Ellsworth American., 1877-07-05
ii Miscellaneous.

"Nill you In your head. Isabel, and lis
ten 10 me. We must see what j. 10 be
done for you A. quickly as possible
The speaker. Caleb Arno. was grave.
care-woru-luoAing man Of fity-tlve. lie
had come 10 New York with his three SIS
tcr> to attend the funeral OF a younger
brother and to inquire into the state Of
IT. affairs" Their rage and astonishmeut
when they-lcarned thai of the property
they had counted on sharing with hi- Wild
oN. 40, - much remained as would turn-
i>h a shelter for herself and child, can
hardly be described. Outraged a. they
felt with Charles" all united in LAYING
the principal blame Of his ruin on her. Her
extrayA.auCe IN dress. her love of society
and pleasure-all this was brought up
against her, aud her youth and inexper
ieuCc for she was scarcely nineteen seem
ed 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 AMI tender
to meet such trials. And yet the resolu-
ton with which she choked back her tears
showed that the little creature had consid-
cradle spirit after all.
It's i best you 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 doS As
you have lost your aunt"
And q nice one she was TO bring up a
girl" broke in Mrs. Cotton. Il don't be-
lieve Bella can so much as hem 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 Ca
lCb. and his calmly authoritative voice ac-
ted As sort Of stop-cock on Mrs. Cotton's
erervescing wrath. for with one indignant
gulp OF protest she was silent.
'Such talk does no good he went on.
BELLA understands our circumstances
ard that sister Wright is the only one who
hasn't family on her hands
mo family put in "sister Wight -
an scid-looking little woman. "And well
for me Ihaven't-it's all Job and / can do
to live now. Many's the time I've gone to
church iu a calico dress. when those no
better'n me were rolling about in ther car
riages. dressed up in silk and feathers. No
thought of sister Wright then. Bat when
trouble comes, and there's no one else to
turn
IL don't want to be burden; you don't
understand me If you think So Bella
broke in. And know I've been extra
VACANT and foolish, thought didn't real
ize it before. BIT I'm willing to do any
thing.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.
ou needn't worry about the baby"
said voice that had been silent till now
All eyes turned towards Mrs. Buell.. She
had had time for reflection during the last
few minutes, and had concluded that mat.
ters might have been much worse for her.
Her husband was wealthy, able to supply
her three daughters with every luxury.
Absorbed in these reflections. she scarcely
noticed the conversation going on around
her, till the baby's name fell on her ear
This recalled 10 her mind talk with her
husband and she unfolded her plan
with the air of one comforting an unex.
pected favor.
You needn't worry about Archie. Bella /;
have a beautiful plan for him. l think
the best way can help you will be to take
the boy off your hands. Robert will be
willing, know. OF course it will be quite
a care. but shan't mind that 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 children.
OF course you could come and see him now
and then"-for Bella looked petriied.
Il would ask you to stay with us. but you
and Robert never did get on well togeth-
er you know. And then it would be bet
ter for the child"
"Give up ms baby" cried Bella. spring
| ing from her chair. do you think / have
heart of stoneg' Oh. it's too much y
gush of PASSIONATE tears chOked her
voice. Il may come to see him now and
then Oh, how kind you are. Mrs. Buell.
how well you understand amother's yesrn-
ing over her child!'
Bella said Caleb. gravely.
She turned and caught his hand, as i
| hopeful of bis sympathy.
.tOh, Caleb wa mt it wicked to. ask mt
to give up my child? I've been vain
| foolish girl, but always did love my baby