The Osceola times., 1877-06-16
BElLA's CHOICE.

"Will you lift your head, Isabel, ant
listen to me? We must see what is Il
be done for you as quickly as possible. ,
The speaker, Caleb Arno, was brave
careworn-looking man of fifty-five. Ht
had come TO New York with his three
sisters TO attend the funeral of younger
brother. snd ito inquire into the state
of his affairs" Their rage and astonish
ment when they learned that of the
property they had counted on sharing
with his widow, not so much remained a,
would furnish shelter for herself and
child, can hardly he described. Out
ragged as they felt with "Charles," all
united in laying the principal blame OF
his ruin on her. Her extravaganza in
dress her love of society and pleasure
all this was brought up against her, and
her youth and inexperience (for she was
scarcely nineteen) seemed no excuse in
their eyes. Even Caleb, who had his
feelings more under control, could not
help an added share of severity in his
voice as he addressed her.
Bella raised her head quickly. Poor
thing She looked too young and ten
der to meet such trials. And yet the re-
solution with which she choked back her
tears showed that the little creature had
considerable spirit after all.
at is best they should understand the
state of affairs Bella" Caleb went on.
"Charles has left absolutely nothing be-
hind hIm-not even the house belongs to
you. Now what are you going to do ?
As you have lost your aunt"
"And nice one she was to bring up
a girl !" broke in Mrs. Cotton. 81
don't believe Bella can so much as hem
pocket-handkerchief! And me with
my seven daughters shaving our lives out
on this miserable farm! And the little
money expected in return for all had
done for Oh" ...
Gently, Sarah, gently" interposed
Caleb, and his calmly authoritative
voice acted as sort of stop-cock on
Mrs. Cotton's effervescing wrath, for
with one indignant gulp of protest she
was silent.
"Such talk does no good" he went
on. Bella understands our circum-
stances, and that sister Wright is the
only one who hasn't family on her
hands"
"No family" put in "sister Wright" /"
an acid.looking little woman. "And
well for me | havn't- it's all Job and |
can do to live now. Many's the time
I've gone to church in calico dress.
when those no better'n me were rolling
about in their carriages; dressed up in
silk and feathers. Ne thought of sister
Wright them But when trouble comes,
and there's no one else 10 turn to-
81 don't want TO be burden; you
don't understand me if you think so,"
Bella broke in. "And ] know I've been
extrsvagant and foolish, though didn't
realize it before. But Pm willing to do
anything if can only earn living for
myself and baby"
Tears, welled up in her eyes at the
thought of her child, but she brushed
them hastily away.
"You needn't worry about the baby, :"
said voice that had been silent until
now.
All eyes turned toward Mrs. Buell.
She had had time for reflection during
the last few minntes, and had concluded
that matters might have been worse for
her. Her husband was wealthy, able TO
supply her and her three daughters with
every luxury. Absorbed in these rehec-
tions, she scarcely noticed the converse
tion going on around her, till the baby's
name fell upon her ear. This recalled to
her mind a talk with her husband, and
she unfolded her plans with the air of
one comforting an expected favor.
You needn't worry about Archie,
Belle; have beautiful plan for him |!
think the best way | can help you will
be to take the boy off your hands. Rob-
ert will be willing know. OF course it
will be quite care, but we shan't mind
that il we can only be of service to you.
He shall have every advantage; we will
not make a bit II difference between him
and our own children. Of course you
can come to see him now and then for
Belle looked petrified ." would ask
you to stay with us, but you and Robert
never did get on well together, you
know. And then il would be better for
the child.
Give up my baby p cried Belle
springing from the chair. "Do you
| tulih nave n urdft vi btoDt OH, ~ 3
too much?' A gush Of passionate tears
choked her voice. may come to see
him no and then oh, how kind you
are. Mrs. Buell. how well you under.
stand a mothers yearning ever her
child
Bella, "said Caleb, gravely.
She turned and caught his hand, as il
hopeful of his sympathy.
"Ob, Caleb, wasn't it wicked to ask
me to give up my child? I've been a
vain, foolish girl, but always did love
my baby so That she should think Of
such thing, it hurts me, Caleb"
She wept passionately, her head upon
his shoulder. Caleb waited till she was
quiet, then he said, in his grave moderate
| tones:
g Bella, be reasonable. If you really
love your child, you will put his happi-
ness before your own"
"You want me to dropit !" cried Bella
She would have pulled her hands away
bu. he held them firmly in his.