Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1890-11-15
PEARLS LOVER.
BY RAY RICHMOND.

Before her cheval mirror pretty Pearl
8at, waiting for her maid. The dainty
lavender morning robe, lined with deli
cate pink, set off her fair complexion
and auburn hair. The silk was laid
back from a beautiful neck, and the
loose Japanese sleeves revealed white,
rounded arms thrown above her head.
\, Her deep violet eyes we're shaded by
dark, curling lashes, and she was al
most dropping off into doze when q
bright fash aroused her. She opened
those wopdrous eyes wide, startled and
surprised, but only her lovely, slightly
flushed face in the glass before her an
swered back her look. She arose,
showing q wonderful form clad in the
dainty gown, and, going lazily to the
window overlooking tie court below,
parted the lace curtains and peeped
out She started back, a rich blush
dyeing her skin, for opposite, not
half dozen rods away, in window as
high as her own, stood a gentleman,
handsome and decidedly chic, holding
hapd-mirror, from which he had dex-
terously thrown a ray of light into
PEARLS face.
His lips parted in sweet smile as for
an instant her eyes looked into his, but
Pearl, heated, angry, discounted, had
Ahrunk away from the window and did
not see it. Her maid with her chocolate
created for moment diversion of her
thoughts. But presently her mind
wandered back to herself, and she said
to herself:
Il hate him! The audacity of the
wretch l shall be obliged to keep the
blinds down after this. 1 wonder who
he is. He must be stranger, for I've
never before seen him. 1 wish I had
yet to see him, for I'll not forget soon
my modification. How dared he!"
And the violet eyes blazed with indig-
nation.
Days of rain and mist kept Pearl
within doors, for she was much of a
pussy-cst, and dreaded any dampness.
But one morning, breaking clear and
bright, she arrayed herself in a stylish
spring costume and walked peacefully
down to a noted jewelers., where she
made the purchase of birthday gift.
But Pearl was hard to suit, and the
obliging clerk placed all his lovely
wares before her, anxious to please, and
happy in the consciousness that he was
waiting upon a lady, and beautiful
one at that. A naughty little frown
cut the white forehead about which the
auburn hair, like the color of FURNISHED
gold, lay so lovely. The dainty head
was perched, bird-like, on one side,
and then on the other, as she considered
and reconsidered the advisability of one,
the appropriateness of another, or the
usefulness of third article. Pearls
presents were always highly appreci-
ated, just because she gave so much
thought to the selection.
At last, raising her head with sigh
of relief, she said to the smiling clerk:
81 will take this freshmen" and gaz-
ing past the clerks head, saw in the
mirror back of him, the reflection of
her tormentor Of few days back, who,
standing at the opposite counter, had
evidently been admiring the reflection
of her face, In the same mirror. She
dropped her eyes betraying no surprise
nor displeasure, and failed to see the
look of almost alteration spread over
the gentleman's face as he turned away.
But the clerk was very much sur
pxised at the naughty expression on his
customers face, as he handed her the
parcel, attributing her change of man
ner to some stupid blunder of his own,
and making himself miserable thereby
for the rest of the day.
Pearl wendell her way home, sadly
and dejectedly, for she felt as though
an insult had been offered her, and it
hurt her sensitive soul UNNECESSARILY.
The night of the great Van Halsten
bail vas fast approaching, and Pearl,
again seated before her mirror was
watching the deft fingers Of Lizette,
who was piling the reddish gold hair into
becoming masses on her shspely head.
A large pearl pin was fastened among
the meshes and the soft curls clung to
her neck at the back of hershead. With
pat or two, Lizette said, ''Es is all
don mamselle."
For 3 moment Pearl gazed critically
as the reflection, and then with salts
fed tone said, @And now my dress,
Iizette."
The beautiful costume Of fsintish
lavender, and deep violet, made beau
tifuI picture of Pearl. A string of her
namesakes about her neck were her
only Jewels. Great velvety purple
pansies nestled In the corsage, and
dainty gloves and slippers finished the
costume, over which Lizette threw a
pale pink wrap.
This was Pearls first season, and al
though by no means her first ball, she
still anticipated great pleasure. She
chatted gaily and happily with her
chaperon, as they drove away. Smiles
chased over her face, showing bewitch-
ing dimples In the soft rounded cheeks.
The great mansion was ablaze with
lioht. and the air was heavy with fra
.grancs Of towers. PsArl inner beauty