Arizona republican., 1893-03-24
ON APPROVAL.
Why Lady Loddington Is Civil to a
 Common Man.

What on earth dye call that thing?'' asked, polxing with my stick at a bunch of grapes poised airily upon a brass stand.
 That thing" replied my cousin, proudly, lis the very latest Parisian fashion in bonnets."
 sank back into the little lounge that ran along the side of the room you couldn't insult anything so dainty with the name of 'shop"-and gazed upon its owner with an exclamation more profane than appropriate
 It must at once be confessed that she was a charming object to gaze at There was an expression of wicked amusement in her large gray eyes, and the black gown she still wore in mourning for her husband-poor Jack Henderson, who was killed in the Soudan-set off the lines of her slender young figure and threw her golden hair and fair skin prettily into relief.
 Pull yourself together, my dear boy" she continued, opening the door of an old carved oak cabinet, "and I will show you something that even your crude male intellect will appre- ciate. If you don't say it's lovely I'll never let you inside the shop again. You may flatten your nose against the window or stroll disconsolately up and down the street in vain! No more chats, no more teas in the back room, Ronaldw
 So saying, she lifted gingerly from the, shelf a large hat, and, placing it upon her pretty head, turned triumph ant(y toward me.
 It was lovely-quite lovely-a sort of arrangement in amethyst velvet and feathers to match. Being only mis- erable and ignorant mae, of course can't describe it; but it was uncom- monly becoming and made Nina look like a Gainsborough picture. l told her so and gushed over it sufficiently to satisfy her.
 Its my own idea, shape and all, and there isn't another like it in the world. l may possibly copy it, but Pm not sure. It depends upon who buys it. How l wish you were a woman, Ro- nald" she sighed, respectfully. q would make you buy it for Ascot to. morrow. |"
 'I wish l were, my dear. But why don't you go and wear it yourself?"
 "Graciousl and leave the shop for a whole day at this early stage of it's ex- istence! You guardsmen have no more idea of business than a baby. No, l can't go; but hope you'll have a lucky day and a good time, and Ronald, dear, fyou were nice you'd just look in one day soon and tell me what sort of day you had. Oh, and be sure you don't forget to notice what hats and bonnets people wear"
 lpromised to do my best and took my leave reluctantly as large and portlY matron, gorgeously arrayed, and whose features unmistakably be- trayed her Semitic origin, sailed in and demanded a small flower bonnet"
 That woman in a flower bennett I hope poor soul, that Nina saved her from herself
 What are you going to do this after noon, Ronald?" asked my mother three days later II wish you to come and call with me on the Vanderdecllens.
 Cant, my dear mother Promised to go and see Nina"
 Visions of Miss Vanderdecken, rich as CrGsus but oh, so deadly dull! has tened my movements, and I was half way to Oxford street before my mother could call me back. l found Mme. Destrier, as my cousin calls herself, just parting with a customer. The hat was in her hand
 I've sold it," she cried, gleefully; just sold it to that nice girl for five guineas."
 Awful glad, I'm sure. But, my dear girl, I've a shock in store for you. Is saw the very model and marrow of that hat at Ascot the day before yes terday."
 You couldn't, you couldn't Who was wearing it?" she cried, sharply.
 One of our reigning professional beauties-Lady Loddingtonw
 Lady Loddington!" gasped Nina, catching hold of the chair behind her. Ronald, are you sure you aren't mak- Ing any mistake?"
 "l swear I'm not She had on trock 'he color of the hat, and she looked simply ripping. paid her all the com phments l could think of in the five. minutes l was talking to her"
 The cheat, the swindle of itr cried my cousin, white with anger.
 My dear girl calm yourself! I'm sorry for you, but great minds, as you Know, will jump, and some other clever wo man has had the same idea as you. -four sentiments, madam, are mine Tut don't think thcyshould be vast ed on the mere fact that some other woman has made hat like yours" She hasn'tl" cried Nina, indignant y But Lady Loddington was wear ,,1g this very hat, Listen, I'll tell you the whole story. The same afternoon you called lady came in beautifully