Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-08-22


Nine. Arnot; she was all smiles, as these
customers were looking al her best goods,
and Isabel was redeeming herself in her
eyes, as she waited on the young brideto-be
with pleased interest.
''How do you like it, Uncle Harvey2" and
the young lady whirled gracefully on one
toe, interrupting the gentleman in brown
study.
"Mel On, really am not Judge of mil
linery," he replied, rather absently. "Be-
sides, the absurdity of asking me for an
opinion when Ralph is here"
''She knows only too well what my opin-
ion isl 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 merrimeut Isabel
had forgotten her troubles; even her aunt'S
unhappy letter had faded from her LIind,
and she was smiling cheerfully with the
rest, and for the moment forgot that she
was only shop-gIrl, 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
Harveyl' said Lilly, as the elderly gentle
man remained on the sofa, hat in hand.
"If you'll excuse me, | believe I'll do no
more shopping to-day. You see you have
given me no opportunity to select hat for
myself he added, laughingly, land l can
easily walk home when l ind one to suit
me-"
"Quite likely he is going to look up
suitable present for Lilly" said one of the
elder ladies', nodding her head sagaciously,
''since he can not stay for the wedding"
Meantime Mr.. Harvey Falconer had
stepped UP to Isabel, as she was arranging
the debris of the last invasion of band
boxes, and, as the carriage drove away; he
said, gravely: pardon me, miss, for such
an apparently objectionable liberty, but /
would like very much to see you alone,
with madam's permission with bow to
Nine. Arnot smiling behind her counter.
She would have been supercilious under
other circumstances, but this mans family
were among her best customers, so she re-
strained her surprise, and said, politely:
''Miss Grant, show Mr.. Falconer to the
parlor up stairs" but there was trace of
suppressed GOODNESS and disdain after all
beneath her smiles, and her mental COM
ment was: "What cdR Harvey Falconer have
to say to that shop-girl!"
Isabel led the way to small but hand
sOmely-furnished parlor on the second floor,
and as her companion dropped into the
easy chair which she wheeled out for him.
he handed her his card, saying: 81 hardly
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 l have been watch
ing you in the shop, and l wish to inquire
into your history, so far as is necessary for
clear understanding between US, and /, in
turn, will give you my own"
''My history is soon told" said Isabel,
with half smile Il am Isabel Grant, an
orphan, and my home has been with an
aunt who is poor like myself; my home is
not happy one" She wondered at herself
that she could give these particulars so
freely to one whom she had never seen be-
fore, but there was something in this mans
face that was kind and reassuring, and,
without being able to explain why, she felt
as If there was no strangeness in his re-
quest.
He looked at her kindly and searchingly.
"You are heart-wholeln he said, inouir-
ingly.
Perfectly So" she replied; 81 have had
no time for love-making. l will not deny
nav AsaA OACdu4S Ol a QOul6, aQQ
ideals Of what that home should be; but,
sir, why do you ask me these questionslp
She looked at him fearlessly and inQuir-
ingly.
First let me return your confidence, and
will answer your questions he replied
Il am widower; five years ago l buried
my LIES dearest hopes, in the person of NV
wife, whom loved more tenderly even than
knew until l was forced to give her up. 1
thought then my heart was broken. and
/ that could never love AGAIN. / am some
thing OF mind-reader, and while you were
waiting upon my niece studied you care
/ fully, and l saw in your face the index to a
mind akin 10 my own.
''Never, since my darling Matte died, have
seen a woman who seemed. like her, TO be
part OF myself, and as looked at YOU, and
/ felt this mysterious drawing towards you,
/ resolved that, however strange and uncoa-
ventlonal the proceeding might be, would
ask for this interview and make your ac-
! quainta1ce."
Isabel smiled little skeptically. "Your
! interest IS indeed strange, sir. toward a
/ humble workwoman. If / were in the
! higher walks Of life, such as imagine you
TO be familiar with Cue had an air of quiet
! good-breeding which justified her asseruonl,
the interest would be more natural; as it