Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1913-10-30
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS,
MRS. D|LL'S SHOP
Nv John TRENT.

II was tuo HuOSI ldSClndeLlB Htlio
shop in the world. tucked away be-
tween two big shops on the avenue.
and crammed from floor to ceiling
with treasures from every country
under the sun. One came out Of the
sunlight into scented gloom OF ming
led spice and sandalwood, altar of
rose and the tang of opium from an
cient Chinese treasures. Soft lights
glowed from little hooks curtained by
precious hangings where one could
drink a cup Of tea that was tea-and
nibble at Japanese rice cakes.
Mrs Dill made heaps Of money, 80
people said, while at the same time
she INDUCED her hobby for collection.
Dear as was this hobby to the soul OF
Patricia Dill, 1t was whispered that
there was not one article In the shop
that she would not part with for
price-provided the price was high
enough.
Usually Mrs. Dill waited upon the
shop herself, emerging from tiny
Oriental retreat in the rear. where a
very business-like roll top desk set
oddly among the Persian rugs and al
luring divans that surrounded the
walls.
Mrs Dill was prowling around the
world in search of more treasures to
add to her shelves and she had In
trusted her shop to the care OF
friend. That was why Alice Fenwick
in a Oriental
room to come gracefully forward
when an important customer demand
ed more expert attention than could
be offered by the beady-eyed Japan.
ese clerk.
Today 1t was all golden sunshine
and blue sky outside while within the
little shop 1t was cool and dark and
quite sunless 1t was very delightful
to be surrounded by these treasures
OF strange countries and to move leis'
urely to and fro on soft carpets. or to
sip tea prepared by soft-footed Hago-
but how Alice did long for the open
country and the free wind against her
pale cheeks! 1t was bad enough to
spend nine months of the year within
the walls Of the kindergarten where
she taught but her mothers recent
death made 1t imperative that Alice
work through the vacation period and
when Mrs Dill's offer had been made
Alice had accepted 1t thankfully and
entered upon her duties with much en-
thusiasm.
Butt was very lonely without her
mother In the little fiat and the mem
ory Of other days crowded heavily up
on the idle hours In the shop; there
had been time when she had dream
ed Of love and a home OF her own but
those dream castles had crashed to
earth with Raymond Borden's depart.
ure for the far east True, they had
disagreed over something that seem
ed trifling enough now but then 1t had
been great enough to make change
in both lives. Alice had put away her
halfcompleted trouseau and taken up
kindergartening and Raymond had &C
cepted an offer to go to Shanghai as
resident representative OF New York
importer.
1T is surprising what a difference
five years makes in ones life," sighed
Alice on this particular morning She
was In the private room, looking very
charming in her soft gown of white
with a let necklace at her throat. She
was very fair and slender and the
golden hair grew In the most alluring
way about her forehead and neck.
The little chime of bells pealed In
the outer shop and Alice knew that
a customer had entered. Hago had
gone out to deliver some parcels and
Alice went out to meet the customer.
He was tall man, so tall that he
stopped a little to avoid the swing
ing lanterns overhead When he saw
Alice he removed his straw hat and
spoke in a pleasant. rather deep voice.
II was advised to see Mrs. Dill, he
said; "I am looking for duplicate OF
Mr.. Dunham's ivory vase. He has
told me that Mrs Dill had an exact du'
plicate."
"Why, yes," hesitated Alice for the
ivory vase was one OF the treasures
locked away in the safe in the retreat
Would you like to look at it?'
"If you please. | have been author
lied to buy it, II possible" said the
stranger.
When Alice went away down the
dim vista OF the shop he looked after
her in puzzled way but the place
was rather dark and he was near.
sighted and one makes so many mis-
takes in identities and he had been de
ceived SO many times by pale. fair
haired women who looked like
But she was returning now with the
small vase Of delcately carved ivory
living snugly in it's silklined lacquer
box.
Alice laid the box on teakwood ta'
BILE and lighted the softly tinted Ian
tern overhead, drawing 1t down by sill.
yer chains until it hung low over the
lacquer box.
Her face was in shadow above the
lantern as she unlocked the box with
n golden key and lifted the lid.
Faint odors drifted from the box as
II In some older time the precious lit.
tie vase had held sweet flowers whose
fragrance still clung to the exquisite
thing Of yellow-tinted ivory and fairy.
like carving.
The stranger held 1t in strong,
bronzed fingers and looked at it.
ut is wonderful" he breathed sharp
ly.
"Beautiful." agreed Alice.
Again the silence fell between them
and Alice lifting her eyes for one brief
instant met pair OF dark eyes in the
shadow above the lantern.
There was no recognition between
them II there was question In the