The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1877-05-04
BELLA AND BABY.

"Will you lift your head, Isabel, and
listen to me? We must see what is to
be done for you as quickly as possible. u
The speaker, Caleb Arno, was grave,
careworn-looking man of 55. He had
come to New York with his three sisters
toattend the funeral of younger brother,
and "to inquire into the state of his af-
fairs" Their rage and astonishment,
when they learned that of the property
they had counted on sharing with his
furnish 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 Gor she was
scarcely 19) seemed no excuse in their
eyes. Even Caleb, who had his feelings
more under control, could not help an
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 chokea back
her tears showed that the little creature
had considerable spirit after all.
"It is best you should understand the
state of affairs, Bella" Caleb went on.
"Charles has left absolutely nothing
behind 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 p broke in Mrs. Cotton. 81 don't
believe Bella can so much as hem q
pocket-handkerchief And me with my
seven daughters shaving our lives out on
that miserable farm | And the little
money expected in return for all had
done for CHI"
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 p put in " sister Wright, "
an acid-looking little woman. "And
we'll for me I haven't-its all Job an /
can do to live now. Many's the time
I've gone to church in q 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"
81 don't want to be burden you
don't understand me if you think so, "
Bella broke in. "And know I've been
extravagant and foolish, though / didn't
realize it before. But I'm willing to do
anything if can only earn living for
my poor baby" Tears welled up into
her eyes at the thought of her child, but
she brushed them hastily away.
"You needn't worry about the baby, u
said q 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 worse for
her. Her husband was wealthy, able to
supply her and her three daughters with
every luxury. Absorbed in these refec.
uOnb, bue schrctly uOtlceu tne cOuVerstt-
ton 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 "plan" with the
air of one conferring an unexpected
favor.
"You needn't worry about Archie,
Bella: have beautiful plan for him.
/ think the best way 1 can help you viii
be to take the boy of your hands. Robert
will be willing, know. Of course it will
be quite care, but we sha'n't mind tha,
if we can only be of service to you. He
shall have every advantage; we won't
make bit of difference between him and
our own children. OF course You could
come to see him now and then"-fol
Bella looked petrifed. 81 would ash
you to stay with us, but you and Robert
never didget on well together, you know
And then it would be better for the
child"
"Give up my baby!" cried Bella
springing from her chair. "Do yor
think have heart of stone? Oh, It'll
too much r. A gush of passionate tear'
L -,