The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1883-10-17
WHOLE NO. 1858,

and presented a small round ha
box.
The philosopher felta pleasurabl'
interest in a spring hat, from a mas
culine standpoint. He opened th'
box, and drew forth the straw bon
net OF Barbara Williams.
The devilp exclaimed NJ. Chris
tianson, with droll grimace. Some
poor woman will be disappointed i
she loses this treasure. Keep it in
the vestibule until called for
Barbara waited all day, and then
the crest-fallen Assunta confessed to
have seen a milliner's boy on the
stairs. but she had not ventured to
meddle with him. Sudden inspira-
ton akin to despair, dawned on
Barbara.
If they have ever found my old
hat at all, they have probably be-
slowed it on the Scandinavian this
time, she said.
She went boldly to the door and
was about to pull his bell when NJ
Christianson emerged in person
Explanations ensued, and Barbara
received back the wretched Paris
hat which had made her so much
trouble, and yet was an instrument
of destiny.
| had it made over, she said, en-
couraged by his gentle smile. The
economy has cost me dear
NJ. Christianson had a large,
massive head and humorous blue
eyes beneath shaggy brows.
Ii is nothing, he said, reassur-
ingly. | owe the Count Il visit,
and | will explain all to him
Ii you kindly would, sighed the
usually calm Barbara, while a deep
blush of modification Sutlused her
cheek.
She had aglimpse of stately rooms
adorned with tapestries and Persian
hangings-the Aladdin's Palace OF
which Pet spoke, and then with
drew. the recovered bandbox under
her arm. She was ignorant that
her presence had penetrated those
cold. shrouded chambers like a ray
Of sunshine. The invalid philoso-
pher had fallen in love with Barbara
W illiams' placid face as be heheld
it framed in that pink satin lining
ofthe Countess hat. That evening
he called, and presented the Counts
flowery compliments. He admired
Pets drawings and Marion's music.
and exacted of Bertha a quotation
from Longfellow for an ESSAY be
was contributing to a Scandinavian
periodical.
He, the most charming old gen
tleman | ever met, said Mar
ion, with enthusiasm. after he had
gone.
A man of culture added Bar
bara, with the appreciation OF ma
turity.
Invitations to the Aladdin,s Pal
ace followed. Barbara and the girls
spent delightful hours amidst theart
treasures of their neighbor's apart
ment. What more natural than
that Pet should copy the design on
the panel of q Renaissance cabinet
in the grand sale of NJ. Christian
son, with Barbara as chaperon =?
What more natural than that the
lonely man should bring roll of
his favorite music for Marion to
play of an evening? He described
the land of the midnight sun to these
new friends in faultless English, and
professed warm interest in the new
world in return. Yes, NJ. Christian
son had every gift of fortune save
those of health and happiness. He
found a solace of tranquil enjoyment
in the shabby little salon on the
third floor.
There came time when he took
the party to villa at the environs,
traversing a portion of the blooming
Val d'Arno to gain the spot. When
they returned, in the June twilight,
the Poppleton girls found cable
summonlng them home.
You must come with us, cried
Pet, embracing Barbara When
Marion is married | intend to be
old maid, too, and
We will live together
Thank you, my dear | fear |
cannot accompany you, said Barba-
ra, her tender face beautiied by
some emotion.
Why cried the girls, in a
breath.
Mr.. Christianson has Just asked
me to marry him
Then v, did meet a tro, ldour
on the stairs, after all, said Marion,
with the sympathy of a bride
elect.
Pet clapped her hands. Depend
upon it, the hat of the Countess did
it ALL she laughed gleefully.
Barbara married Oscar Christian
son, and they dwelt happily in the
state apartment of the fine old pal
ace Viewing life as an apartment
house, what a difference the etage
makes in social amenities The
Countess kisses Madame Christian
son on both cheeks when they meet,
but her black eyes instinctively re-
vert to the head covering worn by
the American lady at the time. She
would not be human otherwise.
For the rest, NJ. Christianson
shows a preference for delicately
tinted satins in the attire of his nun
like wife, and especially for rose,
shading from salmon and opal to
pink.