The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1877-06-21
BELLA'S CHOICE.

"Will you lift your head, Isabel, and
listen to me-? We must see what is to
be done for you as quickly as possible.
The speaker, Caleb Arno, was n brave,
careworn-looking man of ffty.fve. He
had come to New York with his three
sisters to attend the funeral of a younger
brother, and Ito inquire into the state
of his affairs" Their rage and astonish-
ment when they learned that of the
property theJ had counted on sharing
with his widow, not so much remained as
would furnish shelter for herself and
child can hardly be 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 hlm-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.handkorchief. And me with
my seven daughters shaving our lives out
on this miserable farm! And the little
money expected in return for all I had
done for CHI"
"Gently, Sarah, gently" interposed
Caleb, and his calmly authoritative
voice acted as sort of stopcock on
Mrs. Cotton's eifervescing wrath, for
with one indignant gulp of fprotest she
was silent.
"Such talk does no good" he went
on. "Bela 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 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-
~ don't want to be burden; YOU
don't understand me if you think so,"
Bella broke in. "And | know Pve been
extravagant and foolish, though I didn't
realize it before. But Pm willing to do
anything if | can only earn a 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 a 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 conversa-
tion going on around her, till the baby's
name fell upon her ear. This recalled to
her mind 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 a beautiful plan Tor 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
viii 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 bit of difference between him
and our own children. OF course you
can come to see him now and then"-for
Belle looked petrilied. d" would ask
you to stay with us, but you and Rosert
never did get on well together, you
know. And then it would be better for
the child.
"Give up my baby" cried Belle,
springing from the chair. "Do you
think have a heart of stone Oh, it's
too much ~ A gush of passionate tears
choked her voice. " may come TO see
him no and them Oh, how kind you
are. Mrs. Buell. how we'll you under,
stand a mothers yearning ever hel
child"
"Bella," said Caleb, gravely.
She turned and caught his hand, as i
hopeful of his sympathy.
"Oh, Caleb, wasn't it wicked to ask
me to give up my child? I've been s
vain, foolish girl, but / always did love
my baby so! That she should think o
such a thing, it hurts me, Caleb"
She wept passionately, her head upor
his shoulder. Caleb waited till she wa
quiet, then he said, in his grave moderate
tones:
Bella, be reasonable. If you reall,
love your child, you will put his happi
ness before your own"
"You want me to dropit it" cried Bella
She would have pulled her hands away
but he held them firmly in his.