Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1868-10-14
BEHIND THE SCENE.


pauetual than the clock itself -
Il was scarcely a room in which Laura
Avery was sitting rather magnificent bay
window with draperies of embroidery and
lace.
Poor Ellen" she murmered, chow dif-
fercntly our lots have been ordered in this
world Her parents dead-their wealth ir-
retrievably lost, and she too proud to accept
a cent that she has not laboriously earned
"0h, dear?' and Larra sighed again just
as the clocks liquid voice chimed the half
hour
She doesn't come" soliloquized the
puzzled little damsel. There's something
the matter. Perhaps she is sick-oh, dear,
she must be sick I'll send James to see
no I'll go myself" "
Before the words were out of her lips she
was up in her own room adjusting soft,
gray shawl over her black silk dress, and
tying the strings of a quiet little brown
velvet bonnet, whose own crimson rose
among its trimmings of enameled moss was
rot very much unlike the bloom of her own
cheek
Il don't think it is going to snow she
ponisred, looking out at the gray threaten
acg SKY, ~ she drew on her perfect fitting
gloves ''At any rat, [ shall walk very
fast.
As she came through the softly carpeted
yestbule a servant approached her
Ali The rose was several shades IN the
back ground now, as she broke the scented
seal, and glanced over the delicate, cream
coCred sheet, with a bright suppressed
smile dimpling the corners of her mouth
Yet the note vas very simple one after
all
NY DEAR Miss AVERY: May prom
i>e myself the pleasure of accompanying you
to hear the new opera TO night? Unless
receive message to forbid ice, [ will call
fur you at hal! past seven. Your most de-
voted slave and subject,
FLoRfAN RICHLEY.''
Laura instin,tiveiy slipped the note into
her bosom, as if fearful lest the very picture
on the wall should catch sight Of the eie-
CANT chirosraphy, and pursued her way
dysn the gloomy street, with eyes thai saw
the murky atmosphere through the radiant
glow OF cDaie,r de rose Meantime the gray
light Of October vas fading away from the
room % the third story of house situated
gu nnc Of those streets where decent re-
>pec5a5ility strives hand to hand with the
grim a,sa'ant, want
Singulsrly out of keeping with the shah
by pogcs;y-ssricken aspect Of the apart
mcut, was newly finished dress Of lustrous
purple six, bright as the dyes Of T. that
isy folded on the table beside the window
lu such uanusr that you could see the
oss1'y trimming-a wide border Of purple
velvet edged Gu either side with Huting of
wa..e yJint lace. For poor Ellen #aynall
va nothing mere important than hard
working aai poorly paid dressmaker
She lay On the little white bed in the cor
ner "i,h her flushed face pressed close
asalu,, the pillow, and her slender fgurc
partially covered by coarse plaided shawl
While lie involuntary contraction Of her
forehead bore witness to the pain she was
meekIy suffering
y one or two silent tears escaped from
AeT closed eyeiids, and crept down her cheek,
AEht step sounded on the landing outside,
aud knock came gently on the panels of
tie door.
Tome in, said Ellen, hurriedly dashing
away the tears laura, Is II possible that
this you?'
'ics, it Is myself and none other. Nelly,
could lot imagine why you did not come
-ad lit that dress as you appointed but |
know the reason now, Nelly, you are sick
Why didn't you send for INC 2"
E.ei smiled.
i an not very sick Laura; at least,
have not suffered much pain until tonight,
aal the doctor says that if | had only a lit
lie wIac-no, Laura, do not draS your
purse, she added, with proud quiver of
Aef nps, Il am not quite 80 low yet as to
accept charity. Don't look so hurt ani
sHe'ed dearest. You know how sensitive
cannot help being on some points. 1t is
ony for little while. When | am well
enough TO take that dress home. and re
sgIye the money for it, shall then lie ena
'.ed TO purchase anything that | may re
quiyr."
Laura hueit down at her friend bedside
with pleading eyes.
Dear Ellen,you will not refuse to accept
loan from me e?'
But Ellen shook her head with grave
smile.
-au wait. Laura"
Laura looked from the dress to Ellen
Win face painted with perplexity. Sud
,sHy a bright inspiration seemed to strike
Lee.
Ut me take the dress home, Ellen?'
S"e asked. The walk will be just what
need and can stop at Dubour's on the
way hack, and order some wine for you.
Indeed you will never be strong unless you
Doctor yourself up a little. You will let me,
Nely?.'
Ellen hesitated.
But. Laura"
No butts in the matter, if you please
NsI' laughed Laura, gleefuly. beginning
70 iod the rich dress into little basket