Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1867-04-05

But, Laura"
e No butts in the matter, if you please,
Nell" laughed Laura, gleefully beginning
to fold the rich dress into basket that
stood beside it.
"Where is it to go?'
"To Mrs. Richley's on River Street.
Why, Laura. what is the matter? 2"
"Nothing only am folding the dress
wrong" returned Laura, in low voice.
1t was well that Ellen did not see the
scarlet blush that rose TO her friends lovely
cheek as she stood with her back to the
bed smoothing the lustrous breadths of
purple silk. Mrs. Richleysl ! Laura was
almost sorry she had volunteered TO go,
but it was too late to retracl the offer now.
''What a selfish little creature am, y
she mused. Poor Nelly needs the mon
ey so bad, and can't 60 for it herself, and
it isn't at all likely that shall see Flori-
an. / will go-theres an end of it,"
THANK you, dear Laura, it is so kind
of you,''. said Ellen, fervently, as Miss
Avery came to the bedside with the bask-
ct on her arm, and her black veil drawn
closely over the brown velvet bonnet.
She owes me three dollars on this dress,
and there are seven dollars on the old ac-
count she has never paid me-"
''Ten dollars!" III collect it, never
fear" said Laura galley, as she Disappear
ed, while to poor Ellen it seemed as if the
Sunshine had all did out with the presence
Of her beautiful friend.
1t was nearly dusk when Miss Avery,
summoning up all her resolution. ascended
the brown stone steps of the Richley man.
sion and rang the bell.
" What's your business with Mrs. Rich
ley?" asked the servant, suspiciously
scrutinizing the little basket that she car
ried Laura bit her lips. This manner
from servants was entirely new TO her
Yet how often poor Ellen must have en-.
dured it,
&c have called to bring home dress
that was finished for her" said she in 6
low tone of quiet dignity.
"Oh-ah-yes; l suppose you hat
better walk in"
The servant conducted her up stairs
to sort of setting room or boudoir, where
Mrs. Richley, a portly dame of about if
ty gorgeously dressed in crimson silk
was sitting in her easy chair in from
~ growing fire. Laura was inwardl
grateful that the gas had not been lighted
particularly when she observed Mr.. Flo
rian Richley was lounging on velve
sofa in one Of the recesses. Mrs. Richley
looked up as the servant ushered in the
new conner.
Well young woman. what do you
want?a
Laura's cheek tnged at the tone oI
coarse insolence in which she was address.
ed, but she commanded herself to reply
meekly:
Il have brought home your dress, Mrs
Richley."
"Where is Miss Waynall?"
She is ILL.,"
Very well, lay down the dress its al
right"
But Laura stood her ground valently
Miss Waynall would like the money
tonight, madam-seven dollars on the ole
account, and three for this dress"
1t is not convenient tonight"
But Mrs. Richley, Miss Waynall is il
and needs the money" persisted Laura.
There. -Florian," said Mrs. Riclley
addressing the young man in the Turkisl
dressing gown and elaborately arranged
hair, " / told you how it would be-"
What the deuce is the matter now p
snappishly asked Florian, for the first time
condescending to evince any interest in
what was going on.
:. Why these impertinent dres s-makine
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 Floran, without taking the trouble to
move his head.
"Just give me back the ten dollar BILL
Fl,rian," urged his mother. You can't
want it tonight"
But 1 do want it, it happens" said
Florian, coolly.
"You are going to fritter it away in
some of those gambling houses, or to drink
yourself stupid again, fretted Mrs. Rich
ley. ats too bad. getting my money
away from me just TO indulge in those
horrible habits. Why don't you earn
money for yourself?"
Easy ma, easy" said the dutiful son,
dragging himself TO sitting position.
Don't lose your temper. for it amt
worth while. This ten dollar bill is going
to help make my fortune. 1t shall take
the lovely Laura TO the oDera tonight !"