The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1877-05-05
THE NEW FIRM.
A sroAY WORTH THE REArINa.

y
listen to me ? We must see what is to
be done for you as quickly as possible" d"
The speaker, Caleb Arno, was a
grave, careworn.l looking man of fifty
five. He had come to New York with
his three sisters to attend the funeral of
younger brother, and " to inquire
into the state of his affairs" Their
rage and astOnishment when they learn
ed that of the property they had coun-
ted ON sharing with his widow, not so
much remained as would furnish a
shelter for herself and child, can hardly
be described. Outraged 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 all added shade 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
resolution with which she choked back
her tears showed that-the little creature
had considerable spirit after all.
at is best you should understand the
state of affairs, Bella" Caleb went on.
Charles has left absolutely nothing
behind him not even the house be-
longs 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. II don't
believe Bella can so much as hem a
pocket. handkerchief and me with my
seven daughters Shaving our lives out on
that miserable farm | And the little
money l expected in return for all had
done for CHI"
Gently, Sarah, gently" interposed
Caleb, aud his calmly authoritative
voice acted as sort of stop.c0ck on
Mrs. Cotton's effervescng 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 a family on her
hands"
mo family!" put in "sister Wright, "
an acid.looking little woman. " And
well for me haven't-it's all Job an
can do to live now. Many's the time
I've gone to church in a calico dress,
when those no better'n me were rolling
about IN their carriages, dressed up in
silk and feathers. No thought of sister
| Wright then But when trouble comes,
and there's no one else to turn to-
4" dOl't want to be burden you
don't understand me if you think SO, -
Bella broke in. And you know I've
been extravagant and foolish, though
didn't realize it before. But I'm will
( ing to do anything if can only earn q
living for my poor baby" Tears welled
up into her eyes at tue thought of her
child, but she brushed them hastily
away.
You needn't worry about the
baby" said voice that had been silent
till now.
All eyes turned toward Mrs. Buell..
She had had time for reflection during
the last few minutes, and had concluded
that matters might have been much
worse for her. Her husband was
Wealthy, able to supply her and her
three daughters with every luxury.
Absorbed 10 these reflections, she
scarcely noticed the conversation 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 plan" with the air OF
one comforting an unexpected favor.
You needn't worry about Archie,
Bella / have beautiful plan for him.
think the best way | can help you
will be to take the boy off your hands
Robert will be willing, l know. Oi
course it will be quite care, but we
sha'n't mind that If we can only be Of
service to you. He shall have every
advantage we won't make bit OI
difference between him and our owI
children. or course you could come tC
see him now and then"-for Bella look
ed petTifed. l would ask you to stay
with us, but you and Robert never die
get on well together, you know. Ant
then it would be better for the child"
20 Give up my baby 10 cried Bella
springing from her chair. Do yOI
think | have heart from stone Oh
it's to much % A gush of passionate
tears chOked her voice. " may 'cOmt
to see him now and then On, how
kind you are, Mrs. Buell. ! how wei
you understand a mothers yearninl
over her child ~
" Bella" said Caleb, gravely.
J She turned and caught his hand, as i
hopeful of his sympathy.
" Oh, Caleb, wasn't it wicked to asl
me to give up my child ? I've been I
vain. foolish girl, but always did Low,
my baby so That she should thinS o
such a think, ii hurts me, Caleb"
She wept passiOnately, her head upOI
, his shoulder. Caleb waited till sh
was quiet then he said, in his grave
moderate tones.
Bella, be reasonable. If you reall!
: love your child, you will put his happi
I ness before your own"
I You want me to do it 70 cried Bel
la. She would have pulled her hand
I away, but he held them firmly Ia his.
g BE quiet, and let us talk it over sen
b sibly.
was going to say, when Bella in
terruPted me-" said Mrs Buell., :" tina