Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1875-02-10


is very kind to invite us to this
hall, but you must write a declin-
alton"
Charlotte burst into tears, and
for the first time since their we'd
ding-day Mr.. Mellen stallked out
of the room without a goodbye
kiss.
That afternoon came a hurried
note from his Office, as follows:
DARLING LoTTIE:- Please send
by bearer, my valise, with q few
changes of linen and other neccss-
aries, for an absence of eight or
ten days on business for the firm.
Inclosed you will find a fifty dollar
bill for the painter--a debt which
ought to have been attended to be-
fore. BE careful Of yourself while
| am gone. | wish | could run up
to say adieu; but time presses. If
you are lonely, get one Of your sis
ters to come and stay with you.
Affectionately.
CLARENCE"
Lottie had been crying all the
morning but now her eyes glisten-
ed. A new brightness came into
her face, as she hurried hither and
thither, putting up her husbands
things. And after the messenger
was gone. she looked down at the
fifty dollar bill in her hand.
Eight or ten days." she repea-
ted to herself, "I1l 60 to the ball,
after all, with Helen and her hus-
band. an take this money and
buy the moire antique. Grant will
trust me FOR the other thirty-flve l
am sure and as for the painter,
just as likely as not he's in no hur-
ry for his money, and if he is I'll
write to Uncle Jesse to lend me
fifty dollars. ! was always Uncle
Jesse's favourite niece"
And this eager young woman
threw on her bonnet and shawl, and
hurried down to Grants to buy the
remnant of lilac moire antique.
"Oh, certainly! certainly! Mr..
Grant was in no hurry at oil for
the money. He would wait Mrs.
Mellcn's convenience any length
of time she choose to mention"
And he unfolded the rich fabric,
skillfully holding it up so that the
light should strike its rosy sheen
to the best advantage.
How beautiful it was. Amethysts,
shot with glimering lines of silver
buds of spring violets in the sun
shine-midsummer sunsets. Lot
tie thought of all these beautiful
things as she looked at it.
"Pray send it home at once,"
she said, laying down her fifty dol
lar bill, "credit this to my account"
And then she tripped around to
her drcssmaller's.
Mrs. Parkerson was at the dress
m er's--a plump, rosy widow,
with more money than she knew
how to spend. She had always Ii
ked young Mrs. Mellen, and now
entered with alacrity into her plans.
"a nice place to SO, my DEAR"
said she. "Once let yourself be
seen at one of Mrs Benedict's par
ties, and your position in society
is settled at once. | have cards
myself; but, of course, so soon af-
ter my brothers death couldn't
go out. And you're to go in lilac
moire antique, eh, my dear? I'll
tell you what want you to look
nice, and I'll lend you my diamonds!
Lottie's cheeks flushed exultant-
ly as she thought of Mrs. Parker
sons diamond necklace, with its
glittering pendent, and the brace
lets, studded with gems, to say
nothing of the great solitaires, like
drops of dew that hung from her
earrings.
"Oh, Mrs Parkinson" she utter
ed brcathlcssly chow can / ever
thank your
"Look as pretty as you can,
DEAR" said Mrs. Parkerson, good
naturedly. That's the way to thank
mel!
Miss Mousely, the dressmalSer,
and Mrs Meellen were in deep con-
sultation as to whether the front
of the dress should be cut a Ia /
Pompadour, or with pointed cor
sage, the next day, when the lat
ter was summoned down stairs.
There stood Mr. Pepper, the pain
ter, in the hall.
Begging your pardon, ma'am.