The Ebensburg Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1865-1871, 1867-02-14
BEHIND THE SCENES.

"Four O'Clock aud 10 Ellen yet: What
can detain herl She is usually punctual
as the clock itself"
1t was scarcel room in which Laura
Avery was sitting--rather a magnificent
bay window, with heavy draperies of en-
broidered lace.
"Poor Ellen v' she murmured, show
different our lots have been ordered in
this world. Her parents dead, their
wealth irretrievably lost, and she too
proud to accept a cent that she has not
laboriously earned. Oh, dear J" and Laura
sighed again just as the clocks liquid
voice chimed the half hour.
''She doesn't come" she pursued
"There is something the matter Maybe
she is sick-6h, dear, she must be sick.
I'll send James to inquire-no, I'll go
myself"
Bsfore the words we're cut oi ilsr lips,
she was up in her Own room, adjusting a
soft gray shawl over her black silk dress,
and tying the strings of a quiet little
brown velvet bonnet, whose one crimson
rose among its trimmings of enameied
moss was like the bloom of her own check.
Il don't think it is going to snow" she
pondered, looking out at the gray, threat
ening sky as she drew On her perfectly
fitting gloves. DAT any rate, I shall
( walk"
AS she came through the soft carpeted
vestibule, servant approached her.
ga note, Miss Laura 1t came five
minutes ago."
All the rose on ker cheek rivaled the
other now, as she broke tie seal and
glanced over the delicate, cream colored
sheet, With bright, half suppressed smile
of delight dimpling the corners of her
mouth. Yet the note was very simple
one, after all:
"MY DEAR MISS AVERY: May l promise
myself the pleasure of accompanying you to
hear the new opera tonight? Unless 1 re-
| ceive message forbidding me, will call foI
! you at hGlf-past seven. Your most devoted
/ slave and SUBJECT. PLoRArN RIcBLEY."
Laura instincriveiy slipped the note into
her bosom, as if fearful lest the very pic.
lures on the wall should catch sight OF
the elegant chirography, aud pursued her
way down the gloomy street with eyes
that saw the murky atmosphere through
the radiant glow of Colour de rose.
Meantime, the gray light of October
was fading away from dreary room OF
the third hoor Of house situated on one
OF those streets where decent respectable
ity strives hand to hand with the grim
assailant want.
Singularly out OF keeping with the
shabby and poverty stricken aspect of the
apartment was newly flushed dress oi
lustrOus purple silk that lay on 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 futing of white lace For
;lpoor Ellen Wsynsll was hard working
and poorly paid 6ressmaker.
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 Dy coarse plaid
shawl, while the involuntary contraction
OF her forehead bore witness to the pain
she was meekly suffering.
As one or two silent tears escaped from
her closed eyelids, and crept softly down
her cheek, light step sounded on the
landing outside, and knock came gently
at the door.
Come in ?' said Ellen, hurriedly
dashlng away the tears. And then-"Is
IL possible this is you, Laura, dear %
YES 1t Is myself, and none other
Nell | could not imagine why you did
not come and fit that dress, as you ap-
pointed but ] know the reason now
gu are sick Why did you not send for
Ellen tried to smile.