The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-09-20
CHAPTER x { ssThe Curiosity Sh0p."

Concha, the handsome, swarthy daughter of Juan Dominguez. dealer in antiguedades, sat erect in an ancient state chair, experimenting her parent as he examined and priced a number of delicate fans. formerly the thields and weapons of dark-eyed and bewitching donas. It was evident that the con- noisseur was keenly interested In his task: the age, workmanship and degree of each dainty article was carefully noted; and as he laid them separately on the counter, his expression indicat- ed not merely the complacency of one who had made a capital bargain--lt also bore testimony to affection and TO- spect. His daughter. however, was sor- didly curious as to the condition and probable market value of long, hoarded collection which had been pur- chased by her father for a mere baga- telle.
 Dominguez. an experienced judge. who loved his antiguedades for their own sake. and imported the dangerous element of sentiment into his business. was a little shrivelled man, in whose face, worn by ill-health, famed the eyes of the romancist and enthusiast. Concha. on the contrary. hard-head- ed practical young woman, secretly de- spised her fathers historical treasures, was profoundly ignorant of their lore. and would have poked the fire with Excalibur itself! Nevertheless, capa- ble and persistent saleswoman, who spoke French fiuently, English intel ligently, and kept the books and keys, as well as all the trades little secrets.
 Padre mioI" she exclaimed, sudden ly extending a protesting finger, two hundred francs for that is & foolish price-is it not on chickens skin? Ask six hundred. The Russian Princess will give more-she Is crazy about old fans. See. there is the Senorita Inglesa-she Is looking for the necklace!' and Con- cha laughed derisiyely as she glanced at Dominguez, and quoted: "The fool makes up his mind when the market Is overt"
 Yes, 1t was certainly the face of Hester Forde which was visible be- tween the fans and chains exhibited in the window. Inspired by desire to purchase what might become an heir loom, and resolved to possess the long-coveted necklace, Hester had ar rived at her destination in 8 state of unusual excitement and exaltation. Before entering the shop. she paused to cast a glance at her choice, but. strange to say, the ornament was no longer displayed on it's accustomed square of black cotton velvet. It had been removed-and why With a half defined fear she turned the handle of
 
 of Dominguez and his daughter.
 "Good-day, Senorita," said the for mer, doffing his sixull-cap, while Con cha rose and abdicated her chair.
 Where is the necklace?" asked Hester breathlessly, turning to point to its empty place.
 T am sorry if the Senorita is sorry" replied Dominguez with a bow, but the necklace is sold. A customer bought it this morning"
 Bought what was in her mind already her own property! Miss Forde stood transfixed, staring at the Spaniard with an expression of grave incred- ulity. Then she slowly subsided into the old Cordovan chair, and struggled to conceal the magnitude of her dis appointment.
 But" she said at last. '1t has been in the window for weeks-I always intended to have it-I came to buy 1t now"
 Truly 1t has been in the window for a long time, Senorita, and behold in one day come two customers! It is ever so; as we say, When my daugh- ter is married, sons-in-law are plen- tifulT"
 And is it really gone?"
 "Oh yes" put in Concha. "It was beautiful piece of work--a rare bar gain. The Senorita should not have waited-when one waits too long. things go by"
 That is true" assented the English girl. 'I put off the purchase. and now I have lost the necklace.
 She actually felt as if fate had de. prived her of a treasured possession. Gazing at the ornament day after day she had become deeply attached to what. after all, was the property of Juan Dominguez. Her eyes wandered vaguely round the shop In quest of some article to replace her loss. They rested In turn on pieces of armour, on ancient tapestry, on painted doors torn from a despoiled monastery, figures Of the Holy Family. inlaid cabinets, and embroidered priests robes, dim with the age of centuries.
 Where did you collect all these things?" she asked at last.
 "Senorita, I go into Spain" Domin- guez answered confidentially. leaning over the counter as he imparted the in- formation. "Yes, every three or six months-not to the big towns. but to out-of-the-way places. I search where others come not, in neighborhoods where noble families are sorely in need of money. They are proud still; aOTnefinaAa fhau haHa acaFCalU enough