Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-07-20

lS. Arnot's advice, and retreated to the work room. Upon so small thread our destinics sometimes hang, but ons of them, a brigh. young g lady, who was evidently about to be- come bride, claimed her attendance.
 Two gentlemen came in with them, a tall, mlddle-aged man, whom theyounger lady ad- dressed as "Uncle Harvey" and younger gentleman, evidently the bridegroom-elect
 It was pleasant task to wait upon this gentle girl after the rasping experiences of the day, and while Mime. Arnot smiled lavishly on the elder ladies of tho party Isa- bel brought out tho daintest and most ex- quisite models of the millinery art for the inspection of the younger lady, who received her attendance with a sweetness and grace which soothed and com forted her, in spite of herself
 The elder of the gentlemen had thrown himself upon a little sofa, and was watch Ing proceedings with silent attention.
 Isabel was not a handsome girl. She realized this painfully when placed in con- trast with those more favored, but there was in her face an interesting expression which attracted moro attention than she knew; her eyes, which were large and full, were really fine when lighted up with feel ing, or brilliantly electric when in passion; her hair, if allowed to curl, would shape itself into long, glossy ringlets winch well became the naughty poise of her head; but aside from these redeeming features Isabel was undeniably plain; yet few gave her a pass ing glance, and surely this elderly stranger was not doing so, for he fixed his eyes upon her and watched her every movement with intense interest.
 "1sn't that hat perfectly lovely on Lillys" said one of the ladies. "I never saw any thing more perfectly ill her style''
 It was indeed S gem aS hon opd was further adorned by tho pure, gentle face which it framed.
 "Mrs. General Lansing ordered one just like it for her daughter; you know they spent their honeymoon in Europe, and the bride was exceedingly particular" said Mme. Arnot; she was all smiles as these customers were looking'at her best goods, and Isabel was redeeming herself in her eyes, as she waited on the young bride to-be with pleased interest.
 "How do you like it, Uncle Harvey?" and the young lady whirled gracefully on one toe, interrupting the gentleman in brown study.
 "Mes Oh, really am not a judge of mil linery," he replied, rather absently. .'Be- sides, the absurdity of asking mo for an opinion when Ralph is here"
 "She knows only too well what my opin- ion is," said the younger man, gallantly More badinage was gayly tossed back and forth, and more hats were brought out and tried on, and amidst the merriment Isabel had forgotten her troubles; even her aunt 8 unhappy letter had faded from her hind, and she was smiling cheerfully with the rest, and for the moment forgot that she was only shop-glrl, so soothing was Lilly Stanford's gentle manners and pretty speech.
 Finally the purchases were made, and the party were ready to go.
 "Why, aren't you going with us, Uncle Harvey" said Lilly, as the elderly gentle man remained on the sofa, hat in hand. "1f you'll excuse me, believe I'll do no more shopping to-day. You see you have given me no opportunity to select a hat for myself" he added, laughingly, "and I can easily walk homo when find one to suit l me-"
 "Quite likely he is going to look up a | suitable present for Lilly" said ono of the | elder ladies, nodding her head sagaciously ''since he can not stay for the wedding" Meantime Mir. Harvey Falconer had l stepped up to Isabel as sho was arranging 7 l the debris of the last invasion of band l boxes, and, as the carriage drove away, he l said, gravely: s'Pardon me, miss, for sucf an apparently unpardonable liberty, but would like very much to see you alone with madam's permission" with a bow t( Mime. Arnot smiling behind her counter. She would have been supercilious under l other circumstances, but this mans family | were among her best customers, so she re strained her surprise, and said, politely
 Miss Grant, show Mir. Falconer to tho parlor up stairs," but there was a trace O l suppressed coldness and disdain after al beneath her smiles, .and her mental com 1 ment was: "W hat cun Harvey Falconer have
 to say to that shop-girla'
 Isabel led the way to small but hand
 somely- furnished parlor on the second floor
 and as her companion dropped into th
 easy chair which she wheeled out for hilfl
 he handed her his card, saying: Il hardl,
 know how to commence this interview
 which must seem so very strange to you
 but have found myself taking remark
 able interest in you as have been watch
 ing you in the shop, and I wish to inquir
 into your history, so far as is necessary fo
 a clear understanding between us, and I, il
 turn, will give you my own"
 My history is soon told," said Isabe
 with half smile. 'I am Isabel Grant, a
 <Ms h,