Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1884-11-21
MADAME STEPHalIE.

ing hunting, found rooms to suit him at
last in south Audley street. Not an inn
portaat circumstance apparently, for
the rooms were but required pro tenn,
while his family mansion in Grosyenor
square underwent redecorating, yet the
fact was destined to affect his whole af-
+. ter career.
III A lucky fellow, Algy!" was tho CON
slant comment of his friends. and they
numbered many Of both sexes. His
luck consisted Of his good looks, his
popularity, his unfaiing spirits, and
last, bNt not least his immense wealth.
But there was crumpled leaf even in
his luxurious couch OF roses, though he
kept his troubles to himself and hid his
sorrow beneath the mask Of gayety.
THAT lovely house ought to have q
mistress" . frisky matron said to him
one day, though in truth it was the
last thing she wished to see come to
pass. w}
Algy laughed the matter off with a
retort, and believed implicitly that at the
mature ago Of three and thirty he and
owe had babe adieu to each other for
eyoriAore. q. t:v FL
1--WE been hard hit once" he said to
himself: "l shau't run the risk again, %
and he sighed a little regretfully as he
shaved his firm, rounded chin and let
his eyes wander sadly across to. the
empty house that faced him. The blank
windows began to appear as the emblem
of his own life, the vacant rooms served
but to remind him of his own untenanted
heart. &c. E.
One day, TO his great Joy, the bill OPP
posite was taken down and the premises
handed over to the workmen. H. found
himself almost unconsciously watching
the progress of their labors and hazard
ed all idle conjecture as to the future
owner While yet his own house was
in a state Of paint and whitewash, this
dainty little abode was compile in its
freshness. The wooden door had been
replaced by glass one, across the
panes of which Madras muslin was
closely gathered in delicate folds. The
one large window was draped with cur
tains of eastern stuff, cunningly parted
to reveal large palms in blue pots.
The house, from its outward appear
ance, might have been the pretty nest
of pair of turtle doves, but for the
two words, MADAME Stephanie," which
glittered in large gold letters over the
door. Only those two wordsl~ Moth
ing to enlighten the passing crowd as
to the nature Of the trade or occupation
of this mysterious individual. -
But that Nine. Stephanie was not al
together unknown was speedily mani
tested by the string Of carriages so con-
stantly standing before her door. Algy
became Interested in spite Of himself;
nay, more, absolutely curious. He
longed to part those tantalizing curtains
and take a. searching glance at the room
so artfully hidden from the range even
Of his opera glasses. His interest was
still further excited by the daily ap-
pearance Of one female form SO en-
veIoped in long black mantle that no
trace Of fgure could be distinguished,
while thick lace veil covered the face.
That this woman came every morning
at eleven and issued forth again at six
speedily convinced him that she WAS no
customer Her gait. which was grace
FIJI. and the plaits Of golden hair peep
ing from beneath the simple black bon
net, revealed that she WAS young. He
began to conjecture as to the face so
persistently hidden. and even to long
with surprising fervor for glimpse Of
the beauty he felt certain was con-
cealed. 49, =
One evening he sauntered to and fro
before the house at the hour he knew
she was likely to take her departure.
His heart beat fast as the door opened
and the well.known figure issued forth.
Her garments almost touched him as
she approached, but at the same mo-
ment another form appeared in the
doorway and shrill voice exclaimed:
"Ah, Nine Staphanie, rnille pardons,
mais-"
Mime Stephanie turned and re-entered
the shop. Algy had never connected
this mysterious daily visitor with the
gold letters, and the truth was a reveal
ton to him. He strolled to aud fro med
itaiiyely, awaiting her second advent.
and then deliberately followed her.
across Grosvenor square. He saw her
glance up at the scaffolding before his
own house and fancied he heard sigh.
!. Was she aware he was following her
He could not tell. She neither slack
ened nor increased her pace, but sud-
denly hailed q passing hanson and
jumped in. He failed to hear the CIV
en-. direction, and there was not another
hanson in sight; so with sigh
Of disappointment, he abandoned his
search aud returned to his lodgings.
! Tomorrow he would try again; the
shop could not disappear in The night,
mother could Nine. Stephanie neglect
her business. fs 5.s#
But many days elapsed before he saw
again the well known form, aud he
grew impatient at this Illustration Of his
desires. He maryelled at his own KEEN
ness in The matter, but could not shake
off the haunting memory of the golden
hair and graceful! figure. AT last he dis
covered b.y chance that Nine, Stephanie
i had altered her hours Of entrance and
exit. He had risen early to join some
friends ii country expedition, when,
glancing from his window, he saw the
familiar form gliding IN at the shop
door Tn a moment his resolve was
1 tax en-. Sending off q hslsty Line Of ex-
4 calsei to his expectant friends, lie sat