The star of Pascagoula. [volume] (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1873-1878, 1877-06-15

something gllstens III ner piuo Eyes
and the young man watching her from
an opposite corner feels more in lovethan
! ever. He is Frank Darrow, an old friend
of Bella's who has visited here 80 often
he seems like n of the family.
"And so you were in Europe at the
time of Bella's trouble 2" said the old
man, musingly. He is never weary OF
talking about Archie and his mother, and
one OF his hearers at lest Ends the
repetition of ~thetheme an amending de-
light. But Bella seems rather uneasy.
1"Did you ave- think she'd turn out
such a little business woman, MIR, Oar
row? Why, the store has prospered ASH
never did when | was running it alone.
But | was always sorry about her watch,
as she insisted so on u taking the
money -
"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 n little! Oh
dear. how warm it is !' she added, rather
pettishly, pushing back a bronze ripple
of hair. Frank saw she felt uncomfort-
aDie, anu rose 10 ~.
vii you come into the store with
me a moment, Bella" .
ooh, | guess I'll say good night here"
said Bella. 81 must finish my work"
"Just five minutes" pleaded Frank,
and $50, dear, 60" added the old man.
Bella hesitated a moment, then did as
she was told.
"Good night, uncle" said Frank,
grasping his hand. Then, in a whisper,
" You know what l 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, as
Frank walked off. Pm glad of it; 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
moment.
"Bella," approaching her, you know
what | wanted to ask you
az suppose so, Frank" said Bella,
quietly, but looking rather pale. 81
wish you wouldn't ask it, though"
ooh, Bella, if you knew how | love
you !" pleaded Frank. "Can't you give
me a little, dear"
Listen to me, Frank" said Bella,
back the tears. "It's impossible
for us to marry it would make too
many people unhappy. Think of your
What would they say" a faint
crossing her face, " to your making
4 poor shop-girl your wife? And or my
side are dear Uucle Joe and his WIFE"
BELLA, you don't know my mother
and sisters. Worldly as they seem, they
nave warm hearts, and they couldn't
lelp loving you and your dear little boy.
As for Uncle Joe and his wife, they
shall suffer no loss. Our home shall be
my darling; we will care for them
together.
Crank, Frank, that generous heart
IF yours is always getting the better of
your head. If my conscience would let
bring such a burden on you, do you
suppose Uncle Joe and Aunt Nancy
would be willing to give up their little
nome and live dependent on another ~
"Then they needn't leave their home,
persisted Frank, 81 will find
,ome one to take your place in the store,
that shan't hinder your being
with them as much as 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 a softer tone, 81 really cannot stay
my longer. Goodnight, Frank l shall
Llways wish you we'll"
There was a slight break in her voice,
nd turning, she went quickly out of the
pom. Frank looked after her for q mo-
nent, then, with a white, set face, he
licked up his hat and walked off.
"Heartless little thing !" he muttered,
he strobe fiercely homeward through
he rain, "Ill never give her another
All, we'll, | can't help loving
err; she's the only woman in the world
, me. Poor Arno hadn't it in him to
we her as | do. Oh, my darling, how
an YOU be so hard to me
Could he but have seen Bella half an
our later, as she sat crying in her own
tile room!
81 do love him-I do" she sobbed out.
The dear, generous-hearted, noble fell
wv! Oh, ] wish he hadn't gone away
, angry with mel"
"There, darling, take this from man.
"a. So, now; she will sit by you and
old your own hand"
Nearly two weeks have passed since
rank and Bella parted, She has not
EN- him since. It cost her many tears
t first, but for the last few days she can
link of nothing but her bow.
Archie has diphtheria, and is very sick,
lie doctor says. He has gone away now
n awhile, and the child lies exhausted
4 his pillow. How livid and sunken he
oks! You would scarcely know the
looming face that lay here a few nights
70.
Poor uncle Joe. He could not keep
i'll a moment, but lowered about the
other and child in a nervous futter of
ar.
Whose step is that at the door? The
d mar looked up, and a flash of JOY
Issed over his face. Going hastily
ward the new conner, he seized both his
lnds.
"Thank God, you've come back, Frank!
le child's been very sick, but l think
is a little better" following Frank to
side.
She looked up with her white face, and
e fearless anguish in her eyes. ooh, {
she said family, putting out &
r hand. 6
Clasping it gently, he said in a tone of
Id reproach why didn't you send
me, Bella? |
Its diptheria-you mustn't stay"
lispered Bella, notioning him off as he
Mt over the crib.
But 7 am going to stay, Bella" he :
,lied, with such mild decision that she I
t remonstrance was useless. =