The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1892-03-16


had undoubtedly "feathered his nest
well in many years of prosperous voy
aging.
The basement floor was distinguished
by sign over the door, and a shop win
dow, wherein were displayed the ware.
of grocer-George Davis-on a very
small scale, a grocer who bought by the
basket aud box, and sold by the hall
peck and pound.
Upstairs-there was only one story
above the first floor-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 customers suspected
her of being anything but a
French milliner. Madame Hillien was
yellow and wrinkled and wore an old
sacque of dingy colors over black silk
petticoat, and a cap of elaborate con-
struction over very rough, gray hair.
Nanette was a clear brunette, with ewes
black as sloes and soft as velvet, cheeks
like the heart of a crimson rose, teeth
like pearls, and the triggest little figure
ever balanced on two pretty feet. With
scant means and her French tastes Nan
cite was always well dressed. Her print
gowns fitted Ler to nicely, her hair
glossy and abundant, was always arranged
becomingly, and there was never any,
thing tumbled or soiled to mar Nanette's
toilette.
Two men, at least, adored Nanette;
George Davis in heart-sick silence; Cap.
tain Saunders with the audacity of wealth
aud position.
\ Captain Saunders sent always to
Madame Hiilien such preserves aud fruits
as opened wide the eyes of the favored
few invited to partake of them. He had
always a friend in port, just arrived
from Italy, from Cuba, from Liver pool,
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 captain. 1t
was whispered that fabrics only suited
for feminine wear, jewels, fans, tlinkets
also came to the captains room, but of
these he said nothing. Boxes of oranges,
jars of ginger, boxes of macaroni,
tempting morsels from all lands were car
ried up the flight of stairs to Madame
Hillien, but of India muslins, Canton
grapes Pon's silks, rings and bracelets the
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 that Nanette loyalty
purchased every pound of tea and peck
of potatoes at the grocery in the base
ment and presented her cash with the
smile of an angel. True, too, that she
never passed the grocer without q smile
and sometimes little blush.
For the grocer was only three-and-
twenty, with a blond beard and eyes as
blue as a patch oEeummer sky, while the
captain was nearly sixty, with grizzled
red hair, a skin like mahogany, and eyes
Of no especial tint, unless it was sea
green. But the captain had a long bank
account, aud 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 half starvation for one.
"She is so pretty!" the poor young
fellow thought, With a sigh; "no won
der 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. could not send a
basket home if a customer asked it"
But fortunately the customers were OF
that class that never trust market-bas-
ket out of their own hands. Still,as they
were very exseEing as to the largest