The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1892-03-12
A LEAP-YEAR STORY.

neart OF crowded city ana YET, small
as it was, three families made a
home there. The first floor, and the
one that brought the most rent. was
occupied by James Saunders, retired
sea captain, who was supposed to
possess a gold mine, at the very
least, and who had undoubtedly
"feathered his. nest" we'll in many
years ofprosperous voyaging.
| The basement floor was distin-
gulshed by a sign over the door,
and shop window, wherein were
displayed the wares of grocer
George DAWSON a very small
scale; grocer who bought by the
basket and box, and sold by the
half peck and pound,
Upstairs-;here was only one
story above the first hoor-Nanette
lived with her mother, Madame
Hillien. Nanette had been ten years
in America, and was employed by
milliner, who made good use of
| Nanette's nationality when her Gus
toners suspected her of being any
thing but French milliner. Mad
anne Hillien was yellow and wrinkled
and wore an old sacque of dingy
colors over a black silk petticoat,
and cap OF elaborate construction
over very rough, gray hair. Nanette
was clear runette, with eyes black
as sloes and soft as velvet, cheeks
like the heart Of crimson rose,
teeth like pearls, and the trigeest
little figure ever balanced on two
pretty feet. With scant means and
her French tastes Nanette was
always we'll dressed. Her print
gowns fitted her to a nicely, her
hair glossy and abundant, was al
ways arranged becomingly, and
there was never anything tumbled
or soiled to mar Nanette's toilette.
Two men, at least. adored Nan
cite: George Davis in heart sick
silence; Captain Saunders with the
audacity Of wealth and position.
Captain Saunders sent always to
Madame Hillien such preserves and
fruits as opened wide the eyes of the
favored few invited to partake of
them. He had always friend in
port, just arrived from Italy, from
Cuba, from Liverpool, from China,
from any point where the long arm
| of commerce pushes her vessels; and
these friends would always have
foreign dainties to tempt the gold
from the purse OF the generous cap
tain. 1t was whispered that fabrics
only suited from feminine wear,
| Jewels, fans, tinkets also came to the
| captains's room, but of these he
said nothing. Boxes of oranges,
jars of ginger, boxes OF macarolli,
tempting morsels from all lands " ere
carried up the flights of stairs to
Madnme Hillien, but of India mus
Inns, Canton grapes, Pon's silks, rings
and bracelets and captain said never
a word.
Still the face of George Davis
grew longer and paler day by day,
as the sight of his rivals prosperity
was forced upon him. 1t was true
| Nannette Loyalty purchased every
| pound of tea and peck of potatoes at
the grocery in the basement and
presented her cash with the smile of
an angel True, too, that she never
passed the grocer without smile
and sometimes little blush.
For the grocer was only three and
twenty, with blond beard and eyes
as blue as patch of summer sky,
while the captain was nearly sixty,
with grizzled red hair, a skin like
mahogany, and eyes of no especial
tint, unless it was seagreen. But
the captain had long bank account
and could WOO gallantly and loudly,
while the grocer only spoke with his
eyes, and wondered vaguely how
long two could live upon profits that
were halt starvation for one
She is so pretty the young fellow
thought, with a sigh; no wonder she
likes to ride with the captain in the
Park, while am tied to the counter
and cannot even afford to hire boy
to roll in the barrels l could not
send a basket home if a customer
| asked it.
But fortunately the customers were
of that class that never trust a mar
ket- basket out of their own hands.
Still, as they were very exacting as
to the largest measure for the lowest
prices, that balanced the matter.
1t was not a very fourishing gro
Gerry store, for the goods were of the
cheapest description, and the profits
were very small; and often when the
stock had to be replenis'ied, George
Davis wore atched shoes and the
shabbiest G 4clothes.
| 1t woula delight my heart, Nanette
said once 10 her mother, if could
once get my two hands in the linen
closet of Monsieur Davis and repair
his collars and cuffs. They are
frayed. Oh!-with untitled hands
how they are shabby!
You had better look at something
else than the cuffs of Monsieur Davis
said Madame Hllliens, severely. In
nv country maidens do not look at
young men.
But mamma, when | must look at
him every day how can l but see
him? Do not buy OF him sugar
and tea and all that We have to eat?
you were wise yon would not
''nH to buy food in a little