The daily gazette., 1875-06-25
fcon.,.ued trsm arst page.l

"Well said she, after pause, 'Just
let John Richards alone and listen TO
me. "I've been feeling concerned
about you for some time past. Ellen, l
was afraid you were spending Q great
deal more than you knew about by
getting things charged. l tired tnst
myself once. 1t was migntyspieasant,
and mighty easy to step INTO. the store
and take anything l anted, ana pun
off the payment until o More conveni'
ent day. But, oh myi When the sst
tlement Gamer
She held up her hands and shudder'
"Whst was ita What happened TO
your" asked Mrs. Gray deeply inter-
"Well you see ! wasn't pretty to be-
gin with" said the spinster, with
Knowing glance, "And there was NO
| one TO say good word for me, or %
| feel sorry II Twas sold on the'spot. Il
was down in Massachusetts, and the
storeksepsr was crusty old fellow
more like Mr.. Morton than John Rich.
ards by Q long way. Says he: What
did you get the goods for II you had
nothing to pay them withf have to
make my living out of my store says
he;and I may pretty SION shut Up shop
and turn bankrupt, II l am 70 be kept
waiting for my money like this, says
he. thought should have drepped,
Ellen felt 20 small and so mean while
he was abusing me. And every word
he said was right and true--thst was
The worst of all"
"And what did you do, Roxyf"
II did something that have never
get over from that day 70 this" said
the spinister, swallowing hard, and
wiping tear away from her eyes. II
had Q diamond ring that my peor
mother gave me on her death bed. I
had to pawn 1t to pay that hateful
debt. tried my best to redeem 1t,
but sickness and trouble Of every kind
came upon me that year. At last, I
saved the money and went after the
ring. I went on the evening OF the
day that nay pawn ticket expired, But
I forgot that had borrowed the money
| in the forenoon of that other day. So
the time was up-legally. They said
the ring had been sold that very day
to o stranger. did not believe them.
But what could dor / went
home crying all the way, and from
that moment have never bought any
thing unless l could pay the cash down
for It. When had not the money
went without. And that 10 why !
came here to lecture you to-day Ellen.
was afraid you were going on the
same road, and meant to stop you In
| - anuld
"Is is too late" said MrR. Gray, sad
lily. "And I have no diamond ring TO
save me Roxy"
"You have me-" said Miss Roxy
Mrs. Gray burst into tears. :,
There, child, ,there-doD't you cry T.
said the old maid, patting the bowed
head kindly. II have some money In
the bank, and I'lll end you the twohup
dred dollars IL youth give me your
word Of honor never to have anything
II never will" said Mrs. Gray, kiss
ing her gratefully. "Dut, Roxy, hoT
am ! to pay you bacA7' ,
"You can give me one lu-1Eed ool
. lars out Of the Z si9a monty mi
year, and let the TeBs lIe at inttTes
for another year If you HE"
sob, how good you aiel Are yo,
sure yeu can spare III"
"Of course can. But there IL nin'
o'clock striking, and there 10 Johi
Richards knocking at the front door
Win you gos Or shall 2
ooh, let me go," said the youni
widow, blushing again as she hastil.
arranged her hair before the glass an'
wiped thetraces Of tears from her eyes
II want to tell him that ] can pa.
the money at once--thanks to you
you dear, kind soull"
She went. Mr.. Richards was agai
ushsred into the sitting room, and th
door was closed. Miss Roxy %
musing over the Are, her head lesnin
d on her clssped hands and took no no,
It Of time. Suddenly the clock struc
"Bless us and save usl 10 that ma
going to stay all nights sxclaime
}. Miss Roxy aloud.
A merry laugh answered her. Mi
Roxy looked up and nearly fell Q
her chair.
Before stood Mr.. John Richards, b
u. arm completely encircling the pret'
widows waist, and his face lit up wi
an expression that made him quite
9 handsome man.
I'm coming soon, to stay always,
hope, Miss Roxy" said he, a. he shos
hands with her. And you viii fl
, Mr.. Richards as good and grsteful
L. friend Of yours 90 Mrs. Grayhas been
-, he added with q meaning smile.
ai 80 the white cottage received o nc
A master, and became once more hapI
home, But the ''credit system"foul
~ no favor there. Cash on delive
u. was the order Of the day, and NJ
Richards never knew again the bri
- but awful feeling Of shame and d.
a radiation that pretty Mrs. Gray end
red, through "running up blu"
1 Es='-
IS 4 Ia. Ha.Assr.hieis. all pr,s.s ,
Nsr received.
I'd. y. SHARP.
lfh arad Aarkaf