Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-09-23

Ruffling skirt, seven bias rufiles,
corded on both sides, ) 90
Belt, with sash ends, braided, 90
Total. SlS 90
That's ALL said the tired girl, letting
her pencil drop, and breathing a sigh Of
relief
IL hope she will pay YOU tonight,
murmured Mrs. Stetson.
"She is well aware of our needs. none
more So" was the sad reply. AT the
same time she carries her old habits OF
saving into her new life, for she knows
that | shall not charge one-half the price
that regak- dress maker would She
would have to day Madame Jolitf. TWEEN
ty-6ve dollars at the least"
"Well. it's 4 shame. replied the moth
er, "that you can't get the regular price
when yeu do your work as well, and bet
ter, in my estimation. Time was, when
your father could have bought and sold
Walter Hayden; and now you must work
your fingers ends off for his daughter,
who has neither your education, nor"
20. dout, mammal pleaded Laura
with little laugh. that was partly hy-
sterical, "You only make it worse for
me, you see. calling up old times. Just
say it will come right in the fail, as papa
used :" and with the smile still on her
lips, she turned the troubled eyes away,
that her mother might not see her tears.
For poor, proud Laura, earning scant
living for her mother and herself, had a
memory of the Haydens hidden in her
heart.
When Bart Hayden, the handsomest
man in New York. some said, had gone
sway, only year before. she had thought
ofhim for months after, nay, even till now
with quickened pulses and heightened
color. The Haydens were not wealthy,
then, but within short time they had
come into a fortune. and it WAS rumored
that young Bart was also growing rich
through lucky speculation.
1t was just nine months since the death
of Laura's father. He had dropp ddown
suddenly, while apparently in the full
enjoyment of health; and after the
funeral it was found that his affairs were
in very tangled condition. In fact,
only small house was lefl to the widow.
through the consideration of creditors,
and that far from comfortably furnished.
Laura, the child of wealth and fashion.
her fathers idol, a delicate, thorough
bred. elegant girl, who had hitherto sun
ned herself in the warm rays OF prosperi-
ty, and hardly knew whether she had a
heart or not, proved herself n heroine
Whatever she could find to do, she work
cd at with all her heart. Plain sewing,
embroidery, making, for she had 4
talent, and concerning which she had oft.
en- heartily SAID. that if she had not been
rich she might have been famous; every
thing was undertaken willingly, and la
bored at uncomplainingly, She accepted
the situation. though not without some
struggles with pride, and many secret
tears.
"well, suppose must carry the dress
home"-saiG Laura.
Mrs. Stetson thought of the time when
a carriage was at the call OF her beautiful
darling.
Dear, can't | take it?" she asked,
gazing at her anxiously. You look ILL.,"
Il am iIl-that is, my head aches; but
the walk will do me good" Laura re-
sponded, trying to look bright. "Its not
far to the Haydens. Do you think l
would let you carry home my work? No,
ipdeedr and she bent over and kissed
her mothers forehead.
Out in the air she ielt better. The nerv-
Gus depression from which she suffered
gradually left her, as she became inter-
estcd in tie sights and sounds about her.
In gay and beautiful dresses, some oil her
former acquaintances passed her, a few
with nod of recognition, but most with
out noticing her ut all-little stings there
were, but she held her bundle firmly,
lifted he. head trifle higher, aud walk
I'd firmly Oh. Turning the corner she
came full upon an unexpected tablc''u.
A smartly dressed boy, with a feather in