The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-09-09
His FAVORITE FLOWER.

There # stood in the old farmhouse win
dow, that scarlet geranium, It's clusters OF
blossoms glowing like spots OF flame and
the velvety green of IFS leaves expanding
with almost tropical luxuriance OF growth.
No petted favorite of the greenhouse ever
'thrived more determinedly, for it took Its
stand On tie good old democratic platform,
and grew just as vigorously in that low
ceiled room as if IT were the conservatory
Of ducal palace.
The fire ia the chimney leaped out and
fell ftfully with the uncertain gusts of wind
that walled round the lonely house, and
sent the red leaves whlrllng down the road.
The sky was gray and cherries, save where
a belt Of lurid gold above the western
woods marked the coming OF the sullen
November sunset, and an indescribable
something of the contagious melancholy IN
air, earth and sky, seemed to have dTlfted
down on Amy WiltOns heart, as she lay on
the chintz-covered sofa beside the fire, her
large brown eyes halt closed, and her
needle lying Idly on the delicate strip OF
rufiing with which she had been me-
chancally busying herself.
Was she pretty, do you ask me? Well,
that depends entirely upon ones idea OF
prettiDess OF cnlOr, freshness, rosy bloom,
she had none Do you call pale anemone,
fragile violet, or a col0rlesS statue, beautl-
full? OF all these things, Any Wilton
might have remind one, as she lay there,
white and still, the brown braids falling
around her oval cheeks, and the small hands
crossed upon her breast
my goodness, Amy. the fires all going
out, and here you are. hall asleep!
Amy opened her eyes aud became cog
infant of the busting presence of rosy,
dimpled damsel with cheeks like winter
apples, and black, rOguish eyes, who threw
fresh coal upon the fire. gave the hearth-rug
On adjusting shake, and hustled around the
room with infectious activity.
Better tonight, Amy?" she asked. sud
denly pausing beside the cHintZ sofa, as q
bird might light abruptly on the branch Of
tree, for she was not unlike bird 10 her
quick motions and careless grace, this bright
eyed little maiden.
81 shall be better very soon, Grace" said
the sick girl, eYasiVely taking Grace War
ren's rosy fingers in her own transparent
palm. Did You inquire for letters at the
post flee, as you came by ?"
G"Yes; but there was no letter, of course"
Amy was silent a moment, and the unShed
tears trembled on her lasheS.
Grace" she said softly, do you remem-
Der that it Is three years ago to-day since
since Alfred went awaYp
Remember it? OF course I do; and Pve
not bit Of patience when l remember il
To think how he has thrown us all aside,
the friends Of his youth and poverty, like
0UtgE0Yn garments, now that he has become
famous and prosperous mani And he has
even forgotten you, Amy, his promised
1ifep'
"Hushl There was no formal engage
ment."
7 don't carer' calculated Grace. with
sparkling eyes. The compact was none
the less sacred In heavens eyes, and if
Alfred COuTtenav marrleS that rich heiress
people talk abOut-dOn't turn so pale. Amy
surely the room is too warmi Shall l
call your mOther?
j.. NO; an better now" said Amy, try
Ing to smile. 1T was only a momentary
= fantness, dear"
u know whot it % said Grace, noddng
her head emphaticalIy. Doctor Jay
always said it wasn't healthy to keep that
large geranium in the window. Those
spreading branches and clusters OF flowers
ABSORB every breath Of fresh air. Let me
take il upstairs"
Not for the world. dear g' said Amy
earnestly 81 would not miss the sight of
It's cheerful flowers for anything earth can
give. Alfred brought il to me when it was
a little sprig scarcely two inches high, and
be always used 10 say that its bright bios
SONS in the window seemed like a welcome
20 him in the winter evenings, when"
Amy's voice broke down here, and she
turned her cheek TO the pillow, crying Qui-
stly. Grace said nothing, only strOked her
friends brown hair with a touch that was
tull Of unsp0ken sympathy. She knew that
tears were Amy's best medicine just then.
And so we leave the two young girls in
he red glinting Of the freight and the chill
Eleam of the November sunset and turn to
, far different scene.
Mrs. Montague Frances was 'at homa"-
Fat home" amid blazing chandeliers, hot
house japOnicas, and gilded ceilings, TO her
dear 800 friends in bTocsdes and jewels.
The mansion was in a glow from attic to
basemeDt-lOng lines OF carriages were set
ting down the fashionable world at the car
n 4 H. -
struck up maZuTka, when Mr.. Courtenay
lOunged into the salon.
There's your fascinating young lawyer
MadelOn," whispered blooming matron, in
black velvet and diamonds
Aud Madelon Frances turned her stately
head, while The deep rose color sufused her
cheek and brow.
The hostess beautiful daughter was
brilliant brunette; the liquid softness of her
Jet-black eyes and clear, dark skin made
you think OF some glowing Spanish picture,
while there was something almost imperial
IN the curve OF her small, rose-red mouth
Her dress was Of simple white muslin.
without solitary ornament, and amid the
shining profusion of her raven locks were
twisted two OF three vivid blossoms Of the
scarlet geranium.
Nor was she the only one In the throng
who noticed Courtenay's entrance. A iris
Ing man" his brilliant talents had already
constituted him somewhat Of a Zion" in
metropolitan circles, and he was greeted on
all sides with welcoming words.
Here comes COurteDay-wonder when he
means TO propose?" languidly remarked an
ezquisitely dressed youth.
''PropOse-to whom2" asked bis COM
paniOn.
Why. to Miss Madelon, Of counsel It Is
pretty plain that she likes him, and he
would be fool to hesitate at the chance of
obtaining beautiful wife and fortune at
the same time. Lucky fellow, thatI
Wen, i, for one, never could see what
the ladies' ind to admire in Courtenay." re-
marked the other, misaDthropically, lower
Ing his voice as the gentleman in question
passed by. "Halol what's the matter?
He isn't Ill. is hep"
For Courtenay had paused suddenly. with
astrange pallor oveTspreading his cheek.
as bis eye fell upon Miss Frances beautiful
profe2
TELL me-" he said, turning to Colonel
Anderton, who stood close by, and sneak
ing in husky whisper, what flower is that
Miss Frances wears in her hair ?''
Flower" repeated Anderton, leaning