The Osceola times., 1877-06-16


Bella's voice faltered. The old woman
lay silent, stroking the hand she held In
hers.
"And you want us 70 advise you p
she said at last.
Z" Yes, l thought you might hear Of
something could do. ! don't sew nicely
Pm very sorry about that. But If there's
anything else"
g Poor dear lady To think of your
having TO work for a living! Why, you
look as If breath would blow you over
now"
ooh, Pm stronger than you think.
can work." said Bella earnestly.
The old woman reflected.
"Tve a plan in my mind" she said,
looking up. wish could think of
something better for you but--would
you mind asking my husband to step
here moment, Mrs. ArnO, please p
What the "plan" was will be shown
hereafter.
Yes, sir, l call it the firm Of Bella
and Baby, and I'd like to put it or the
sign. There's blessin' follered us ever
since they came into the house."
Mr.. Bull, or " Uncle .Joe," as he ID
generally called, leans forward in his
chair, his eyes fixed affectionately on
Bella. II is three years since we saw
her last, but she looks little changed, ex-
cept that the bloom has returned to her
cheek.
" The blessing came because you and
Aunt Nancy were 70 good to us, Uncle
joe" she says, looking up from her work.
Something glistens in her blue eyes,
and the young man watching her from
an opposite corner feels more in love than
ever. He is Frank Darrow, an old friend
Of Bells's who has visited here 70 often
he seems like one of the family.
"And 10 you were in Europe at the
time of Bella's trouble ?" said the old
man, musingly. He is never weary of
talking about Archie and his mother, and
one OF his hearers ut lest finds the
repetition of the etheme an unending de-
light. But Bella seems rather uneasy.
did you ever think she'd turn out
such little business woman, Mr.. Dar-
row? Why, the store has prospered an 1t
never did when | was running 1t alone.
But was always sorry about her watch,
rs she insisted 10 on our taking the
"Of course / did," broke in Bella.
"A pretty thing it would have been to
come upon you with my baby, and never
offer to tighten the burden little! Oh
dear, how warm it is |" she added, rather
pushing back bronze ripple
of hair. Frank saw she felt uncomfort-
able, and rose to 20.
"Will you come into the store with
me a moment, Bella 2"
"Oh, guess I'll say good night here"
,aid Bella. al must finish my work."
"Just five Minutes" pleaded Frank,
and go, dear, go" added the old man.
Bella hesitated moment, then did as
he was told.
"Good night. uncle" said Frank,
yrasping his hand. Then, in whisper,
You know what am going to ask her,
Uncle Joe?'
eyes, yes. God bless you, my boy.
She loves you, know"
"He's worthy of her." he muttered, a.
Frank walked of. "I'm glad of IL; but
Lord help us, how we shall miss her and
The boy, brushing away a tear.
Bella was waiting in the store, a
troubled but resolute look on her face.
Closing the door, Frank stock silent a
Bella" approaching her, you know
what wanted to ask you 2"
81 suppose no, Frank" said Bella,
,uietly, but looking rather pale. al
wish you wouldn't ask it, though"
ooh, Bella, If you knew how love
vouw pleaded Frank. Cant you give
ne little, desr?"
"Listen to me, Frank" said Bella,
iorcing back the tears. "It's impossible
'or us to marry; it. would make too
many people unhappy. Think of your
amily. What would they say" a faint
mile crossing her face, " to your making
poor shop-girl your wife? And on my
tide are dear Uucle Joe and his wife,"
"Bella, you don't know my mother
md sisters. Worldly as they seem, they
nave warm hoarts, and they couldn't
,elp loving you and your dear little boy.
Az for Uncle Joe and his wife, they
hall suffer no loss. Our home shall be
heirs, my darling we will care for them
,ogether.
Frank, Frank, that generous heart
" yours is always getting the better of
7our head. If my conscience would let
ne bring such burden on you, do you
upposc Uncle Joe and Aunt Nancy
would be willing to give up their little
rome and live dependent on another 2"
"Then they needn't leave their home,
Bella" persisted Frank, al will find
ome one to take your place in the store,
hough that shan't hinder your being
With them as much a. you please. We
will both help them in every way"
Frank, tell you it is impossible. If
We are to be friends, you must never
mention the subject again. And now"
n softer tone, ! really cannot stay
my longer. Goodnight, Frank; shall
always wish you WE'LL"
There was a slight break in her voice,
md turning, she went quickly out of the
.oom. Frank looked after her for mo-
nent, then, with q white, vet face, he
picked up his hat and walked of.
Heartles little thing !" he muttered,
~ he strobe fiereely homeward through
he rain, "Pll never give her another
thought. All, we'll, can't help loving
ner; she's the only woman in the world
70 me. Poor Arno hadn't it in him to
love her as l do. Oh, my darling, how
can you be so hard to mep
Could he but have seen Bella half 40
hour later, q che lst crying IN her own