The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1889-08-23

"How DO TOT LIKE 1T, UNCLE HARVEY CIV
Nine Arnot: she was all smiles. as these
customers We're 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.
'sHow do you like it, Uncle Harveyi" and
the young lady whirled gracefully on one
toe. interrupting the gentleman in a brown
study.
ME: Oh, really am not judge of mil
linery." he replied, rather absently. "Be-
sides. the absurdity of asking me for an
opinion when Ralph is herer
"She knows only too well what my opin-
ion isl said the younger man, calamity.
More badinage was gayly tossed back and
| forth, and more hats We're brought out and
! tried on, and amidst the merrimert 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-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
Harveyrr said Lilly, as the elderly gentle
man remained on the sofa, hat in hand.
'sIf 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 l can
easily walk home when l find one to suit
me-"
Quite likely he is going to look up
suitable present for Lily" said one of the
elder ladies', nodding her head sagaciously,
] sscir ha or far t,a
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 l
would Ike 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:
/ sMiss 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 Gun Harvey Falconer have
/ to say to that shop-girls'
| Isabel led the way to small but hand
| somely-furnished parlor on the second floor,
and as her companion dropped into the
1 easy chair which she wheeled out for him.
/ he handed her his card, saying: II hardly
/ know how to commence this interview,
which must seem so very strange to you,
but have found myself taking a remark
able interest in you as 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.
ssYou are heart-whole?'' he said, inquir-
ingly. ---a
Perfectly so,'' she replied. Il have had
no time for love-making. l will not deny
l have had my dreams of home, and my
ideals of what that home should be; but,
| sir. why do you ask me these Questions!"
| She looked at him fearlessly and inquir
! ingly.
First let me return your confidence, and
! will answer your questions" he replied.
| 81 am widower; five years ago l buried
| my life's dearest hopes, in the person of my
wife, whom loved more tenderly even than
] knew until was forced to give her up. l
| thought then my heart was broken, and
that could never love again. l am some
/ thing of mind-reader, and while you were
waiting upon my niece studied you care
! fully, and / saw in your face the index to
mind akin to my own.
"Nevcr, since my darling Matte died, have
seen a woman who seemed. like her. to be
I part of myself, and as looked al you, and
| felt this mysterious drawing towards you,
resolved that, however strange and uncor-
ventional the proceeding might be, 1 would
ask for this interview and make your &C
| Quainta1ce."
Isabel smiled little skeptically. "Your
interest is indeed strange, sir, toward
humble workwoman. II I were in the
| higher walks of life, such as imagine you
| to be familiar with (he had an air of quiet
| good-breeding which justified her assertionl,
the interest would be more natural; Is it