Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1898-07-21

down in it and then kissed her and
bade her goodnight. saying:
'My apartments are on the right
side of the hall rs you so down stairs.
If YOU should feel lonesome or fright
enc'l, or ill. send your Pinchy to my
door and l will come to YOU
Meanwhile Lois returned to Mrs.
Grcvillc's dressing room.
'Well. my dear, has the poor child
proper outfit"
Lois shrugged her shoulders, as she
answered:
Mamma, just fancy that she has
nothing"
"'Nothing"" echoed Mrs. Greville.
"Nothing whatever?"
"And yet there was a heavy trunk
that went up stairs, if 1 may judge
from the many times heard the man
set it down and breathe
ooh, yes! a regular sea-chest. man.
ma. And packed full of such a lot of
rubbish! coarse alpaca, and coarser
delainc dresses-made in such a style!
and cotton underclothing and night
dresses. and-in short. mamma. though
the poor child is as vain Of her ward
robe as if it were the outfit of a prin-
cess. there is not an article in he: EOS
session tit for her to wear! And so
you may JUST make up your mind to
send her to Blanks tomorrow and or
der her complete wardrobe from the
crown of her head to the sole of her
foot!
Late in the morning Elite dressed
herself with much care in the very
best dress she possessed; and, not
withstanding the contempt of LOIS.
Iftie looked very neat and pretty in
her plain black alpaca. with her white
liren collar and cuffs. At least she
thought so, as she surveyed herself in
the tall dressing glass. Then, leaving
Miss Pinchett at her morning prayers,
Elite hurried ont and raped at Lois
door, eNclaiming:
maiden aunt! maiden aunt. I am
ready to go down to breakfast wheu
you are!'
Come in, you troublesome elf. am
likely to have a nice. quiet time with
you" said Lois. laughingly. from
within.
Elite entered. and found Lois. in an
elegant white morning dress. trimmed
with black sitting before her toilec
table. Her maid stood behind her,
giving the last twirl to a sunny ring
let. Lois rose smilingly to meet Elite,
and then conducted her down stairs.
In the breakfast parlor they foun::
Mrs. Greville and handsome young
man. whom the former presented to
Elite as her uncle, Wclby Dunbar.
Elite had never heard of this uncle
before, yet his face seemed so familiar
that she could scarcely take her eyes
from it. Elite had never had but one
imperfect look at Colonel Greville but
it was the strong resemblance between
the two men that perplexed her now.
During breakfast, Mrs. Greville ap-
Feared overshaddowed with deep
gloom. that spread it's contagion
throughout the circle. Scarcely word
was spoken beyond those demanded
by the courtesies Of the table. After
breakfast Mrs. Greville arose, saying;
Lois. my love, take Elite out this
morning and get her whatever she re-
quires," left the breakfast parlor, and
retired to her private apartments.
'Lois, dearest" said Welby Dunbar.
coming to her side, in silence, Il had
hoped the arrival of this young lady
would have aroused your dear mother
from brooding over this affair."
at did for little while. She was
quite cheerful last evening. even gay;
but. you see, she has relapsed! Will
you drive out with us? Shall we set
you down at your office door?'
''lf you please, dearest"
Lois rang the bell, ard ordered the
carriage to be at the door in half an
hour, and then took Elite up stairs to
get ready for the shopping expedition.
They were. soon in the carriage and
driving toward the city. They set Mr.
Dunbar down at his office door. and
then turned into Broadway. And. if
Elite was aStOniShed at the great city
by gas-light, she was no less so when
viewing it's splendors under the blaze
of the monday sun.
Lois stopped at one of the gayest
baZars in the city. They entered it,,
and passed in turn through all the va
rious departments. Lois selecting III!
each all that she deemed neces ;ary for
Elite.
They We're soon at home again,
where they found luncheon spread in
the dining room.
Mrs. Greville Joined them at the ia
BILE, but she looked more dcspairing
than ever. The meal was finished in
silence, after which, as before, Mrs.
Grevlile retired to her private apart.
nents.
Lois took Elite up stairs to examine
The things that had bee nsent home
AS soon as they We're alone in Elites
chamber the latter said:
"Maiden aunt. what is the matter
with my splendid grandmother: She
looks very dull to-day
''About two weeks ago. great blow
fell upon poor mamma: it nearly
crushed her; when it came. she fell to
the floor in a dead swoon; l never
knew her to swoon before not even at
the death of her nearest and dearest
And ever since that blow fell. she has
looked just as you see her now"
She seemed cheerful last night"
''For the first time since the news
came; it was not healthy cheerful
ness; only the excitement Of your ar
rival; that was all; this morning she
was as low as ever"
IL wish l could arrive every day
then. But, maiden aunt what WAS the
blow that fell upon heyY'
''My dear. it was the sudden death
of her only brother, to whom she was
once fondly attached, but with whom
she had quarreled many years ago
and from whom she has held herself
aloof ever since! Poor mamma think.