The Conservative. (M'connelsville, Ohio) 1866-1871, 1866-11-16

the table beside the window in such
manner that you could see the costly
trimming-a wide border of purple
velvet, edged on either side with q flu-
ting ofwhite point lace. For poor Ell
len Waynall was nothing more impor-
tant than hard working and poorly
paid dress maker. ..
She lay on the little white bed in the
corner, with her flushed face pressed
close against the pillow, and her slen-
der figure partially covered by coarse
plaided scarlet shawl, while the invol-
untary contraction of her forehead bore
witness to the pain she was meekly
suffering.
As ono or two silent tears escaped
from her closed eyelds, and creptsottly
down her cheek, light step sounded
on the landing outside, and a knock
camo gently TO tho panels Of the door.
"Come in," said Ellen hurriedly
dashing away the tears. Laura, is it
possible that this is you, dear2'
Yes, it IS myself and none other
Nell l could not imagine why you did
not come and fit that dress as you APP
pointed but l know the reason now.
Nelly, you are sick Why didyou not
send for meY .....,..
Ellen tried to smile family I'D.
IL am not very sick, Laura at least
| have not suffered much pain until to-
night, and the doctor says that if had
lonly little wino-no, Laura, do not
draw your purse" she added, with q
slight perceptible sparkle in her eyes
ard proud quiver on her lips 81 am
not quite so low yet as to accept chari-
ty. Don't look so hurt and greved
dearest. You know how sensitive
cannot help being on some points. II
ia only for little while. When ar
we'll enough to take that dress home
and receive the money for it, shal
then be enabled to purchase whatever
l may require
Laura Avery knelt down at hei
friends bedside with soft, pleading
eyes.
"Dear Ellen you will not refuse t,
accept temporary loan from me2'
Ellen shook her head with a gray
smile. .. H.
II can wait, Laura ... ..-...
Laura looked from the dress TO Ellel
with face painted with perplexity.-
Suddenly bright aspiration seeme
to strike her.
"Let me take the dress homo Ellen?
she exclaimed "Tho walk will be jus
what need, and can stopat Dobour
on tho way back and order the win
3 toryou. You will never be strong VI
less you closet yourself UP a little. Yo
= will let nc, Nell 2a.J m rn D..
/ Ellen hositated moment. H.
= ''But Laura"
l. "No butts in the matter, ifyou pleas
i Nell, 4" laughed Laura glecfully, begir
If ming to fold the rich dress into littl
d basket that stood on tho table besid
y it. .IJ .....4 .,|'. v...H. H.-...
d where is it 10 go p" ,lru b
= "To Mrs Richley's in Rivers stree
C Why Laura, what is the matter n 3
s "Eothing, only L am folding thi
y dress wrong, returned Laura in lo'
a voice 1t was well that Bllcn did nc
If see the scarlet blush that rose TO he
friends lovely cheek as she stood wit
% her back TO the bed, smoothing tho lui
, trous breadths of purple silk. Mr.
k Richley'sl Laura was almost sorr
II that she bad volunteered to go, but
p was to lato to retract her offer now.
what a selfish little creature am
II she musod "Poor Nelly needs til
l. money so much, and cannot go for
k herself, and it isn't at all likely that
a shall see Florian. Twill go--there
,e an end of it," .' fita.
IS "Thank you, dear Laura, it is SO kin
e Of youp said Ellen fervently, as Mi
Avery came TO the bedside with I'll
- basket on her arm, and black va
y drawn closely over the brown velv,
er bonnet. "Shc owes me three dolla
e, for this dress and there are seven dc
lars on tho old account that she hi
r never paid me- rur .r-
ID oTen dollarsl I'll collect II, nev,
fear" said Laura gaily, as she disa
n peared, while to poor Ellen it seemC
as if the sunshine all died out with Il
IN presence Of her beautiful friend.
ne 1t was near dusk when Miss Aver
'l- summoning up all her resolutions, a
a cended the brown stone steps Of II
ne Richley mansion and rang tho bell
to What's your business with Nh
! Richley?' asked the servant, suspi
L iously scr'utinizing the little basket th
n she carried. Laura bit her lips, Th
o manner from servants was an entire
to new experience to her Yet how oft
If must poor Ellen have endured it2
Ve 81 have called to bring homo a DIRE
that was finished for her" she said
Oe tone of quiet dignity, Nq04
ne "o-ah-gesi we'll / I's'pose you
ph best walk in filrt-,
iu The servant conducted her up stai
" to sort Of sitting room or boudo
,'y whore Mrs. Riohley, portly. dame
Nv about fifty, gOrgeously dressed in criI
W son silk, was sitting in her easy cha