The Irish standard., 1889-06-01

would only too gladly have followed Nine
Arnot's advice, and retreated to the worl
room. Upon 80 small thread our destinies
sometimes hang, but one Of them, a bright
voun g lady, who was evidently about to be-
come bride, claimed her attendance.
Two gentlemen came in with them, q tall
middle-aged man, whom theyounger lady ad
dressed as ''Uncle Harvey" aud a younger
gentleman, evidently the bridegroom-e elect
It was pleasant task to wait upon this
gentle girl after the sping experiences Of
the day, and while Nine. Arnot smiled
lavishly on the elder ladies of the party lisa
bel brought out the daintiest 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 il spite
Of herself.
The elder Of the gentlemen had thrown
himself upon little sofa. and was watch
ing proceedings with silent attention.
Isabel was not 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 more 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 which well became
the naughty poise Of her head; but aside
from these redeeming features Isabel was
undeniably plain yet few gave her o 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.
"Isn't that hat perfectly lovely on Lilly?"
said one of the ladies'. II never saw any
thing more perfectly in her style"
It was indeed gem, as bonnets 80, and
was further adorned by the pure, gentls
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
Nine. Arnct; she was all smiles, as these
customers were looking at her best goods,
AMI Isabel was redeeming herself in her
eyes. as she waited on the young bride-to-oe
with pleased interest.
'eHow DO you like it, Uncle Harvey?" and
the young lady whirled gracefully on one
toe, intecrupting the gentleman in a brown
study.
''Mee Oh, 1really am not a Judge OF MIL
Gnery," he replied, rather absently. ''Be~
sides, the absurdity Of asking me for ar
opinion when Ralph is here"
"She knows only zoo well what my opin-
ion ISL said the younger man, CALAMITY.
More badinage was gayly tossed back and
forth, and more hats were brought out suc
tried on, and amidst the merriment Isabel
had forgotten her troubles; even her aunt's
unhappy letter had faded from her mind,
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
Harvey?" said Lilly, as the elderly gentle
man remained On the sofa, nat in hand.
'tIf you'll excuse me, I 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, s'aad I Can
easily walk home when find one to suit
me-"
'Quite likely he is going TO look up B.
suitable present for Lilly,' said one OF the
cider ladies', nodding her head sagacicusly,
"ssince he can not stay for the wedding"
Meantime Mr.. Harvey Falconer hal
stepped up to Isabel, as she was arranging
the debris OK the last invasion Of band
boxes, and, as the carriage drove away, he
said, gravsly: ''Pardon me, miss, for such
sn apparently objectionable liberty, bat L
would like very much 10 see you Alone,
with madan's permission," with bovv to
Mime. Arnot smiling behind her counter.
She would have been Eupercilious under
ether circumstances, hut this mans family
were among her best customers, 80 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
rent was: $'What can Harvey Falconerh have
to say 70 that shop-girl?'
Isabel led the way to q 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 lis card, saying: II hardly
know how to commence this interview,
which must seem SC very strange to Eouy
but have found myself taking a remark
able interest in you as I have been watch
ing you in the shop, and wish to inquire
into your history, so far as is necessary Tor
a clear understanding between us, and I, in
turn, will give you my own"
t4My history is soon told" said Isabel,
with a half smile. s'E am Isabel Grant, an
S. S. IS 90 H.