The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1877-03-08

her cheek, light step sounded ON the
landing outside, and knock came gent
ly to the panels of the door,
"Come in," said Ellen, hurriedly
dashing away the tears. Laura, is it
possible that this is you, dear?''
Yes, it is myself, and none other
Nell, L could not imagine why you did
not come and fit that dress as you ap-
pointed; but / know the reason now
Nelly, you are sick. Why did you not
send for me %
Ellen tried to smile family.
81 am not very sick, Laura at least, I
have not suffered much pain until to-
night, and the doctor says that if had
only a little wine-no, Laura, do not
draw your purse" she added, with a
slight perceptible sparkle in her eyes and
a proud quiver on her lips 60 am not
quite SO low yet as to accept charity.
Don't look so hurt and grieved, dearest.
You know how sensitive can not help
being on some points. 1t is only for a
little while. When l am well enough to
take that dress home, and receive the
money for it, shall then be enabled to
purchase whatever [ may require"
Laura Avery knelt down at her friends
bedside with soft, pleading eyes.
Dear Ellen, you will not refuse to
accept temporary loan from me?'
Ellen shook her head with grave smile.
81 can wait, Laura.
Laura looked from the dress to Ellen
with face painted with perplexity.
Suddenly bright inspiration seemed to
strike her.
Let me take the dress home, Ellen p
she exclaimed s'The walk will be just
what 1 need, and I can stop at Du-
bour's on the way back, and order the
wine for you. Yon Will never be strong
unless you cosset yourself up little.
You will let me, Nell %
Ellen hesitated moment.
"But, Laura -"
"No but in the matter, if you
please, Nell laughed Laura, gleefully,
beginning to fold the rich dress into q
little basket that stood on the table be-
side it.
"Where is it 20 go2"
"To Mrs. Richley's, in Rivers street
Why, Laura, what is the matter?''
Nothing, only [ am folding this
dress wrong" returned Laura, in a low
see the scarlet blush that rose to her
friends lovely cheek as she stood with
her back to the bed, smoothing the lus-
trous breadths of purple silk. Mrs.
Richley's! Laura was almost sorry
that she had volunteered to go,
but it was too late to retract her offer
now.
"What a selfish little creature [ am p
she unused. "Poor Nelly needs the
money 50 much, and cannot go for it her.
self, and it isn't at all likely that [ shall
of it.
"Thank you dear Laura it is so kind
of you," said Ellen, fervently, as Miss
Avery came to the bedside with the bas-
ket on her arm, and black veil drawn
closely over the brown velvet bonnet
"She owes me 50 for this dress, and there
are ST on the old account that she never
paid me-"
Ten dollars I'll collect it, never fear, "
said Laura gayly, as she disappeared !;
while to poor Ellen it seemed as if the
sunshine all died out with the presence
OF her beautiful friend.
1t was nearly dusk when Miss Avery,
summoning up all her resolution. as
cended the brown-stone steps of the
Richley mansion, and rang the bell.
"What's your business with Mrs.
Richley?" asked the servant, srlspi-
ciously scrutinizing the little basket that
she carried. Laura bit her lips. This
manner from servants was an entirely
new experience to her. Yet how often
must poor Ellen have endured it
81 have called to bring home dress
| that was finished for her." she said, in a
tone of quiet dignity.
-ah-yes well, s'pose you'd
| best walk in.
The servant conducted her up stairs to
a sort of sitting-room or boudoir, where
| Mrs. Richley, a portly dame of about
80, gorgeously dressed in crimson silk,
was sitting in her easy-chair in front OF
a glowing fire. Laura was inwardly
| grateful that the gas had not been light
/ ed, particularly when she observed Mr..
i Florian Richley was lounging on velvet
sofa in one of the window recesses. Mrs.
Richly looked up as the servant lshered
in the newcomer
"Well, young woman, what do you
want %
Laura's cheek tinged at the tone OF
coarse insolence in which she was ad
dressed, but she commanded herself te
reply meekly:
''I have brought home your dress
Mrs. Richley."
"Where is Miss Waynall2'
'She is ILL., +"
every well lay down the dress ; it,
all right. But Laura stood her grount
"Miss Waynall would like the money
tonight, madam-S7 on the old ac
count, and three for this dress"
cit is not convenient tonight"
"But, Mrs. Richley, Miss Waynall il
i'll, and needs the money!" persisted
] Laura