The Ottawa free trader., 1874-01-24

but the brightness was all gone as shc sa
the dear old home dismantled, the famlli'
things, halowed by the touch OF the nan
she had loved so tenderly, thrown ASIDE valu
less. or borne away as the property OF strah
ers. But she was young, aud lite again gre
bright for her in Roberts home in the CITY
a home over which fashionable vile pr
sided, and where there was luxury an
display quite new to our simple Annie
"Why, Robert, how rich you must be- q
she gazed around rooms rich with Drocad
and velvet, and dazzling with ormulu, an
whose walls were hung with pictures whlc
seemed to her as being the choicest gems G
art ,.,
"Silly child" cried Robert, sail this is onl
my stock in trade. Who do you suppos
would do business with poor banker
But then you must be rich to nave suci
stock in trade" cried Annie decsively
Robert answered only by a.quick glance a
his wife She was reader OF tongue
Certainly, Annie" his wife answered
'must be or wW be, for appearances produc'
realities"
Mrs Robert Bell was perhaps also classet
by Robert as part of his stock IN trade' hci
social talent attracting many OF 'lioSc 10 niS
house who afterward btcame useful 10 MN
in business.
Not few men of retired habits and inner
tied wealth, not a few well-endowed WIDOWS
had been declded-in the delicate question OF
the banking house which should become the
depository of their unemployed capital ana
the adviser and agent In its inyestment-Dy a
graceful attention from lady who combined
| the elegance Of perfect ton with tact that en-.
abled her to adapt herself to each varied
form Of character among those whose favor
she desired to win.
There was no doubt that this marriage, il
a speculation, had been profitable specula-
ton for the house of Braine IL Bell; and now,
lust as an unusual run on the stock of the
Ocafenoca Railroad, of which Braine d Bell
were the principal holders, had been made by
| the "bears"-Braine e Bell were "bulls," of
course-and they might have suffered in con
sequence, John Bell had died, and the fortune
he left--Annie'S share of it as well as Rob
'ert's--served as very convenient bolster for
the sinking heads OF the firm.
"Annic, | find that my fathers property
has increased in value since he retired from
business His estate is valued attwo hundred
thousand dollars. So you see you are an
heress What will you do with your mo-
ney?'
"That is for you to say, Robert" said Annie,
quickly; then hesitated, and, blushing and
stammering, added "Of course, Robert |
want you to take-that is want you to pay
that is, | mean-my expenses here you
know"
"Oh, that is nothing" said Robert.
"Oh, yes Robert indeed | never could be
easy"
ooh, well--be easy I'll see to all that;
but that will be q 6agatcile-a thousand or so,
two at most-how much more will you want
All you do not want had better be invested in
railroad bonds-pay capitally"
"Could have five hundred dollars to spend
rs please" asked Annie, tmidly.
Five hundred dollars. Why, YOU will
want that for your dress alone "a soon as you
ay aside this heavy, gloomy dress; and, by
he-by, dear, | wish YOU would tighten your
don't begin to cry, Annie
'ou know, if it would do him any good, |
would wear it, and have you wear It forever
ut it cannot do asy good, and il does HE /
erIous harm"
Harm, Robert:" sobbed Annie. trying 1
ainly to press back her tears. How can
nat be? If il is so, had better 90 away
rom here
Just like a wOman's reasoning. Now list.
n to me one moment, Annie, and you will /
Understand the case, and | am sure will do I
that want. 1t is not, Annie, that feel less /
ur great loss than you 10, but business men 1
ave not time to listen to feeling: hence, ii /
ne pauses in the race for that down he goes
nd IA dozen trample over him in their eager
lsh for the prize We are all seeking A pref
:, agreeable young lady in house is often
great help in my business, and you know,
ear, we are in the same boat now and sink or
vim together"
But, Robert, do not yet fully understand
hat my mourning robes have to do with all
lis."
"Why, Annie, do you not see that it makes
ic house gloomy, and people will not come
ga gloomy house; Sarah would have Civ.
! one of her charming peiits souper, last
eek but how could she entertain gay guests
lille you moved like n heavy, black cloud
yer the sccneg'
Then, Robert, let me 90 away
And have everybody saying | was so hard
carted that had driven my sister from my
Ousc"
What shall do, then, Robert: know
Dt.what you wish of me-" Annie spoke i'm
lticntly.
IL will tell you, Annie. have asked Two
three gentlemen TO dinner to-day; let Sa-
III make some change in your dress; it shall
i'll be black but it may be little lighter, a
tile more becoming, and then come to din ,
:r, determined to be my bright, beautiful
ster again" II
IL will do my best" Annie said, ooldly, and
obert kissed her and called her his pet, and
en- hurried away. feeling himself little
hamed of his own talk. Could he have
okcd back ard seen the girlish face fall in
the clasped hands, and heard the deep sobs
at shook the slender form, he would scarce
have been comforted. But he did not look
lck, and the storm lulled at 'ast, and Annie
,se aud sought Mrs. Robert Bell, decided to
D all they wished tonight, and tomorrow to
rite to friend in E to look up home
'r her there.
We have SAID that Mrs. Robert Bell possess
| TACT and she manifested it on this occasion.
nnic was asked to make no painful changes,
I'd yet, by the aid of skillful coteur and
odiste, a different air was given to her dress,
hich seemed now to render more interesting
9 sweet, childlikc face, glowing with
e excitement of dressing for the first time
'nsciously for effect
Among the guests of the evening was a
Iung SOuthcrner, rich, handsome, agreeable.
he first quality was his passport to the Soci-
Y nf Mr. and Mra Robert Rpll Tho others