The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1889-07-11


Nine. 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 Haryeysr and
the young lady whirIed gracefully on one
toe, interrupting the gentleman in a brown
study.
"Mei 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 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 aunts
unhappy letter had faded from her Lind
and she was smiling cheerfully with the
rest, and for the moment forgot that she
was only shop-girl, so soothing was Lilly
Stanfond,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
Harveyi'' said Lilly, as tine elderly gentle
man remained on the sofa, hat in hand.
IF you'll excuse me, believe Ill do no
more shopping to-day. You see you have
given me no opportunity To select a hat for
myself. y he added, laughingly, sand I can
easily walk home when find one TO suit
me-"
"Quite likely he is going to look mp a
suitable present for Lily 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 l
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 eIH Harvey Falconer have
to say TO that shop girli''
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: Il 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 yon as l have been watch
ing you in the shop, and ] wish 10 inquire
into your history, so far as is necessary for
a clear understanding between Us. and j, 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 Ike myself: my home IS
not a happy oner 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 IL there was no strangeness in his re-
quest
He looked at her kindly and searchingly.
'You are heart-wholelr he said, inquir-
ingiy.
Perfectly so" she replied. Il have had
no time for love-making l will nos deny
nav Z la4 ny VI - noAut1r 1AA1
ideals of what that home should be; but,
sir. why do you ask me these questionst''
She looked at him feariessly and inquir-
ingly.
First let me return your confidence, snd
Twill answer your questions he replied.
Il am widower; five years ago / buried
my LIES dearest hopes, IN the person Of my
wife, whom loved more tenderly even than
knew until l was forced TO give her up.
thought then my heart was broken. and
that could never love again. | am some
thing of n mind-reader. and while you were
waiting upon my niece studied you care
fully. and saw in your face the index TO a
mind akin to my own
"Sevcr, since my dazzling Matte died, have
l seen woman who seemed. like her, TO b.
a part Of myself, and as looked at you. and
felt this mysterious drawing towards you,
resolved that, however strange and nncon-
ventional the proceeding might be, would
ask Tor this interview and make your hc-
quaiuta1ce."
Isabel snileia little slxcptically. .sYour
interest Is indeed strange, sir, toward a
humble worhwoman. II were in the
higher walks OF life. such as imagine You
iohe familiar with (Ae had an air % quiet
good- breeding which justified her assertion,
Tho interest would he morS natural; a. u