El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1900-08-07
NELL LEIGHTON

uo1oaoAoaoAo&Ro OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
Everybody knew the big decorating
firm of Gross & Palmer, but everybod.
did not know that little Nell Leighton
one of their hands, had such taste in up
holstering.
Consequently when Judge Gwynn
gave the order for the refurnishing Of tn
library and boudoir in his big house Mel
was sent to superintend it in the alb
sence of Mrs. Gillett, who was laid VI
with rheumatism.
1t was 1 o'clock. The two workmeI
who were toiling under Nell's direction.
had gone home to dinner and not yet re
turned.
Nell, having thrifty brought her owl
| midday rejection in splint lunch basket
had eaten it, and was now sitting on the
floor in the boudoir sketching on bit OF
| paper new idea for lambrequins which
had Just come into her head, when g
| quick step crossed the corridor beyond
| and she felt herself caught up in a pail
| of strong arms.
"Aha, you little rogue!" cried a merry
jovial voice. "Taken us all by SURPRISE
Ell? But 1 am never surprised at any
| thingv'
| And before the amazed Nell could re-
monstrate she was heartily kissed, first
ON one cheek and then on the other.
"Don't!' said Nell, GREATNESS and in
dignant, with complexion like a blazing
| red poppy and quick, f1uttering breath.
"How-how dare you? Let me go!''
Judge Gwynne (for it was he) dropped
her as child drops scratching kitten.
Il beg your pardon" said he, as
much confused as Nell himself. Il
thought it was Cousin Janet. Don't cry,
my child" as the big, limpid drops began
to trickle down the scarlet poppy cheeks
SEQ, | am gray haired old fellow of 80.
Your own father couldn't be different
Nell smiled little at this.
81 know it, sir,' said she, frankly. 81
was only frightened. 1t was so sudden,
you know
Rather sudden said the judge. 81
meant it to be. 1 wanted to surprise
Cousin Janet. But, all the same, don't
quite understand what you are doing
here
I'm from Gross & Panner's," said
Nell, with great nonchalance. "I'm SUI
perintending the renovation of these
rooms"
"Oh, Gross & Palmer, the uphoIster-
ers,' said Judge Gwynne.
Eyes, SIR said Nell. There are two
men at work here, and L supply the pat
terms and Designs
You are young for that business.
aren't you?'
Yes, sir" confessed Nell I'm only
artist
James Leighton, eh?" said Judge
Gwynne graciously-he could be a royal
gentleman in air and mien when he
chose. Il believe 1 have little sea
study of your fathers in my gallery L
bought it at an artists fund sale"
.'Oh, have you?" cried Nell, flushing
with qualification.
Nell, whose girl heart was opened by
the judges gracious interest, told the
story of their misfortunes.
Il think you did quite right to go to
work." said the judge when he had
heard it all. Il honor you for it, my
dear. L will go and see your father my
self some day. Perhaps some of his old
sketches may suit me for the portfolio
am now collecting"
So the judge went back to his study,
and Nell, flushing and palpitating to
think how freely she had spoken to a
real, live judge, returned to the blue sat
In and silver trimmings
Nell came every day for a week before
Mrs. Gillett was able to take her place,
her work and gave her several useful
hints and suggestions as to the taste Of
his daughter-in-law that was to be.
"But I'm almost sorry that it is over"
thought Nell as she settled down once
more to the humdrum duties of the work
ing room at Messrs. Gross & Planners.
And Nell drew q long breath. She
wished something-she didn't quite know
what it was.
One Saturday night when she went
home to the studio (Which was a studio
no longer) she discovered, to her sur
prise, that her father was not alone.
Judge Gwynne was with him, that state
ly gentleman whom Nell had taught her
self to think the handsomest man in the
rt fr,l lAor
Perhaps he had come to select a new
picture out of the canvases that yet
hung around the forlorn walls, and the
judges orders did make such a differ
ence in the domestic exchequer of the
"Nell," said her father, his eyes brim-
ming with tears, 1.-The judge has been
talking to me about you"
about me, papa|
Nell colored like Il rose.
Yes; he wants my consent to ask you
to be his wife"
Little Nell" said the judge, advanc-
ing with outstretched hands, Il am think
ing l should be much happier if l could
always have the sunshine of your face
and presence at my side. You are n
young girl, and l am an old widower,
but
But that makes no difference at ALL"
cried Nell quickly. Yes, l do love you, |
l never knew it before
do you mean it, Nell?" asked the |
judge, his Greek, grand old face becom-
ing irradiated all at once.
Il do, from the very depths of my |
heart"
So Nell, the artists daughter, became |
Mrs. Judge Gwynne, and herself queened |
over the house where she had come to de- |
sign lambrequins and choose colors.-
New York News.