The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1867-05-10
Isn't at all likely that shall sec Flor'an
I win po-lbere,s an end ofit.n


win go-lheres an end oft"
rThank you, dear Laura, It 10 90 kind oi
YOU" said Ellen, feuen.ly, as Miss Avery
came to the led side with tho basket 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 &C.
count she has never paid me-"
1Ten dollars! I'll collect Il, never fear =
said Laura gaily, as she disappeared, while
to poor Ellen II seemed as if tho sunshine
had all died out with the absence Of bel
beautiful friend. |....
], was nearly dusk when Miss Avery
summoning up all her resolution. ascended
the brown stone steps ofthe Richley man.
sion and rnng the bell.
"Whats your business with Mrs. Rich
ley?" asked the servant, suspiciously scru.
,inizing the little basket that she carried
Laura Bit her lips. This manner from ser
wants was entirely new to her. Yet how
often poor Ellen must have endured IL
81 have called to bring homo a dress
that was finished for her" said she In a low
tone ofquet dignity.
"oh-ah-ycs; I suppoec You had bet.
ter walk in"
The servant conducted her up stairs, to
a son Of sitting room or boudoir, where
Mns. Richley, portly dame Of about fly,
gorgeously dressed in crimson silk, was Sit
ting in her easy chair, In front Of a glow.
ing 6re. Laura was inwardly grateful that
the gus had not been lighted, particularly
when she observed Mr.. Florian Rchley
lounging on velvet sofa, in one Of the re-
cesses. Mrs. Richley looked up as the ser.
want ushercd in tho new conner.
aWell, young woman, what do you
wantP"
Laura's check tinged at the tone ol
coarse insolenco In which she was address.
ed, but slle commanded herself to reply
meekly:
81 have brought home your dress, Mrs
RichIey."
"Where is Miss Wnynall 7"
'She Is ill.,"
"Very we'll, lay down the dress it's all
right"
But Laurn stood her ground valiantly.
miss Waynal would like her money to.
night, madam-seven dollars on the old &C.
count, and three for this dress"
at is not convenient tonight"
But, Ms Richley, Miss Wuynall Is 10,
and needs the money" persisted Lanrn.
a'rhere, Florian," said Mrs. Richley, al.
dressing the young man in the Turkish
dressing gown. and elaboraiely arranged
hair, al told you how II would be-"
"Whai the deuce Is the matter now?''
snappishly asked Florian, for tho first time
condescen,ling to eviuce any interest in
what was going on.
"Why these impertinent drc,s.making
people arc always clamoring for money,
just when you have drained me OF my last
cent"
"Let 'em clamor, then, that's my ad.
vice." SAID Florian, without taking the
trouble to move his head.
"Just give mo back the ten dollar BILL
Florian," urged his mother. 'You can''
want it tonight"
"But ! do want It, It happens" said Flo.
riau, coolly.
@You're going to fritter Il away In some
Of those gambling houses, or to drink
yourself stupid again." fretted Mrs Rich.
Icy. It's 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 ono,
dragging himself to a sitting position.
"Dont lose your temper, for II aint worth
while. This ten dollar bill IL going to help
mako my fortune. It shall take the lovely
Laurn to tho open to night"
1Nonscnse this fine scheme will fash
in the pan. jus, like :all the rest Of your
castles In the air. She won't have YOU"
"Oh, yes, she will, my incrcdulous
mamma, Wait and sec. shall bring her
to the poin, pretty soon. Then III pay
You back the money with interest out Ct
my lndys bag Of sinners"
aAnd will you leave of your gambling
habiisi Oh, Florian, they will be the ruin
Of you yet. ..H. "'.hu
-"Perhaps- s-perhsps not" returned the
young man insoIontly, "That will be just
about as please" % r "a
Both tho mother and son had entirely
forgotten the presence Of the young girl,
who was standing In tho dusky shadows
near the door, until this moment, when
Mn. Riohley, turning sharply around, saw
her,, Ia. ...." .r.
sWhat arc you waiting for ?" she asked
irri,ably, II have already told you that il
was not conyeuicnt to pay tho money to-
nigh,-why don'tyou 60 about your busi.
nessT m r t-'.tfl.. ,'-
Her cheeks were flushed even beneath
their artificial bloom Of rouge, and her
chill grey eyes spsrklod with the rising
anger, as Laura Avery compoeedly advanc.
cd forward. She took ono Of the wax tn
pes from the china shell, and lighted tho
gas with a steady hand, whose fash Of rich
rings filed Mrs. Ricbley with sssonish
ment. t .....t .,...,.. .......
q am sorry that you cannot pay your
debts, madam" !" said Laura. quietly looking