Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-11-16

It s birthday present.
She looked at it with evident admira-
tio1. Then size saw tine cake.
SIS this mine, too:' she asked with
still r,ore wonder and doabtfulness.
Yes" replied Bessie at once, deter
mined to anticipate Jim with her
knowledge this time. 81 saw 'Lisbeth
making it, and she said it was your
birthday cake
Maud looked about the table in be-
wilderment, examining the faces of
each enc, especially these of Alec and
'Lisbeth. At last tears filed her eyes,
she hung her head and left tho table
hastily. In q moment she had washed
the tears away and came back with a
smiling face, her heart and eyes full Of
tender gratitude. She had seemed lit
tie suspicious Of 'Lisbeth, but now tina,
was all changed.
That Saturday night, too. q big no.
tice was tackled On the front door Of the
store where everybody coming to church
could see the announcement Of the
opening" which till then had been
kept profound secret
The notice remained mp all the week,
and the turnout the following Satur-
day was such as to fill tho hall to suffo
cation. 1t had been dull November
day, and as darkness settled down the
first snow Of the season began TO flutter
down in great soft fakes. Soon the
ground WAS hidden under an ermine
mantle of exquisite richness.
BY hall past the people began to ar
rive. The men stamped the SNOW rough.
ly from their boots, and the girls and
women shook their dresses as they came
up ON the veranda. The hall was bright
ly lighted, and there was q cheerful
open FIRE which Alec had arranged ex.
pressly for this entertainment. AS il
was not very cold. no other heat was
needed
On one side were displayed all the
bright dress goods and made up gowns.
which 'Lisbeth had charge Of. She was
dressed herself in a very pretty bright
calico, which very well became her pre-
cisely cut but kindly face. Those who
saw her thought they had pever seen
her look so fine.
On the other side were the ready made
suits fer men and boys. the overcoats
and the tailor's goods and place for
measurement. Alec wore his tailor
made suit and was walking advertise.
ment. The young fellows seemed al
most overcome by his elegance Of man
ner and looks.
Mrs. Higgins. in her best silk dress
and al cid fashioned little white lace
| cap. went about among the guests. over.
flowing with hospitality. and pra:sing
| literally the enterprise of Alec and her
| daughter Lisbeth. Which was the
| greater wonder was not satisfactorily
| settled. Flo and Bessie were allowed TO
be present, too, and trotted about in the
highest glee, having the very best time
N the world, till they fell asleep in
some kind neighbors' arms.
George Marston stood near 'Lisbeth's
corner. smiling in astonished wonder at
Alec's idea and in pleasure at the inevi-
table result in helping on 'Lisbeth's
business, which in one sense was his
own as we'll The older men crowded
about him and talked grain and crops
| and the milk market and an arrange.
ment which Alec had made Cor selling
! their butter.
| There was also q great counter Of
| toys and knickknacks, as toothbrush
| es, bootiacks, kitchen utensils and SO
| forth, Of which he had nominal charge
| But he usually referred questioners to
! 'Lisbeth, who stood near, and she with
energetic activity attended to both, dis.
regarding him apparently On the ground
that he was useless incUmbrance But
he looked on with pleased admiration
at her industry.
The young men crowded about Maud
corner, and Alec looked in her direc.
| ton verv often with envinns ewes She
Lad fine color this evening, and IN
dress certainly was Il beauty. Every one
noticed her. the girls came and spoke 20
her, ard she sold large amount Of con-
fectionery. Many Of the young men
tried TO JOKE with her Familiarity. but
she became so cold AID silent that they
soon stopped that.
Just before 10 O'Clock ALEC glanced
hastily over the crowd, thinking It was
about time to bring in the collation.
Lisbeth had proposed. but his eye was
arrested by . strange figure near tie
door. 1t WAS no other than Mr.. Bennett.
Maud's father. He had just come in
and was locking ahout in bowilderment.
| but just as Alec saw him he in turn saw
Maud. and she saw him Slowly he
made his way toward her.
well, Maud, a fine place this," Alec
heard him say He saw Maud's lips an
swer Yes" but he thought she was
very white.
Your mother sent me TO fetch you
home," Mr. Bennett went en- after q
pause to look about. in which his eye
met Alec's. though it was hastily with
drawn.
! II am IS; am of age You can't
take me away against my will. '" said
Maud in hurried tones, drawing back q
little behind the counter as if she feared
her father might try to reach over after
her and take her away by force.
Il don't want 10 take you back"
said Mr.. Bennett hcrvietly. do you
say You won't go?"
YES said she.
There was little silence, ana then
| Mr BENNETT ss,cfir.s,o<1 vxrif1, his loa<l e.,