The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-01-09
How the Match was Broken.
seTNoUR o'clock, and no Ellen yet

bay window, with draperies of embroid-
cred lace.
'Poor Ellen p she muimured, chow diff
ferently our lots have been ordered in this
world. Her parents dead-their wealth ir-
retrievably lost-and she too proud to ac-
cept cent which she has not laboriously
earned. Oh DEAR" and Laura sighed
again, just as the clocks liquid voice
chimed the half hour.
''She doesen't come" soliloquized the
puzzled little damsel' "There's something
the matter. Perhaps she is sick oh, yes,
she is sick I'll send James to inquire
no, Il go myself"
81 don't think it is going to snow," she
pondered looking out at the gray threaten
ing sky, as she drew on her perfectly fit
ting kid gloves. cat any rate l shall walk
very fast"
AS she como through the softly carpeted
vestibule, servant approached her.
ga note, Miss Laura-it came five min
utes ago."
All, the rose was several shades in the
Ohth iOh, 40 hNClJ biOhO
open the scented seal, and glanced over the
delicate, cream -colored sheet, with bright
half-suppressed smile dimpling the corners
of her mouth. Yet the note was very
simple one after all.
"MY DEAR MISS AvERY.-May promise
myself the pleasure of accompanying you
to the new opera tonight? Unless | re-
n 70 forlAiA I will COLL
for you at half-past seven. Your most de-
voted slave and subject.
'FLoRIAN RICHLEY."
Laura instinctively slipped the note into
her bosom, as if fearful lest the very pic
lures on the wall should catch a sight of
down the gloomy street, with eyes that saw
the gloomy atmosphere through radiant
glow of c0leur de rose.
"Come in v' said Ellen Wayall who was
lying on little white bed in the corner,
when Laura Avery's gentle knock aroused
her from one of her sad meditations.
'Laura ! is it possible that this is goa
dear?''
For Laura aams were clasped around
her neck, and her warm, rosy lips pressed
to Ellen's wan cheeks.
eyes, it is / myself, and none other,
Nell | could not imagine why you did
not come to fit that dress as you had APP
pointed but l know the reason now.
Nelly, you are sick-why did you not send
TO me? ?''
81 am not very sick, Laura-at least |
have not suffered much pain tonight and
the doctor says if only had little wine
No. Laura don't draw out your purse"
she added, with a slightly perceptible
sparkle in her eyes and proud quiver 20
her lips. 81 am not reduced so low as to
accept charity Don't look so hurt and
grieved, dearest-you know how sensitive
| cannot help being on some points. 1t is
only for little while when l am we'll
enough to take chat dress home and re-
ceive the money for it, I shall be enabled
to purchase whatever ] may require"
Laura Avery knelt down at the friends
side, with soft, pleading eyes.
'Dear Ellen, you surely will not refuse
to accept temporary loan from me?"
Ellen shook her head with grave smile.
81 can wait, Laura"
Laura looked from the dress to Ellen
with face full of painful perplexity. Sud-
denly bright inspiration seemed to strike
her.
'Let me take the dress home, Ellen"
she exclaimed. "The walk will be just
what l need and can stop at Dufours on
the way back and order the wine to you.
"You will never be strong, if you don't
cosset your self up little. You will let
me, Nell?"
Ellen hesitated moment
"But, Laura"
"No 6utS in the matter, if you please
Nell " laughed Laura, gleefully beginning
to fold the rich dress into the little basket
that stood on the table beside it,
"Where is it to go?'
"To Mrs Richley's in Rives street. Why
Laura, what is the matter?'
''Nothing-only I'm folding this dress
wrong" returned Laura in low voice.
1t was Ellen that did not see the scarlet
blush that rose to her friends lovely cheek
as she stood with her back smoothing the
lustrous breadth of purple silk. Mrs.
Richey's Laura was almost sorry that she
had volunteered to go--but it was too late
to Tetract her offer now.
"What a selfish little creature | am,
she unused. Poor Nelly needs the money
so much and cannot 60 for it herself, and it