North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-16
'To Mrs. Richley's in River street.

1t was well that Ellen did not see the
scarlet blush that rose TO her friends love-
ly cheek as she stood with her back to the
bed, smoothing the luscious breadths of
purple silk. Mrs. Richley'sl Lanra was
utmost sorry that she had volunteered to
90, but it was too late to retract her offer
now. ..... ..
"What selfish little creature am"
she unused. Poor Nelly needs the mon.
ey so very much, and cannot 90 for it her
self, and it isn't at all likely that | shall
see Florian. l will go-there is all end
of it."
"Thank you, dear Laura, 1t is so kind of
you,' said Ellen fervently, as Miss Avery
came to the bedside with the bask, on
her arm, and black veil drawn closely
over the brown velvet bonnet. "She
owes me three dollars for this dress, and
there are seven dollars on the old account
that she has never paid me-" ......
'Ten dollars I'll collect it, never
fear" ssid.Laura gaily, as she disappeared,
while TO poor Elen,it seemed as if the
sunshine had all died out with the presence
OF her friend. -....... ...,. ........-
1t Twas near dusk when Miss Avery,
summoning up all her resolution, ascended
the brown stone Ateps of the Richley man
sion and rang the bell
as Mrs Richly at home?"
"What's your businecs with Mrs. Rich
ley?" asked the servant, suspcously scru-
tinizing the basket that she carried. Lau-
fa bit her lips. This. manner from SER.
wants was an entirely new experience to
her. VT how often must poor Ellen have
endur, d It.
Il have called to bring home a dress
that was finished for her. she said, in
tone of quiet. dignity.
"O-ah-yes; well, s'pose you'd best
walk in"
The servant conducted her up stairs to
sort of sitting room or boudoir, where
Mrs. Richlry, portly dame of about fifty.
gorgeonsly dressed in a crimson silk, was
sitting in her easy chair in front of glow
ing coal fire. Lanra was inwardly CRATE
ful that the gas had not been lighted, par
'ticularly when she observed that Mr. Flo
rian Richley was iounginc on a velvet sofa
in one of the window recrsses. Mrs.
Richly looked up as the servant ushered
in the new conner. .. .t....,.
= "Well, young woman, what do you
wantP' ... ... ....
Laura's cheek tinged at the tone of
coarse inso'en, e IN which she was ad,
dressed, but she commanded herself to re-
ply meekly: -. .. ..
Il have brought home your dress. Mrs.
RichIcv."
"Where is Miss Waynall?"
''She is ILL.,"
"Very well; lay down the dress it is
all right @ -. ...-. FL. H.
But Laura stood her ground vahently.
"Miss Waynall would like the money
tonight, madame-seven dollars on the
old account and three for this Dress"
- ''lt is not convenient tonight" 81
''But, Mrs. Richlev, Miss Waynall is i'll
and needs the money" persisted Laura
There, Flnrian," SAID Mrs. Richley,
petnlantly. addressing the young man in
the Turk Isl, dressing gown and elaborate.
ly arranged hair, II told you Just how it
would be-" '.a
"What the deuce is the matter now ?"
snappishly asked Florian, for the first
time condescending to evince any interest.
in what was going on.
"Why, these impertinent dress.making
people are always clamoring for money,
just when you have drained me of my
last cent"
"Let 'em clamor, then, that's my advice
said Florian, without taking the trouble to
move his head. .+. a.." il.
"sJus' give me back that ten dollar bill,
Florian," urged his mother" "You can't
want it to nigh"
"But do want it, it happens" said Flo
rian, cooly.
"You are going to fritter it away in some
of those gambling houses, to drink yourself
stupid again frettei Mrs. Richley It's
too bad, getting my money away from me
justlto indulge in those horrible habits
Whv don't you earn money for yourself ?a
easy, ma, easy" said the dutlfuI son,
lazily dragging himself to a sitting posture.
Don't loose your temper, for it isn't worth
while. This. ten dollar bill is going to help
make my fortune. 1t shall take the lovely
Laura to the opera tonight. y ~ .'. ..' .,. .
IN onsense this fine scheme will flash
in the pan just ike all the rest of your cas-
ties in the air. She won't have you.
. ''Oh, yes She will, my incrednlous nam
ma, wait and see. / shall bring her to the
point pretty soon. Then I'll pay you back
the money with interest out of my lady's
bag of .hiners." lsi.
"And will you leave OFF your gambling
habits Oh, Florian, they will be the rum
of you yet. ,...r -,..-..
"Perllaps, perhaps not" returned the
young man ihsolrntly. "That will be very
much as / please "
Both the mother and her son had entire
ly forgotten the presence of the young girl
who was Standing i'll the du>ky shadows
near the door, until this moment, when
Mrs. Richly, turning sharply around, saw
her.