without casting glance into the win
dow or thro' those beautiful plate glass
doors.
George did so often, for he often
passed on his way to and from his
clearinghouse; but it was not for the
sake of catching sight of the bon
nets or ribbons OF Madame Josephine,
tor he could see them equally as fine
in other milliner shops in the neigh
borhood, but it was to steal q glance
and get good look as often as posi-
BILE at Madame's little Jenny Irving,
or "Queen of Beauty" as she was call
ed.
Yes, Jenny Irving, the orphan or
"poor orphan" as some termed her,
was Madame Lavelle's favorite appren-
tice, and possessed the first love of
George Lenox. She had caught a
prize without angling for it.
In our hero's estimation she YVES the
most bewitching of maidens. Her
tiny. bur faultless form, golden hair,
bright blue eyes, dimpled cheeks and
dainty mouth offered attractions which
he could not resist; and then her voice,
so sweet and musical, was melody it
self, and her almost baby hands, so
fair, and soft, and her fairy feet that
seemed scarcely TO touch the ground
on which she trod, actually charmed
him and completed the conquest which
Cupid-little knave-had so artfuIly
planned and so successfully carried
forward. After having secretly admir-
ed Jenny for months. George one day
became acquainted with her-no mat
ter how-though of course, in the same
way that all young people get aequaint-
ed who are struck with each other'sap-
pearance first, and introduced at some
party or social gathering, with an I'm
happy to make your acquaintance"
on the lady's part, and "aliow me to
see you home," on the gentleman's
then o moonlight walk, with a great
many silly, foolish remarks made on
both sides. concludes the first days
ceremonies. Of course, this mode of
proceeding soon makes fast friends.
George continued to attend to bus
mess closely, but his evenings were
generally his own, and then, when
Jenny was not busy, of course they
had delightful times.
Jenny was not by any means with
out other admirers. Many a young
man in the neighborhood would dis
eommode himselfto accommodate her,
and consider himself well paid if he
could thus win a smile or a "tliank
you" from her sweet lips.
But George was her favorite lover,
and he sedluously improved his OPP
portunit.es, until finally, it was whis-
pered around, and pretty freely, too,
that he and Jenny were engaged.
Such reports always spread like wild
fire, and this one was not long in
reaching the ears of Mr.. Moore, one
of his employers.
Now Mr.. Moore had a daughter
who took quite a fancy to our friend,
and he was aware of it, but could not
Ireciprocate the compliment. Her ia
ther also knew it, and knew that
George was Jmart fellow, and would,
as he often said, make a stir in the
world" He thought that George and
bis daughter would make good match,
and that the former would feel highly
complimented at the proposal. There
! fore, soon after Mr.. Moore first heard
the foregoing report, he called George
to one side and 'opened the case" to
him, concluding by limiting at part
nersbip in case matters turned out ia
vorably.
The old gentleman's proposal took
George somewhat by surprise; but as
a young man of principle, he felt in
duty bound to give an Immediate and
decided answer.
81 feel fattered by your preference" !"
said he in reply, land it is very graft
flying to me to know that you hold me
in such high esteem; but l cannot ac-
cede to your proposal am engaged
to another"
"Well sir, as you please" said Mr..
Moore, with suddenly assumed stern
ness of demeanor, "but you will lose
much by your decision. Allow me to
ask who your intended isl"
"Miss Jenny Irving"
miss Irvingr said MI, 4oore, with
feigned astonishment, miss Irving, a
penniless girl"
"Yes sir, and an orphang' was the
quick reply.
Indeed, an orphan?" said Mr.. NJ.
sweIl pity her then, as I. do all or
phans; but really George You are
throwing yourself away-you'll not
n<..-k L.