Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1865-03-23
Misrrlla rs.
THE CORAL BRACELETS.
1t was the coldest day of the season.

1t was the eoldest day of the season.
"Put on more coal, Hawkins" said Nina
Pelham qucrulously, rs she sat in front of IL
blazing sca-coal crate, robcd in blue cash
mere morning dress, lined with quilted satin
of the same color, and her small feet conlforta-
bly, ensconccd in blue velvet slippers, edged
with snowy swan.down.
Hawkins solemn and somewhat conse-
qucntal-looking servant in sober black, obeycd
his young mistresss rather petulant behest,
but paused moment after he had heaped the
blazing coal upon the red hot bars Of the
CRATE.
'"Tf you please, Miss Nina, there's young
person down stairs would like to see you"
"What kind of person, Hawkins?" ques-
toned Nina. languidly lifting her eyes from
her work. with some slight appearance Of in
tercst.
well, Miss" said Hawkins, hcsitating a
little, " she's very geen,eel spokcn-a real
lady, you'd think. if it wasn't that she is
dressed so stability and scant.
- 1t isn't the drcss-maker = U.
"No, Miss Nina, certainly not p
Nor anybody that comes after the lady's
maids situation -
"No, Miss, should say not--shc doscn't
look like !ady's maid"
Well--show her up"
And Nina's head settle back among the
cushions of her chair with returning indo-
lcnce But the instant her eye fell on the
sweet, though pale face of the slender looking
girl who advanced timijly into the ROOM uu-
shered by the stately Hawkins. she Sat up
right with genuine surprise depicted on her
| countenance.
"Anna Wharton is it possible that this
is you.' ..- -....... g.s
Then you recognize me, Nna?" said the
stranger, slightly crimsoning. . 1t is so long
since we were schooln,ates together at Mad
ame Sauriat's that feared you would scarcely
remember me-"
"Sit down." said Nina, rather ungraciously
motioning with her heavily ringel finger to-
ward chair. what can I do for you z"
Miss Wharton did not sit down. however
it might have been that she was repclcd
by the extreme coldness of Ninas manner
but went on speaking, in hositating, uncar-
tain voice.
"Of course you have heard of our msfor.
tunes, Nina--my poor fathers failure and
death, and my mothers subsequent disease p
II had not beard of it, said Nina. con-
templating her dainty slippers. People in
society have so many things to think and talk
about.
There's no use" said Anna, "in trying
to conceal the fact that am compelled to
earn my daily bread by the daily labor Of my
hands. And, she added. with slight flush
on her checks. heretofore I have experienced
no difficulty in comfortably supporting both
myself and my little brother. But since he
has fallen ill" fm n,
II am sorry that have no ine sewing to
give you,' remarked Nina, in constrained
voice !" and really my allowance Of pocket
money is so very small that"
Anna Wharton colored sca,let.
"You entirely misunderstood me Nina
do not come here to beg" --.,
She drew little morocco box from her
pocket as she spoke. und opened it.
- remember that you used to admire these
Neapolitan corals very much in our school
days. have been lothe to part with them
up to this time, although it has been ncces-
cory to part with every relic of happier times
But my brother is dying for the want Of
proper nourishment and the luxuries which
money only can obtain for him. I wish to
sell the bracelets, Nina. and I thought you
might like to purchase them of me."
Nina leaned forward in her chair and took
the box. her eyes sparkling at the sight Of tho
beautiful carved bracelets Of Neapolit,n coral.