The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1873-12-23

"No, not now,o was Mrs. Morrisson's
almost inaudibls reply. Mt. MORRISON
ended the interview by leading the way TO
the door and opening it. His "good
night" was abrupt and final. Before Mrs.
Morrison could return it, the door was
shut and bolted, and retreating footsteps
were audible.
The distance home seemed to have short
ened .magicaly. Endued with new life
and unnatural strength, holding Ray close
to her bosom, dizzy with joy, without a
thought of self, or the difficulties of the
task she had promised to undertake, Mrs.
Morrison hurried along and reached her
own home in safety.
Her ring brought her husband to the
door. His surprise at seeing her and Ray
on the step became almost incredulity
when she told him in low, painting tones
where she had been. He watched her ex-
cited manner, flushed cheeks, and bright
eyes in which tears of delight were spark
ling, and his haggard face lightened in ex-
preston.
"What is it, GertyP What have you
done ?''
al have seen your uncle. Oh, Albert,
it is all arranged 1t will all come right
He will see you tomorrow He has agreed
to help you, and have promised to go to
his house, and take care of it for him p
"You ! GertyP" Mr.. Morrisson's as
tonishment was too great to be expressed
in words.
Yes. 1t was his proposition, and ac-
cepted it."
"But, my darling, it is simply impossi-
BILE. What, You keep house for him? 1t
would kill you in a month. Uncle James
must be mad p
"But he will do nothing for you unless
l keep my promise. He thinks we are too
extravagant, Albert. And 1 could learn
to be economical, am sure. There is
room enough for us in the house. Let me
try it, at least"
"Gerty you can not mean it ! My wife
an upper-servant for my uncle He
laughed bitterly, and his mouth quivered.
"You are putting it in the worst light,
Albert. Let us try to consider it in its
best. Think of yourself, not of me. I can
be happy anywhere if you are free from
anxiety. The knowledge that your bust
ness is saved will recompense me for any
trouble. We can not stay here, and your
uncle's idea is to rent the house as it is,
and move quietly to his. am perfectly
willing to do as he proposes, Albert. 1t is
no sacrifice-it is pleasure if it saves you
from ruin"
"Gerty, have been foolish, but not
Intentionally 50. l never thought of bring
ing you to this. l can not bear it. Talk
of something else. Forget this p
"Forget it-how can [? Archy was here
while you were asleep. He said that moth
ing could be done without your uncle's
help"
"Did he tell you that?'
"Yes, and knew that you had spoken
to your uncle without success. Listen to
me, Albert This must be done. There is
no other alternative. You shall not be
disgraced while can prevent it. If we
act right now, we may have our own home
again. Say you will 60 to your uncle to-
morrow and let me keep my promise. l
have been an idle, extravagant woman all
my life. Perhaps deserve this change of
fortune"
But not that should be the cause of
it. Why should uncle James make such a
proviso the alternative ? What good can
it do to him to break up our happy home ?
He could leave us here in peace without
hurting himself. You are not accustomed
to hard work, and pinching economy, such
as he would force upon you. He has no
right to meddle with my family"
"But, Albert, these considerations are
trifing compared with what we gain in
agreeing to his proposal. Am really so
helpless that you can not trust me in this
OF what value are my brains if can not
use them for you and the children? am
not mere doll TO be dressed, and petted,
and shielded from all harm. would rath-
er keep house for Uncle James than see
you looking as you have for the last month.
can be perfectly happy there if l know
that you love me, and that am necessary
to your comfort, and working for your
sake"
"Then have your way, Gerty. Let us
try it, but if we have bartered our happi-
ness for fortune and reputation, l shall
never forgive myself for this nights
work"