The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1864-12-14

inS ih"io . liz PolldHL tnan a nara working
and poorly paid dress maker.
She lay on the little white bed in the
corner, with her flushed cheek pressed
close against the pillow, and her slender
figure partially covered by coarse scar
let plaided shawl, while the occasional
involuntary contraction of her forehead
bore witness to the pain she was meeklJ
suffering.
As one er two quiet tears escaped from
her closed eyelids and crept softly down
her cheek, a light step sounded on the
landing outside, and knock came gently
to the panels of the door.
"Come in!'' said Ellen, hurriedly dash
ing away the tears. "Laural is it posi-
BILE that this is you, aear2'
For Laura's arms were elasped around
her neck, and her warm, rosy lips pressed
to Ellens wan cheek.
eyes, it is l myself, and mono ether
Nell could net imagine why ysu had
disappointed me; but I knew the reason
now Nelly, yea are sick-why did net you
send to me?"
Ellen tried to smile, family.
"T am not very sick, Laura-at least
l have net suffered much pain until to-
night; and the doctor says that If only
had a little wine-Ne, Laura, don't draw
out your parse" she added, with slight
ly perceptible sparkle in her eyes and
proud quiver to her lips, ~ am net yet
reduced SO lew as to accept charity
Don't look so hurt and grieved, dearest
you know how sensitive cannot help
being on sone points. 1t is only for
little while; when am we'll enough to
take that dress home and receive the
money for it, shall be enabled to pur-
chase whatever may require"
Laura Avery knelt down at her friends
bedside with soft, pleading eyes.
"Dear Ellen, yeu surely will not refuse
to accept Temporary loan from me?'
Ellen shock her head With grave
smile.
"I can wait, Laura."
Laura looked from the dress to Ellen
with face of pained perplexity. Sud-
denly bright inspiration scanned to
strike her.
"Lst me take the dress home, Ellen"
she exclaimed 'The walk will be just
what need, and can stop at Dufour's
on the way back and order the wine for
you. You will never be strong if you
don't eosset yourself up little. Yeu
will let me, Nell?"
Ellen hesitated moment.
"But, Laura"
''No butts in the matter, if you please,
Nell," laughed Laura, gleefully begin
ming to fold the rich dress into the little
basket that stood upon the table beside
it. "Where is it to &c?
"To Mrs. Richley's in Rives street.
Why. Laura, what is the matter?"
"Nothing-sRly I'm folding this dress
wrong" returned Laura, in a low voice,
1t was we'll that Ellen did not see the
scarlet blush that rose to her friends
lovely cheek as she stood with her back
to the bed smoothing the lustrous
breadths of purple silk. Mrs. Richleys!
Laura was almost sorry that she had vel
unteercd to go-but it was too late to re-
tract her offer now.
"What selfish little creature am,
she mused. "Poor Nelly needs the money
SO much and cannot GO for it herself, and
it isn't at all likely that 1 shall see Flo
rian. l soizi gol there's an end of itl'
"Thank you, dear Laura-it is SO kind
of YOU said Ellen, fsrvently, as Miss
Avery came to the bedside, with the
basket en- her arm, and blue veil drawn
closely over the brown velvet bonnet
"She owes me three dollars for this dress
and there are seven dollars on the OLE
account that she has never yet paid me.
| " len QOllaIS! J. IL COllSS9 ~, WV
fear!" said Laura, gsyly, as she disap
pearsd, while to poor Ellen it seemed a
if the sunshine all died out with tn
bright presence of her beautiful friend
1t was nearly dask when Miss Avery
sum 70 ening up all her resolution ascend
ed the brown stone steps of the Richie
residence and rang the bell. -F
ais Mrs Richley at honc2"
"What's your business With her?
asked the servant; suspicieusly scrutiniz
ing the little basket that she carried
Laura bit her lip--this manner from Sci
wants was entirely a new experience to he
yet how often must poor Ellen have en-
dured it.
81 have called to bring home dres
that has been finished for her," she sale
, in tone Of quiet dignity.
"Oh-ah--yes. Well, | s'pose you
best walk in.''
, The servant conducted. her up stall