The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-11-10


her aunt's cares with cheerful and willing
heart, soon became such an adept with the
needle as to relieve her kind protector from
the most trying part of her labors, and
more than double the income of her former
industry.
Mr.. Curtis was little indignant when
he learned, from his wife, of Mary's sud-
den observation-disclosures that she should
seem driven away from her home-for he
had noticed, lately, that her treatment by
the family was exceedingly unkind. But
to save a domestic broiI, he dismissed his
resentment with the commendable deter
mination to look after her at some conven-
lent time, and properly to provide for her
"a resolution sure to be procrastinated by
his irresolute mind, immersed in the cares
of large business, and especially after he
had learned that she was under the ex-
cellent protection of aunt Rachel.
Mrs. Curtis and her daughters expressed
themselves to each other as glad to be rid
of her; and often made themselves merry
at what they were pleased to call her low
born manners--those manners of uncom-
planning submission and Christian res
ignation, which their own cruelties had
taught her.
"She is now in her proper sphere" said
Helen; "where she will have no tempta-
tions to be getting above it,
eyes" replied Emily, with a sancti-
monious look, Providence has marked
out each one's lot, and then they should
learn to be content"
"She will never be contented," said the
mother, $50 long as she harbors one silly
notion that fills her head"
What is that ?' asked both of the girls
at once.
"Why, that William Belts is in love
with her."
"Who put that into her head ?'' asked
Helen, with sneering smile.
civilian himself for he has been
coquetting about her these three months f"
The girls looked at each other in sur
prise, for they were not aware that any
intimacy had existed in that quarter.
"But," continued the mother, cit is
possible that William is as foolish as she,
and in earnest in his attentions. If so, it
win be stopped for you must know, girls,
that Stuart & Co., have just taken Will
liam into the firm, because they say that
he is smart young man, and has served
them we'll. The next thing we shall know,
| 10 mill ha
ried, and hold their heads as high as any
body, and Stuart & Co., Mr.. Curtis in
cluded, will uphold them in their impu-
| dence."
Mrs. Curtis face was red with vexation,
and those of her daughters were as highly
colored with envy. They all agreed that
such a calamity TO the firm, and to society
in general, must by all means be averted.
In consequence of the increasing pros
perity of their business, and the additional
capital that Mr.. Curtis had brought to it,
the firm of Stuart 81 Co., resolved to es-
tablish branch house in distant COM
mercial city; and young Belts was dele
gated to take charge of it. 1t was but a
short time after Mary's removal that this
change occurred, during which period she
had not seen William /; and the latter, ig-
norant of her whereabouts, had been too
busy to attempt one Of his stolen visits.
The day before his departure, he hurried
to Mr.. Curtis residence to bid them adieu,
and to claim a parting word with Mary.
He pulled the bell, but was met by a
strange servant, which filled him with un-
happy forebodings. He followed her in,
and to his surprise was met by bland
smile from Mrs. Curtis, which he erro-
neously accounted for on the ground of his
recent promotion. Forgetting his os-
tensible errand, he at once inquired for
Mary.
"She has been gone from here several
weeks" said Mrs. Curtis can aunt of
hers, from B., who was on journey,
insisted on taking her along, to stay year
with her. The movement was so sudden,
she had 10 time to bid her friends good
bye-not even note TO you," said the
amiable lady, with knowing look; "but
she win doubtless write to you as soon as
she arrives at B., and Mr.. Curtis win
forward the letter to you for she conflded
her secret to me, and approved her
choice"
William, mistaking the cause Of Mrs.
Curtis change Of department, was entirely
deceived, and believed every word she said.
Sadly disappointed in not seeing Mary once
more before embarking on journey of a