The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1872-06-27
THE UMBRELLA GIRL.
BY L. A. MARIA CHILD.

A young girl, the only daughter Of a
poor widow, removed from the country
to Philadelphia to earn her living covering
umbrellas. She was very handsome,
with glossy black hair, large bean.ing
ewes and lips like wet coral She
was just at that susceptible age when
youth is ripening into womanhood, when
the soul begins to be pervaded by that
restless principle which impels poor hui
mans to seek perfection in union
At hotel near the store for which
she worked, an English traveller, called
Lord Henry Stuart, had taken lodgings.
lie was strikingly handsome man, and
OF princely carriage, As this disting
uished traveller passed to and from the
hotel. be encountered the umbrella girl
and was attracted by her uncommon
beauty. He easily traced her to the
store, where he soon after went to per-
chase an umbrella This was followed
UP by presents of flowers, chats by the
wayside, and invitations to walk or ride,
all Of which were gratefully accepted by
the unsuspecting rustic; for she was as
ignorant of the dangers of city as were
the squirrels Of her native fields. He
was merely playing game for temporary
excitement. She with head full of ro-
nance, and heart melting under the
influence of love, was unconsciously en-
dangering the happiness of her whole
life.
Lord Henry invited her to risft the
public gardens On the Fourth of July.
In the simplicity of her heart she be-
heved all his hattering professions, and
considered herself his bride elect she
therefore accepted the invitation with
innocent frankness But she had not a
dress fit to wear on such public occa-
sion, with gentleman of high rank,
whom she verify supposed TO be her des
tined husband. While these thoughts
revolyed in her mind, her eye was un
fortunately attracted by beautiful
piece of silk belonging to her employer.
Could she take it, without being seen,
and pay for it secretly when she had
earned money enough? The temrta-
ton conquered her in moment weak.
ness. She concealed the silk, and con
veyed it to her lodgings. 1t was the
first thing she had stolen, and her re-
morse was painful. She would have
carried it back, but she dreaded discoy
cry. She was not sure tina her repent
ance would be met in spirit of forgive
ness.
On the eventful Fourth of July she
came out in her dress. Lord Henry
complimented her elegant appearance,
bus she was not happy. On their way
to the gardens, he talked to her in 9
manner which she did not comprehend
Perceiving this, he spoke more explicitly.
The guileless young creature STOPPED,
looked IN his face with mournful re-
proach, and burst into tears. The no.
bleman took her hand kindly, and said :
s'My dear, are you an innocen. girl ? F."
ani, dius sue iepliSVs with con
vulsive sobs. "Oh what have ever
cone, or said, that you should ask me
such question:
The evident sincerity of her words
stirred the deep fountain of his better
nature. "If you are innocent" said he
aGod forbid that I should make you
otherwise. But you accepted my invi-
tations and presents so readily, that !
supposed you understood me.
.s.What could I understand" said
she, Except that you intended to make
make me your wife?''
Though reared amid the p-oudest dis
tinctions Of rank, he felt no inclination
to smile. He blushed and was silent.
The heartless conyentionalities of the
world stood rebuked in the pres
eoce of afectionate simplicity. lie con-
yeyed her to her humble home. aud
babe her farewell with a thankful con-
seriousness that he had done no irretriev-