The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1856-07-09

| o'e""'"st I"oie tlat morning. The room
with its appliances of taste and luxury,
was one Of those rare lome-gems, that only
an artist can appreciate.
But the little wife, behind tho silver
coffee urn, in her fawn colored morning
gown, with its tassc!s Of blue silk, was,
after all, the :rowning beauty Of the sweet
homc-scene
Alden" said Mrs. Raymond as she
passed his second cup of coffee, "won't
YOU just put down that paper, and listen
to me moment. You know that party
you promised me, almost n wear ago
wen, I've decided to have il next wecE.
II S just the season for it now, and we'Il
make grand effort to have it pass off
well.H
II Mrs. Raymond had AT that moment
looked narrowly at her husbands face,
she would have seen it grow pale at the
mention of the party.
"Pm sorry, Elsie" he comm enced, NOV.
ing rCstlessly on his chair.
Now don't" interrupted the little wife
quickly, don't Alden, say one word a.
gaint the party, for I've quite set my
heart on having il. told the Camp.
bells, and the Wildmans about II, more
than two weeks age, so should die with
shame TO postrone it,"
You shouldn't have mentioned Il TO
them, without consulting mo first" Mr..
kaymond'S tones were cold and severe for
the Frst time, but his wife would have for.
given them, had she guessed the anguish
,hat lay at his heart.
As il was, her face flushed with anger.
Really" she answered, 81 was not. until
this morning, aware was responsible to
you, Mr.. RAYMOND, for the subject might
choose to select for conversation with my
nc cluaintanccs. Once for all, what is the
reason Won refuse me this party"
81 do not refuse, Elsie, | only ask you
to delay it."
"And must, and cW have it next
week, or never. caunot see why YOU
wish me to postpone it. unless it be be
cause You know the delay will greatly an
noy me-"
The young mans pale face flushed with
the pain her words had occasioncd him.
Elsie and his voice was quietcr, and
stcrnor than before, "you cannot move
me lay these accusations, because YOU
know as well as do |, there is no truth in
them. | have some heavy payments TO
meet This week, and ;hat alone was the
reason of my requesting you to defer this
matter. Al have 10 saw is, YOU will be
quite MS likely 10 accomplish your wishes
hy Presenting them in less dicta,orial
manner"
1t was very unfortunate for Mr., Raw.
mond that he added to his explanation
Iha, last remark for now that he assign
cd n motive for the delay, his wife's heart
had begun 10 soften toward him, but that
last speech hardened II again.
~ don't heiicye word Of what you're
saving. Alden Raymond" she answered,
pushing back her chair, bursting into a
Hood Of passionate tears. "lfthe money
had made any difference, you'd have told
me before this late day and It's only be
cause you want TO mortify me now before
wOrlrl, that you're so stiney this morning.
| wish | was back again in nv old home
with grandma, and dear old Daisy, who
would never have spoken 10 me the harsh
cruel words that you have just done.
wish | was back there again, and that
had never left it for, and that had never
seen you, Alden Raymond y
And sprnging from her seat, the lady
burst on, Of the room, and her husband
made no effort to dctain her He only
leaned his head on lis haud, and groaned
deeply, 1t was the last drop in lis cup OF
bitterness.
An hour later the young merchant was
walking up and down the counting room,
with restless step, and haggard face.
There had come sudden revolution in
the mercantile world, aud his house WAS
one Of the first to feel il. "There is no
chance to sail clear of this, that see"
murmured the young man, as he struck
his forehead. "A few weeks, and We
must all sink. | shall he q ruined man,
and Elsie---~--" his face worked fearful
y a moment, and then he resumed,
"There is no way TO raise the money, IN.
leSs----n he stared anxious ell about him
rs though he feared the terrible secre,
which lay behind that unless might have
revealed itself, though it bad never cross.
ed bis lips; and for the first time 10 his
life, his face wore a look Of cowardce aud
guilt.
Eyes; could get il So" he said. lean.
ing his head on his hands; and il our
affairs should happen TO take favorable
turn, | could repay the uote before anybo-
dy was the wiser;" il not,' and his voice
grew hoarse, the river or pistol shot
could settle il alt"
j "EIsies little propcr,y's all swallowed
lup, too. God knows meant TO secure il
TO her, but there was no help for it, and
were she to know this she'd hate me worse
than ever, and maybe lean win back one
Of the old love-smiles to her sweet lips
IT," hs did not finish the sentence.
! "El,ie you eau give out the Invitations