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

printed notes could not speak to him, nor
smile upon him, nor comfort him.
Bought love was hateful to him, and vol
untary affection he could not win.
Mrs. Morrison trembled as she approach
ed his house. Not glmmer of light was
visible within. The moonlight shone full
on the door-pate, stoop, and ratings. She
lifted Ray up the steps, and timidly rang
the bell.
Presently, heavy, slow footballs were
heard, bolts were withdrawn, lock turned,
and Mr. Morrison opened the door. The
first object that met his eyes was Rays
white figure and upturned face, the bril-
liant moonlight streaming over and past
her, and penetrating the dark hall, envel-
oping his own form in its silvery light.
He started, and for second a curious
expression, half fear, half joy flashed across
his sunken features. Then observing Mrs.
Morrison, he recovered himself and bowed
coldly and formally.
"Will you come in ?" he said, distantly,
as if the invitation were forced from him.
"For a short time" was all Mrs. Nor
risson could say, as she followed him into
the hall.
He led the way into a small room adjon-
ing the parlor, which seemed to serve for
dining-room, stting-room, and Office, hand
ed her chair, and remained standing,
watching her with his keen blue eyes. Ray,
perched on her mothers lap, returned the
gaze with fearless, wondering eyes, and
then surveyed the room with eager curl
osity.
1t was not very attractive apartment at
its best, but just at present it looked very
untidy and dusty. The remains of an un-
finished meal lay on the table the fire was
low in the CRATE, and several little cooking
utensils occupied the pan. An open desk
covered with papers, filled one corner of
the room, and stand crowded with pots of
flowers, another. The mantelpiece did SER
vice for medicine chest, and the closet for
a cellar.
Rays search for toys and bon-bOns was
unrewarded, and she hid her face on her
mothers shoulder in silent disappointment.
Uncle Jim broke the silence which was
becoming very embarrassing.
"Did you come to me on any special
business, Mrs. Morrison ?' he asked coldly.
eyes, came to ask you to help Albert
out of his difficulties.
Mrs. Morrison breathed easier now, and
collected her forces to answer and combat
if necessary, the old mans objections de-
termined to keep her temper, and submit
with patience to an exhibition of his
"Well, have nothing to say to you
farther than told him." remarked Mr..
Morrison, conclusvely and roughly.
Mrs. Morrsson's cheeks crimsoned at
this decided rebuff.
"He explained his affairs to you," she
said, with an effort, for she was unaccus-
toned TO rudeness, and at first, it seemed
to paralyze her powers of thought and
speech
"Yes, altogether too we'll. He has been
acting like fool with his money and now,
that he has thrown away his own, he would
be glad to squander some of mine. Buthe
is not going to do it p
"He only wishes you to lend him sum
that will not iniure you," said Mrs. Morris
son, gently.
"Hell have his share when am gone
like the rest Of them. Can't he waltz"
at would do him more good now. 1t
would save his name and credit"
"That's very well. But his children have
to live after him. See here Doyou know
what his expenses were last yearand this ?"
"No, do not" and Mrs. Morrison
sighed as she admitted the fact
"Well, / do;" and having relieved his
mind by uttering a few expletives, Mr..
Morrison proceeded angrily "What
does young man want with fast horse
Hasn't he the use of his legs am near
life. When / go out / walk, that is, if the
distance is within five miles. Another
thing saw was bill for dinners at Del
monico's Can't you give him good
enongh meal at homeP
" ! think he had business people-cus-
tomers-that he did not wish to bring
home"
"L Look here Mrs. MORRISON. Iwouldn't
give brass penny for mans trade If
had to drug him before getting it. Those
are the very men that are helping to break
Albert. Lazy, luxurious sharpers here
to-day, and no one. knows where tomorrow
Another item not paid for, is a pair of
snlifaira diamond ear-rinrs / wonder who