Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1874-03-19

AaV4o1 AssO U4oO U6ukIUpG, anu whose
mothers sole dependence was the an
nuity some Of Mrs. .Warde's compass
sionate creditors had purchased for
her. But if Charles Morrison heard
these things limited, he laughed and
forgot them. He loved Lottie for her
sell f-her sweet temper, her good prin-
ciples, and the pretty face and figure,
that were always set off by the perfect
neatness and propriety with which she
dressed.
L0ttie, however, had taken to heart
many Of the remarks made in her pres
ence OF told by il-natured friends, and
had rather hastily decided in her own
mind that the relatives of her afianced
husband looked down upon her because
Of her position. This fancy-for it was
no more-had made her shy of meeting
them, and unwilling to accept the invi-
tations 30 kindly sent to her. But
Charlie had made point of her acoed-
ing to his parents wish that she should
join the family party they always gath
cred round them ct their handsome
houseat ClApham On the eve of the
great festival and as Miss Dayton had
cheerfully consented to spare her, she
had not been able to excuse herself.
Naturally timid and shrinking from
strangers, Lottie looked forward to this
visit as an ordeal rather than pleasure.
She was to be introduced to Charles
married sister from Manchester, and to
the wealthy uncle from whom he had
expectations and her anxiety that they
should think we'll of her culminsted in
the inquiry, :" What shall I wear?"
It was no use discussing the question
with her sbetrothed. She knew he
would Soy that nothing could be in
better taste than the well-fitting dark
merino that had been her best dress
since the commencement of the autumn,
But Lottie had her share of girlish van
ity, and as she raised her eyes to her
looking vision rose before her of
q certain dove-colored silk in MERGERS
window near st. Paul's that would be-
come her admirably. It was true that
such an expensive purchase would alb
sorb every farthing in her possession,
but abe chose to ignore this So strong
grew the temp@otion that when Lottie
went that evening to visit her mother
she fingered long at the mercer's win
dow and decided that on the morrow
the dove-colored silk: should be her
own.
The children threw down their books
and toys when Lottie entered, for they
loved her dearly, and Mrs. Warde,
though she had been wearing very
anxious face, as she stitched busily at
some childish garment, contrived to
smile at her eldest daughter, who, how
ever, was not easily deceived.
"Something has gone wrong, mother;
l am sure of it by your looks. What
is it -
Nothing you can alter, dear; moth
ing, in fact, that I ought to dwell upon.
I heard, by chance, that the man
through whose roguery your father
failed has returned to England, and is
in prosperous circumstances; and it
worried me for a little while to think
that my excellent, upright husband
went to his grave in sorrow and poverty,
while this dishonest man holds up his
head and grows rich; but it was only
for minute, child :" and Mrs Warde
smiled now with less effort. "I know
to whom I have committed my cause,
and will not murmur at anything He
Wills"
Lottie kissed the placid speaker affec-
tionately, butshe was notas sympathetic
as usual. Her little sisters hung
about her, wondering whether they
should have Christmas pudding, and
one of them blurted ont fact hitherto
concealed that mother did not 20 to
church on Sundays till evening service
because her shawl was so shabby.
Lottie slid her hand into the pocket
where lay her little purse, but drew it
back again, telling herself that she
could not possibly go to visit Charlie e
friends meanly dressed and when the
youngest child climbed on her knee
and frankly asked what she was going
to bring him for a Christmas present,
he was set down again and so sharply
told not to tease that Mrs. Warde'f
mild eyes were raised in surprise.
II beg pardon, MOTHER" said thu
daughter, coloring under the reproo1
the look conveyed. II am afraid I an
rather stupid this evening. What were
You saying about Robert ?-he is elect
ed pupil teacher at his! school. o.
course he isl knew he would be Ii,
has worked SO hard for it, dear goot
hoy y and she ran across the room T.
kiss the s9udious lad, who warmly re
turned her carcases.
Il Then you're glad of it, Lottie? s,
| am l, only [ think mothers botheret
bit about the books I shall want"
"Will they cost much 2" asked hi
|sister,