Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1865-04-14

purSueu ueT way uUWu tue bioouy SsieSss
with eyes that saw the murky atmosphere
through = radiant glow Of couleur de
oose.
Meantime, the gray October light was
fading away from dreary room on the
third floor Of a house situated on one Of
those streets where decent respectability
strives, hand to hand, with the grim as.
sailant want.
Singularly out Of keeping with the
shabby and poverty y.stricken aspect Of the
apartment was newly.6nished dress Of
lustrous purple silk, bright As the dyes Of
Tyre, that lay folded on the table beside
the window in such manner that you
could see the costly triuming-a wide
border Of purple velvet, edged on either
side with Auting Of white point lace
For poor Ellen Waynall was nothing
more important than hard.working and
poorly.paid dress.maker.
She lay on = little white bed in tbs
corner, with her flushed cheek pressed
close against the pillow, and her slender
figure partially covered by coarse plaid.
ed shawl, while the occasional involuntary
contraction Of her forehead bore witness
to the pain she Was meekly suffering.
As one or two quiet tears escaped from
her closed eyslids, and crept softly down
her cheek, = light step sounded on the
landing outside, and knock came gently
to the panels Of the door.
"Come in," said Ellen, hurriedly dash.
ling away the tears. "Laura, is it possi-
ble that this is you dear p
"Yes, it is myself and none other,
Nell. could not imagine why you did
not come and fit that dress, as you had
appointed; but I know the reason now.
Nelly, you are sick. Why did you not
send for me 7"
Ellen tried to smile family.
II am not very sick, Laura: at least
have not suffered much pain until to.
night, and the doctor says that if l only
had . little wine-no, Laura, do not draw
yonr purse" she added with . slightly
perceptible sparkle in her eyes. and a
lproud culver ON her lips. IL am not
lquite so low yet as to accept charity
Don't look 50 hurt and grieved, dearest
You know how sensitive I can not helE
being on some points. It is only for q
little while. When I am we'll enough te
htake that dress home, and receive the
money for it, I shall then be enabled te
purchase whateve: may require"
Laura Avery knelt down at her friends
bedside, with soft, pleading eyes.
| "Dear Ellen, you will not refuse to ex
Iccpt temporary loan from me-"
| Ellen shook her head with grave
smile.
IL can wait, Laura
Laura looked from the dress to Ellen
with face of panied perpexity. Sud
denly q bright inspiration seemed to
strike her.
"Let me take the dress home, Ellen
she exclaimed. '.Ths walk will be just
what need, and l can stop at Dubour's
on the way back and order the wine fol
YOU. You will never be strong unless
you cosset yourself up little. You vii
let me, Nell?"
1llen hesitatsd moment.
"But Laura"
mo butts in the matter, if you please
lNell," laughed Laura, gleeful'y beginning
to fold the rich dress into the little bas
ket that stood npon the table beside it,
Where is it to got"
ITO Mrs. Richleys in Rivers Street
why, Laura, what is the matter?"
"Nothing, only am folding this dress
wrong," returned Laura, in low voice
It Was we'll that Ellen did not see th'
scarlet blush that rose to her friend
lovely cheek, as she stood with her bacl
to the bed smoothing the lustrous breadth
of the purple silk. Mrs. Richley's
Laura was almost sorry that she hat
volunteered to 60, but it was too late Il
!, retract her offer now.
"What selfish little creature am.
she mused. "Poor Nelly needs th'
money 20 much. and cannot 60 fer it her
self. and it isn't at all likely that shal
see Floriaa. will go-there is an enc
OF it."
.Thank you, dear Laura, it is so kint
of you SAID Ellen, fervently, as Mis-
Avery came 10 the bedside with the bas
ket on her arm. and blue veil draw,
closely over the brown velvet bonnet
"She owes me three dollars for thi.
dress, and there are seven dollars on tn
old account that she has never yet pai(
me-"
"Ten dollars! I'll collect it, neve
fear" said Laura gaily, as she disappear
ed, while to poor Ellen it seemed as
. the sunshine all died cut with the brigh
presence of her beautiful friend. 1t wa'
nearly dusk when Miss Avery, summon
, ing up all her resolution, assembled tn
f brown stone steps Of the Richley mansion
and rang the bell.
"Is Mrs. Riohley at home 2"
"What's your business with Mrs. Rich
ley I" asked the servant, suspiciousl,
scrutinising the little basket that sh
carried. Laura bit her lips. This man
luer from servants was entirely new ex
; perience to her. yet how often must poo
Ellen have endured it.
, II have called to bring home . dres
that was finished for her." she said in
, tone Of quiet dignity.
"Oh-ah-yes, we'll. I spose you
: best walk in."
The servant conducted her up stairs t.
} sort of sitting-room, or boudoir, wher
} Mrs. Richley. portly dame of abou
I6fy, gorgeously dressed in crimson silk
was sitting in her easy chai: In front Of