The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1858-03-19
his approach, he thought Of the unpaid car
penters and painters.
CHAPTER THIRD.

CHAPTER THIRD.
Mrs. Colville had been greatly misunder,
stood by her neighbor in the affair of the
carpet neither pride nor disafiection led
her to appear cool and distant 10 that inter
view. She was we'll aware that John Carl.
ton had nothing but his business to depend
upon for the support Of himself and wife,
and therefore could not approve Of their ex-
travs gance in this alteration. The window
was enough to add to their expensive style
Of living, she thought, full enough for such
young man to be hampered with, without
adding a costly carpet 10 the bill, which
last she felt persuaded was only considered
necessary through Maggy's inordinate vani.
ty-a trait, which, in spite Of her modesty,
held quite a conspicuous place in her char
acter.
The coldness thus corri:lenced, Margaret
took no pains to overcome she believed
Hannah Lynde (for in their familiarity she
had learned to call her by her maiden name)
to be usiuated by pride and sel6shness in
all the kindness she had shown her. Now
she would let her see she was perfectly in
dependent Of her assistance,-she would
moi be the first to- renew their acquaintance;
30 weeks passed before they again met
Finally, Mrs. Colville, fearing serious rup-
lure between Maggy and herself, stepped
over to pass the afternoon socially. In vain
was she warm in her greeting, and lively In
manner, the distance between them seemed
10 increase. She concluded that the safer
way to proceed In the present state OF af.
fairs was 10 make no allusion to the change
md to say as little as possible Of the new
in the parlor. Retreating as
far as she could from the bay window, she
.ried to talk on Indifferent topics; and Mag
yy, constituting this studied neglect Of her
al she had the sober recep-
ion which she gave when about getting her
carpet. measured her words and modulated
her tones accordingly; at last she uncere-
noniously left her visitor alone long time,
while she went to attend upon some onim-
portant affair in the kitchen.
Indignant at such uncourteous treatment,
Mrs. Colville sat quietly but few minutes
1 have q great mind to leave as abruptly
ls she has, said she TO herself; mo, on the
whole, I think I'll stay, Just to say few
words something that will set her think
ng-I don't believe her friendship is worth
The trouble Of keeping, though; SO proud
is she is Of this new finery, and her hus-
band harassed to death TO meet his payments.
She shall know my opinion Of this foolish
ness before | go; | will not mince the mat
Ter at ALL shall speak pretty plainly
md when Margaret returned. she rose, say
ng as she adjusted her bonnet preparatory
% leaving, Il miss your mirror, Mrs. Carl
on"
The mirror Is opposite, Hannah was an.
Iwered with great dignity.
u see, but the room is SO changed It does
II seem at all natural; l never could bear
'hanges.'
4 see nothing disa agreeable In the change
,ere,' was the answer.
Somehow the room has lost its quiet look;
,ou seem to have the hustle Of the street
,efore you all the time
Il am alone SO much enjoy the view OF
outdoor activity
Il think il looks hardly decorous for 10
ly to be SO mixed up with It, as your bay
window seems 10 imply
'What do you mean by that remark "
Il mean, to speak directly to the point,
hat you might about as we'll take your
hair and your sewing out to the sidewalk,
IS to occupy the window.
Hannah Lynde! you take too much upon
| am not to be dictated to by you,
etored Maggy, angrily.
We'll, | guess you will wish that your
'retty parlor had remained untouched, be-
ore long,
'What would you insinuate, Mrs. Col
lille? your language is very harsh
'Only that a true wife always consults
Ter husbands interests in all her plans, and
With these words she hastily departed.
Long did Margaret Cotton ponder upon
hat remark; she felt that something lay
hidden beneath the smooth aphorism, and
The went over the recollection OF her mar
led life, dwelling minutely upon the hlsto-
v of this new alteration--lhe first and the
,nly important plan that had been fully
carried out by her direction. There Is sure
y nothing deserving ccnsure, here, she
bought my window is handsomer than
hers, and that is why she treats me thus
Still feeling very unhappy, she sat IN the
window awsiting Johns return.
A very uncomfortable afternoon had this
been to Mr.. Carlton. Business was duller
han ever before; the second day OF grace
or the payment of his note Of large
lmount was fast drawing to close, and he
acked some hundreds Of its value; his bank
RS had refused to loan, and declared their
inability to let the money at any rate
,gain collectors were sent out, and cgain
bey returned with trifing sums. Revolv-
NO various plans for obtaining the remain
Ter on the morrow-discouruged, almost
he started for home. As he
stepped upon the pavement, he encountered
Walsh, the carpenter, who with woiul
,oun,e nance and sad voice begged that he
would pay him.
Il thought that you wouldn't expect pay.
nent for some time, yet, answered Carlton.
Il know I told you so, sir, but my wife Is
,ick. and I haven't earned 4 cent since
hen. ali that | have saved has been spent
or food now we have nothing TO eat, and
nv credit is long since gone at the shops,
they will not let me have anything now
without uoney;' and he whined piteously
,s he laid hold Of Carlton's arm TO de-
ain him. u
'You shall not suffer, Walsh but how
nm | to know il ! give you money. that
4 is not spent for liquor'
GO home with me aud ask my wife,
,ir; she will tell you that ! have not tas-
ed drop Of strong drink tor over TWO
I'm believe you without her word
Come into the store, you shsll have some
hing; l wish could pay you in foil, SI,
4 is impossible and taking q bankbill
handed il TO him.
sThsnk you, sir said the poor carpenter;
this will last some time; II you have any
- ;h I,Il be Glad In do 'em' and