Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1871-09-09

| .5AC AAA--aI a NOANs A4lAAC DOM- anu
not choose to see the hand he ex-
tended.
"Weleome home, Mr.. Hayden
she said, in a set, cold voice. Il
came to bring some" she could
! not say work, something for your
sister | generally 90 TO her room.
Is she there?''
He fell back a little. Strange
how the light went out of his face.
! IL rather think she may be en-
/ gagged" he said in laundering, con-
fused way; there might have been a
little anger in the voice; "but-yes,
| perhaps you had better 90 up" and
he turned on his heel.
she did not like to speak of his
wife, and no wonder" half sobbed
| Laura to herself, a choking sensa-
t;enasi in her throat.
1t was queer how the stairs bob
bled about; but, perhaps, the thick
| dorps on her lashes would explain
I il.
''What in the deuce makes her act
so oddly?'' muttered young Hayden,
/ then in a tender voice, 'poor little
thing, it's pride, 1 suppose; but she
\ might have seemed just the least
| glad to see me, think" and he
kicked box out of his path, and
went moodily to the door.
Annie Hayden was alone.
$50 glad you brought it, she
cried; 'Eand oh doesn't it look beau
tiful What fairy-fingers yours arel'
aRd shook out the creamy satin with
exelamations Of delight.
''Sit down, won't you? I've so
much to tell you. Bart, has come
home"
Eyes, know it but l can't wait
not a moment. 1t viii be getting
dark, and-and" she grew desperate
with the fear that Aunie would see
tears, and the trembling mouth
and stopping, snatched up the bill,
and placed il in the hand of the pa
troness.
"Oh, am SO sorry Suppose you
won't mind waiting for the pay till
next week ?"
''We are out ofcoal and wood" said
Laura, her cheeks crimson "and in
fact, we need the money.
f'Dear mel dear me L was so
thoughtless to spend every cent l
had. But stop I'll 20 down and ask
Bart.'
Laura felt as if she could sink
through the floor.
ssStop P' she said, OBTAINING An
ME by a hold on her arm, her face
quite white and proud again 81 can
Wait-never mind. OF course | can
depend upon it by Wednesday 2"
ayes, I'll run round before, per-
haps. Must you go? You know
how much L have to tell you. Well,
then, good night"
Laura had not worn her veil.
The tears were runnig down her
cheeks as she hastily descended the
steps of the palace-like stairs, and
Bart. Hayden, who happened to be
there, saw them. Oh! the humilie~
tion to that proud spirit! She threw
half-defiant glance at the hand
some, pitying face then, with a
gesture that repelled him, almost
flew down the street, nor hardly
drew a breath till she was at home.
How dreary and meagre 1t all
looked. The few cheap dishes the
scanty table cloth, the half covered
floor, the faded wall paper, the
worn out chintz on chairs and
lounge.
'1'm dreadful tired, mamma let
me lie down." she cried in sup
pressed voice, and threw herself on
the creaking old lounge.
'EWhat is the matter, darling /
see-she didn't pay you, of course;
and not stick of wood in the house.
Oh the wickedness of those who
are rich. thought"
A loud rap. Laura hid her face.
Her mother answered the call, and
in strode Bart. Hayden, almost de-
family.
"At least you win welcome me,
Mrs. Stetson," he said, the old ring
in his voice.
Laura sat up cold and proud a.
gain.
"Annie sent this by me-" he said.
and laid a sealed envelop ON the ta-
bic.
"When did you get home ?' ask
ed Mrs. Stetson, as soon as she had
recovered from her surprise
"Only few hours ago." was
Bart's reply. II brought cousin
Jacks wife with me she was order
ed home for her health, and Jack
couldn't leave, so L took Matte in
charge. Poor girl Pm afraid home
is not going to help her much, or,
luueOu, any tulAS ciscs
Laura made an aim mostimpercepti-
bic movement. She was far from
cold now her very temples burned.
"WeIl, good night" he said, steal
ing a glance at Laura, as he arose,
after answerering Mrs Stetson' in
quires. ''I've done my errand, and
Mrs. Stetson, you at least will let
me come sometimes and talk with
you won't you, for the sake of old
times Z"
The mothers reproVing eyes
were fastened upon Laura. What
did the girl mean by acting in this
way?
ITO be sure - was her quick an
swer ''if you will come to so hum
BILE place. You see how the wheel
has gone around with us. Poor
Mr.. Stetson =" and the widow could
get no further.
''Yes. heard" he said pityiHgly,
'1ong ago. Annie wrote me. But
l am not of the tickle kind, Mrs.
Stetson."
This was said with a reproachful
glance at Laura.
''Good night :" he said, the next
minute, and bowed to both women.
lie had reached the door, when a
faint voice called
Bart ~
Yes, it was Laura's eager cry.
She was ashamed of what she had
done, and heartily repenting.
He came back with half-supsress-
ed eagerness in his manner, his
glance weary, but anxious.
II was just little rude tonight"
she said, looking dangerously beau
tiful in her humility. "Please for
give it."
sIndeed L wilP" and he seized
her pretty hand, his eyes radiant.
81 understand-oh, yes l quite
understand-you were always such
a sensitive little creature! So you
forgive me, ell ?'' he blundered,
"It was you who were to forgive
me, believe" said Laura demurely,
her lips quivering, ready to cry and
1 laugh too.
Mrs. Stetson, will you allow me
to whisper ?'' said straightforward
Bart.
Certainly" said the old lady,
her heart beating quicker. What
was going to happen? Had power
/ ty done its worst for them. Was
there indeed, bright hope for the fu-
I ture?
Bart put his full, shining beard
/ close TO Laura's ear, and the second
/ time said the mystic words, that
had so long fingered in her MEM
ofy.
Laura did not repulse him. He
/ felt then that her heart belonged to
him, that it had never gone out to
any other.
So it happened that, after that
evening. Bart. Hayden kept calling,
/ and that the widow invariably left
/ the two younger people together (;