The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1867-05-10
BEHIND THE SCENES.

Il was scarcely . room 10 which Laura
Avery was sitting = rather z magnificent
hay window with drapcries Of embroidered
lace. .,. ...
"Poor Ellen" she munmurcd. chow dif.
ferently our lots have been oriercd In this
world. Her parents arc dead-their wealth
iretrievably lost, and she too proud to nc
cept q cent that she has not laborously
earned. Oh dear" and Laura sighed
again, Just as the clocks liquid voice chin.
ed the half hour.
"She doesn't come" soliloquised the puz.
zled little damsel. sThere's something the
matter. Perhaps she's sick, oh, dear. she
must he sick. III send James to inquire
no, III 60 myself"
Before the words were out Of her lips she
was up In her room adjusting soft grny
shawl over her black silk dress, and the
strings OF quiet little brown velvet hon
net whose own crimson rose. among It's
trimmings Of enameled moss, was no, un.
like the bloom Of her own check.
ii don't think its going TO snow," she
pondcred, looking out at the gruy, threaten
ing sky, Us she drew on her perfectly fitting
gloves.
AZ she came through the softly carpeted
ves,ibule servant approached her.
"a note, Miss Laun-it came five min.
utes ago." ...
"Ah!" The rose was several shades IN
tho lack ground now, she broke the scent.
ed seal, and glanced over the delicate,
cream eolorcd Sheet with bright, cup
pressed smile dimpling tho corners Of her
mouth. Yet the note was very simple one
after all.
MY DEAR MISS AvrRr:-May promise
myself tho pleasure Of accompanying You
to hear the new opera tonight? Unless
receive message to forbid me. ] will call
for you at half:past seyen Your most dc.
voted slave and subject,
FLoRIAN RIcHLkY.
Laura inssinctively slipped the note into
her bosom, as iffearfhl lest the very picture
on the wall should catch sight Of the CHI
rugarphy, and pursued her way down 'hs
gloomy street, with eyes that saw the MUIR
ky atmosphere through the radiant glow Of
Colour de rose. Meantime the gray light Of
October, was fading away from dreary
room In the third story Of house situated
on one of those streets, whore decent re-
speciabili,y strives hand to hand with the
grim assailant, want.
singularly out Of keeping with the
shaggy and poverty stricken aspect Of the
apartment. wu newly furnished dress Of
lustrous purple silk, bright as the dyes Of
Tyre, that lay folded on the table beside the
window, in such manner that you could
SEQ the costly trimming-a wide border OF
purple velvet, edged on another side with
a flu,ing Of white point lace. For poor
Ellen wnynall was nothing moro important
than hard working and poor paid dres'.
maker. ..t..f
She lay on the little white bed In the cor
ner, with her flushed faee pressed close
against the pillow, and her slender figure
partially covered by coarse plaided scar
let shawl, while the involuntary contraction
of her forhead bore witness to the pain she
wns meekly suffering. .,' .,.,..r.
Al one or two silent tcars escaped from
her closed syelids and crept softly down her
cheek, slight step sounded on the landing
outside, and q knock cuue gently to the
panels Of her door.
"Come in," said Ellen, huridly dashing
awuy the tears. 1Lsura, Is Il possible that
It Is you, dear'"
AYES, II 10 myself and mono other, Nell.
] could not imsgiuo why you did not come
aud fit that dress as you appointed; but ]
know the reason now. Nelly, you are sick.
Why did you not send for mc'"
Ellen tried to smile family.
81 am no, very sick, Laura; at least ]
have not suffered much pain until to night,
no, Laura, DO not draw your purse" she
added. with slightly perceptablo sparkle
| in her eyes, and proud culver on her lips,
al am no. quite 50 low yet % to accept
charity. Don't look so hurt and grieved,
dearest. You know how sensitive J can.
no, help being on some points. 1t Is only
for little while. When am we'll enough
to take that dress homo and receive the
money for Il, I shall then bo enabled to
purchase whatever ! may require"
Laura Avery kuelt down at her friends
bedside with soft. pleading eyes.
"Dcar Ellen, you will not refuse to ac-
cept s,emporary loan from mop"
ELLEN shook her head with very gravo
emile. '' ,'''
n can wait, Laura"
Laura looked from tho dress to Ellen,
with face painted with peplcxi,y. Bud.
denly bright inspiration seemed to strike
her. 81
aLet mo take the dress homo, Ellen"
che exclaimed. Tho walk will bo just
what need. You will never he stronger
up,e. you eosset yourself up lisIe. You
will let mo, Nell?" .sl..g.- - q. y''ru
Ellen hesitaiod . moment .gi.r'hs1'
uBut Laura" W tff tr.
sNo butts In tho matter. if you please,
NelL" laughed Laura, g'eciully beginning
10 fold the rich dress into basket that
STOOD bsside Il. %, !f..8ltti, 'a
."Whers hi 10 gor' ao a.s ,r-ognig
ITO Mn. Richlsy's, on River Street.
Why, Laura, wha, b the mat,sr''' -. i,
.No,hius, only ] am folding the dress
. u = :"