The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1901-04-23
One Easter.

Z r@6~tAAtA AA a WeN1 VI ENLNAN4 pei
fume For this was Drexel's. the fash
ionabie florist OF the city.
Every greenhouse and flower store
was rushed to its utmost. to I'LL orders
left until the eleventh hour At
Drexel's all was hustle and confusion;
great masses Of blossoms were piled
in banks and mounds; while upon the
long slabs Of white marble, lay crosses,
Tyres, and harps, awaiting removal to
the churches. and the elegant homes
upon the hill Behind the plate glass
window, upon beds Of moss and ferns,
reposed some artistic and novel deco
rations. with a figure Of Undine
sprinkling them with drops Of crystal
water.
Each florist tried to excel the others.
for it was the season Of much rejoice
ing-holy week-and the day but one
to 5Iasfer Sunday.
At the counter near the window,
stood Bessie Lee, head decorator at
Drexel's, arranging ropes Of smiiax,
and ground laurel, and sorting over
the mountain of blossoms, piled in
confusion upon the floor. She was at
one thing, then at another; and it
seemed to her, that If she possessed
three pairs Of hands, instead OF one,
she could set them all working on the
instant.
Here's Drexel's, say we 60 in and
get a flower" said Hugh Meredith, to
his companion. as they passed before
the window, intent upon the novel
decorations displayed with lavish
taste.
Agreed" answered Percy stanhope,
one of the fast" young men Of his
"set."
Have you been smitten too, by this
new flower girl? l can tell you, she
has face like one Of her pink rose
buds"
Yes, I've noticed the bijou She is a
nice little thing. but shy as a wood
violet They tell me she has an ex-
cellent taste in house decorations, and
Old Drexel has just trebled his trade
since he secured her; and the old
schemer is just shrewd enough to see
il, and keep mum toe" said Meredith. /
I've no doubt Of it, but Meredith,
the best p.-. OF it all is, the little
rustic beauty is just as demurely un-
conscious OF her charms, as that rose
dropping there over the daisies" said |
stanhope.
Come, let US go in and purchase a |
bud. just for the sake Of a view" said |
Meredith.
Bessie was busy, filling a great urn
with Easter lilies, and looked up from
her work to nod a welcome to Stan
hope, as the pair sauntered in with a
air Of ease The trails OF 1
smilax we're festooned IN garlands, /
far up over her head, and heaps OF /
white carnations-like billows Of snow
flung out sweet scents, to greet them
rs they advanced to where Bessie
stood, a neat young girl with soft
brown eyes, and curling brown hair,
She had a great flare OF fire-red aza-
leas thrust slantwise In her belt. and
a rose with a heart like a drop Of
blood. nesting in her hair.
"Ye Gods what a profile, and a bust
like Hebe,' he said soto voce.
Have you one OF my favorite bou-
.onnieres made up, Bessie?' Stanhope
asked, with a careless air. and smile.
A soft rich flush-like a reflection
rom the flowers at her belt stole up
over her face, as she said:
no. Mr.. stanhope. not at present.
have been rushed for the Easter dec
,rations, and small matters have been
iadly neglected, but can make up
'ne in a moment, if you care to walt
She drew down a Marcheal Mel rose,
which dropped from a trellis over
iead, and began stripping of the outer
caves
Do. then" he said, smiling one Of
his most conquering smiIes.
"One for me also. if you have time
Hiss Lee" said Meredith.
What shall / choose for you?"
lsked Bessie. looking up from beneath
Ter Song curling eye lashes.
"A oarnation and violets," said he,
0ming closer to the counter.
Yes. they go together" said Bessie.
Shall / add some silver geranium
eaves?" she asked.
They tarried awhile. after paying for
he flowers. watching her as she fin
she'd a harp. and set away the urn,
nd moved a globe containing the gold
sh: and a vase with some cut callas.
hat stood where the sunshine fell
cross the counter. striking sparks Of
old from the drops glistening like
iamonds on the iee-plants.
Now. II you 60 and lose your head
o this woodland elf. 1t viii be a sad
hing for Meredith" said stanhope in
bantering tone. as they went out
There is no danger for me. but old
lan. Don Juan like you might be
lain. by such a fairy. said Meredith.
Il confess to a slight wound already.
ut this other affair you see. requires
aost Of my attention. at present" he
aid.