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

lnWardly grateful that the gas had not
yet been lighted, particularly when she
observed that Mr. Florian Rchley was
leunging on a velvet sofa in one of the
window recssses. Mrs. Richley looked
up as the servant ushered in the new
conner.
"Well, young woman, what do yeu
want?"
Laura's cheek tingled at the tone of
coarse insolence ir which she was address
sed, but she commanded herself to reply,
meekly:
~ have brought home your dress, Mrs.
Richley."
"Where is Miss Waynall?"
''She is ILL.," e
every well-lay down the dress-it is
all right"
But Laura stood her ground, valiantly
"Miss Wayaall would like the money
tonight, nadam-it is sever dellars on
the cid account and three for this dress"
''It is not convenient tonight
"But, Mrs. Richley, Miss Waynall is
sick, and needs the money persisted
Laura.
"Thsre, Florian," said Mrs. Richely,
pstulantly, addressing the yeung man in
the Turkish dressing gown and ella borats-
ly arranged hair, Il told yeu just how it
would bel"
"What tho deace is the matter now ?"
asked Florisn, fer the first
time cOndescending to evince any interest
in what was going en-.
"Why, these impsrtiaent drsssmaking
people are always clamoring for money,
money, just when you have drained ms of
my last eenti'
''Let 'em clamor, thsn--that's my ad-
vice" said Mr.. Flsrian, without taking
the trouble to move his head.
"Just give me back that ten-dOllar bill,
Florian,'' urged his lady mother. "You
can't want it tonight.
"But do want it, it happens, said
Florisn, coolly.
"You are just going to frittsr it away
in some Of those gambling places, or drink
yourself stupid again" frstted Mrs. Rich
ley. "lt's too bad, getting my msney
away fren me, just to indulge in those
horrid habits! Why don't you earn men
ey for yourself1'
"Easy, mamma, easy !" said the duti-
full son, lazily dragging himself ints sit
ting posture "Don't lose your temper,
for it isn't worth while. This ten dollar
bill is gsing to help make my fortune-it
shall take the lovely Laura to the opera
to night"
"Nonsense-this fns scheme will fash
in the pan just like all the rest of your
castles in the air She won't have you ~
"Oh, yes she will, my inersdulous mann
ma-just wait and see. 1 shall bring her
to the point pretty sosn.-Then I'll pay
you back the money, with interest, out OF
my lady's bag of sinners"
"And will you leave eff your gambling
habits? Oh, Florian, they will be the
ruin Of yeu yetP'
"Psrhaps-perbaps net returned the
young man, in,slently. "That will be
very much as please" gss
Both the mother and her hopeful sor
had apparently sntirely forgotten the
presence Of the young girl who was stan
ding in the dusk shadows near the door
uatil this msme.t., when Mrs. Richley
turning sharply round, saw her.
What are you waiting for?' she asked
audably. "I have already teld yeu that i
is not convenient to pay you the money
to o-night-why don't you 60 about you
business
Her cheek was flushed, even beneath it,
artificial bloom of rogue, and her chill
grey eyes sparkled with rising anger, al
Laura Avery advanced composedly for
ward. She took one of the wax taper
from its china shell and lighted the ga
with steady hand, whose fash of ricl
rings struck Mrs. Richley with astonish
ment.
II am serry that you cannot pay you
Just debts, Madam" she said, quietl
locking the amazed mother and son in th
face, "but I am not sorry for any occur
renee that has had the effect of openin
my eyes to the true character of Mr.. Fle
rian Richley. l will take the ten dsllar'
sir; to my sick friend, and it is satirel
unnecessary to go to the expense of tax
ing Miss Laura Avery to the opera to
nightl"
Florian's handsome check had grow
very pale-his knees quivered beneat
him, as he meeha nically took the bill frer
his pocket book and placed it in the han
Of the imperative beauty, while Mrs Rich
ley sank back aghast into the eushione
easy chair.