The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1891-07-15

sometimes hang, but one Of them, a bright
youn G lady. who was evidently about to be-
come bride, claimed her attendance.
Two gentlemen came in with them, a tall.
middlc-age6 mar, whom theyounger lady ad-
dressed as Uncle Harvey" and a younger
gentleman, evidently the bridegrooin-elect.
1t was pleasant task to wait upon this
gentle girl after the rasping experiences OF
the dav, and while Nine. Arnot smiled
lavishly on the elder ladies Of the party Isa-
bel brought out the daintiest and most eX-
ouisite models of the millinery art for the
inspection Of the younger lady,who received
her attendance with a sweetness and grace
which soothed and comforted her in 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 q 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;
erhair, ifallowed to curl, would shapeitself
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 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.
'sIsn't that hat perfectly lovely on I.illy!"
said one of the ladies'. II never saw any
thing more perfectly in her style.''
1t was indeed gem, as bonnets 20, and
was further adorned By the pure, gentle
face which it framed.
ssMrs. 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. 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.
chow do you like it, Uncle Earvey" and
the young lady whirled gracefully on one
toe, interrupting the gentleman in brown
study.
"Me2 Oh, Ireany am not q Judge Of mil
inery,'' he replied, rather absently. "Be-
opinion when Ralph is here"
"She knows only too well what my opin-
ion is,'' 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 Lind,
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, hat in hand.
"If youu excuse me, believe FL do no
more shopping to-day. You see you have
given me no opportunity to select hat for
myself" he added, laughingly, land 7 can
easily walk home when 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,
sssince he can not stay for the wedding"
Meantime Mr. Harvey Falconer had
stepped up to Isabel, as she was arranging
the deorls Of the last invasion Of band
boxes, and, as the carriage drove away, he
said, gravely: pardon me, miss, for such
an apparently unpardonaole 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 coldness and disdain after all
beneath her smiles, and her mental COM
ment was ''W hat Gun Harvav Fa!coner have
to say to that shop-girls''
Isabel led the way to a 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: II hardly
know how to commence this interview,
which rust seem 80 very strange to you,
but have found myself taking remark
able interest in you as have been watch
ing you in the shop, and I wish to inquire
into your history, so far as is necessary for
clear understanding between US, and I, IN
turn, will give you my own"
s'My history is soon told," seid Isabel,
with half smile. u am Isabel Grant, an