The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-10-17


last ne discovered py cnance that Nine.
Stephanie had altered her hours of en-
trance and exit. He had risen early to
join some friends in country expedi-
ton, when, glancing from his window,
he saw the familiar form gliding in at
the shop door. In a moment his re-
solve was taken. Sending off hasty
line of excuse to his cxpectant friends,
he sat down to await more conven-
tional hour in which to pay the oppo-
site abode O visit. Penetrate that
sanctum he would, and, If possible see
Nine. Stephanie face to face, free from
all disguise. Satisfied by an uhtiring
watch that she had not left the premis-
es, he sauntered across about o'clock,
and boldly opened the sacred door. He
found himself in what appeared at first
more like q lady's boudoir than shop;
mating and Persian rugs beneath his
feet, luxurious sofas and easy chairs,
flowers and plants in abundance; some
chests of drawers of excellent marquee
terie, and scattered about on chairs
and tables some silken garments of
delicate tints.. A few bonnets on
stands, lace wraps, fans and perfumery,
evidently formed the whole of Nine.
Stephanie's stock in trade.
A Frenchwoman, whose shrill tones
he instantly remembered, came for
ward, and, in broken English, sought
to discover monsieur's wishes. Algy,
not one bit disconnected, declared that
his mission could only be fulfilled by
Nine. Stephanie herself; upon which
the forewoman parted some heavy
curtains at the further end of the shop,
and disclosed tiny apartment, in
which madame was seated at her writ
ing table. She laid down her pen and
rose instantly, but, at the first glance
at the approaching figure, she started
and would have. shrunk back into the
shade, but that Algy had already
caught glimpse of that pale, agitated
face, and with bound forward seized
her hand.
"Mrs. Molyneux-you."
"Yes, l." she answered, striving to
smile. "Only please call me Mrs.
Stephanie, and remember that you are
my customer. =" :.
II cannot understand this mystery, "
broke in Algy, eagerly. ITO think it
should have been you all this time who
have interested me, and that never
guessed the TRUTH
"Alas for mans power of penetra-
ton! But please go now; that good
woman yonder is astonished, as well
she may be. 1 will be merciful, and lei
you off a purchase this time, for l sus-
pect curiosity and not any of my
wares, tempted you hither. But should
,you dare to repeat the offense, my
most expensive article shall be forced
upon YOU"
II must see you; must speak ia
you. Do you think shall be satisfied
with this half glimpseP There is Sc
much l must hear"
Mime. Stephanie reflected a moment.
"What must be, must" she replied,
half smiling. "Well, / will meet you
at Stanhope Gate at 6 o'clock, when
my business hours are over. Does that
satisfy YOU"
Perfectly. But you will be sure
and Gomez"
II will. But please 60 now" And
so, without further demur, he went
overwhelmed with astonishment, love
and incredulity.
Three years before, Mrs. MolyneuS
had been the acknowledged belle of the
season; even royalty had, to a remark.
able extent, wOrshipped at her shrine
and poor Algy's heart was not the only
one laid at her feet. But Mrs
Molyneux was as cold as she was beau.
tiful; she accepted homage, but il
awoke no answering passion in hel
breaS, and she speedily gained fol
herself the soubriquet of "The Ice
Queen" Her husband was small
dark and ugly, with a violent temper,
and but two passions-gambling and
drink. Surely, society said, it was moi
for his sake that she remained SO i'm
peryious to alteration! 1t is hard now.
a-days for society to accredit any one
with pride and purity. The Ice Queer
had her reign-then came the fataI
crash. The pretty house in Park lane
was sold, and crowds went to see what
the famous beauty had collected about
her, and bought her furniture at fabu.
lous prices, and charitably annexed
their own stories to each table and
chair. The Molyneux disappeared
Society saw them no more. Report
said he was in mad house and his
wife living abroad; but nothing was
known for certainty. Other beauties
sprang up, less proud and cold, to take
the absent ones place, and the
Molyneux were speedily forgotten
Algy alone remembered always. He
had loved the more because his passion
had been gently but firmly repulsed
He acknowledged and worshipped the
purity, even while he swore fiercely
against the GOODNESS that forbade his
love. 1t was with q beating heart thai
he awaited his queen, and went to meet
her at the first glimpse of the stately
figure moving toward him across the
grass.
''Have You yet got over the shock o.
finding your old acquaintance has
turned saleswomanp" She asked, hal
playfully, as they turned and walked
slowly side by side. ''Well, l always
fattcred myself 1 had excellent taste
and am turning it now to good &C
count, am 1 notp Besides, labor j:
honest, and to feel honest is delight
full sensation"
ssno not ioct ,, oxo1o;,,od A1or,, 49,,