The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-12-06

'1SeINlA5'
.arss Brown, or Miss Potter?"
serving, Miss May"
bright face under mass of wavy
,ubnrn hair looked up from the far end
~ the millinery department, where the
.,-rer was busy with an elderly customer.
81 am disengaged in a moment, Miss
Nav" said the girl, and the forewoman,
onoloeizing to the American lady who was
Tins obliged to wait for attention, ex-
r1aired that this being the dinner hour
mart Of the young ladies were for the mo-
nent away from their work.
or hone madame will be able to make a
soIaction." she continued, 1--WE have
very large assortment, and some very
choice Paris models
"Ob " replied the customer, with that in
aescribable something which indicates
the American; when I want a Paris hat
T 90 over and get it right there. I want
an English hat to-day, and 1 was re-
commended to come here. VIII that young
lady be long?"
..AIiss Brown is up now, see," said the
foreUoman, "Pll send her to madame"
pnt for some reason or fancy madame"
decided to wait for the red haired assist
ant and answered laziy, ''Pd prefer to
wait for the first young lady; I think
she'll know what 1 need"
In another moment the girl had finish
Cd with her customer, and FASTENED to
serve the American, who looked crit-
cally at the various specimens of milli-
merry placed before her. Il imagine you
are good milliner yourself?" she ques-
toned, as she twirled one of the prettiest
hats on her hand.
The girl blushed, and explained that she
was seller and not one of the work
room young ladies'; and the lady, who had
been looking closely at her, went on,
have l ever seen you before? L seem TO
know your face
"Not to nv recollection, madame said
the girl with another hat in her fingers;
but the American interposed, Just let
the hats be for a momenti l want TO
know. do they let you stay out week
ends?
yes madame" replied Miss Digby;
but we must be back before 10 O'Clock on
Sunday nights, so unless we have friends
close to town we do not often go.
"Weu. you'll think me mad, l daresay,
but want to have you stay with me this
week. can you fix 1t before l go TINS
morning.
The girl hardly knew how TO reply. II
seemed a most tempting invitation, out
at the same time somewhat rash to go on
visit to a total stranger, who might for
get her within before the day arrived.
Her hesitation showed itself in her man
ner and the American, laying her slim
white hand on the young shop-woman'
arm said kindly, 81 like you for that, it'll
be all right when I've paid my bill; every
body knows me; you won't disappolnt my
fancy now, will your"
Then turning to the hats she chose one
Of the most becoming and costly, and as
the bill was handed to her said, in loud
voice, 81 want to speak to the head of the
department."
The other assistants, looking up with the
idea that the lady was dissatisfied, pitied
Miss Digby for the scolding she would re-
ceve; but great was their surprise to hear
the forewoman, after brief conversation,
saying in a distinct voice, Very well,
Madame Miss Digby will be free by half
past on Saturday." and to see the lady
shaking hands with Miss Digby as she
passed out
The forewoman told the girls that the
American lady was the wife of the rail-
self an heiress and lived chiefly in the
south Of France for the sake of her health,
Where She was an acknowledged leader of
society.
Miss Digby was a small slip of a girl
with no beauty, but that of her crown of
fed-gold hair and the creamy freshness of
complexion which is it's frequent accompa-
mment. 1t was her pleasant ways and
ae' sterling qualities that had endeared
her so much to her fellow assistants, and
made her universally popular.
Ihey were all full of interest when on
saturday afternoon, Just before the great
Snop closed, the message was brought to
ne fortunate young lady MRS. Padapou-
. Ns carriage is waiting for Miss Digby,"
ana the few belated customers turned 10
gaze in establishment when the girl step
Ping from behind the counter hastily put
"a her wraps and left the room with her
A Htue portmanteau.
Mrs Padapouio was eagerly awaiting her
suest In her pretty boudoir when she "a
Ned. We'll, now she began, this
real nice. l was half afraid you would
uot come after all, and have a plan to
sSy before you Lay your wraps aside,
sNphanie II take them to your room, and
we nave tea right away I've been Eng
usA enough this long time to pine for my
al'erhoon tea as much as anyone" And
S,s rang as she spoke.
4 nave 10 make you acquainted with my
nome and my husband-though he'll be
nele 10 dinner-and then you must let me
AK you all about yourself, and where you
uVe You know we Americans delight in
asking questions"
i one handed the girl the photograph OF
stately villa, and of a midde-aged and
. eptonaly handsome man, but she said
nD,aing of children, though the room con-
rwiHeu some lovely pictures Of them, and
SUI Digby thought it best to make no
Tmnent on the subject
. " aen she had laid down the pictures
. gl hostess, giving her a cup of most de-
S'Jus tea, said, well, and what do you
4 LINK Of my homer" And when the girl
1 Ivy expressed her admiration the elder
poWan continued, NOW, this is the plan
s'1ke about-I want to have you come
~. mere with me this winter and be my
soV- teri have no children" and she
7"ed as she spoke. II will treat you
w. ts ! would a daughter OF my own.
Nv. shall have the allowance l would give
A. ana YOU shall just be my child for
NIne. ] don't know why but ] have
, q great fancy to you; you look more
alead than most OF the girls over here,
s mink you would be happy with us.
'H'hk Il over and tell me how you like