The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1877-05-05
rcoNcLupEp FROM FIRST PAGE. ]

nus OOOh hN"a"
and went through her story, not with
out many tears. The old woman cried
with her.
"Th1t they should want to take your
baby from you-that darling baby l
don't wonder you felt heart broken.
And so you thought the Lord had for
saken you ? Ah, you'll know Him
better when you've lived as long as me,
poor child -
Yes, aunty, was wrong but l
felt so discouraged. l thought had
so many friends ; but when the time of
trouble came"
Bella's voice faltered. The old wom-
an lay silent, stroking the hand she held
In hers.
"And you want us to advise you ?"
she said at last.
ayes, thought you might hear of
something l couldG do. 1 don't sew
nicely I'm very sorry about that But
If there's anything else"
"Poor dear lady ! To think of YOUR
having to work for a living Why, you
look as If a breath would blow you over
now."
"Oh, I'm stronger than you think.
can work." said Bella, earnestly.
The old woman reflected.
"I've plan in my mind" she said,
looking up. 81 wish l could think of
something better for you; but Would
you mind asking my husband to step
here moment. Mrs, ArnO, please ?"
What the "plan" was will be shown
hereafter.
eyes, sir, call it the firm of Pella
and Baby, and I'd like to put it on the
sign. There's a blessn' follored us ever
since they come into the house."
"Mr. Bull, or "Uncle joe" as he
Is generally called, leans forward in his
chair, his eyes fixed Offectionately on
Bella. 1t is three years since we saw
her last, but she looks little changed,
except that the bloom has returned to
her cheek.
"The blessing came because you and
Aunt Nancy were 80 good to us, Uncle
Joe," she says, looking up from heI
work.
Something glistens in her blue eyes,
and the young man watching her from
an opposite corner feels more in love
than ever. He is Frank Darrow, an
old friend of Bela's who has visited
here so often he seems like one 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 least finds the
repetition of the theme an unending de-
light. But Bella seems rather uneasy
"Did you ever think she'd turn Out
such little business woman, Mr.. Oar.
row? Why, the store as prospered as
1t never did when l was running il
alone. But l was always sorry abou
her watch, and she insisted so on oul
taking the money"
"Of course / did," broke in Bella
ga pretty thing it would have been tt
come upon you with my baby, and nevel
offer to tighten the burden little Of
dear, how warm it is - she added
rather prttishly, pushing back hronzl
ripple of hair. Frank saw she felt uu
comfortable. and rose to go. will
"Will you come into the store
me moment, Bella -
here" said Bella. Il must finish my
work"
"Just five minutes" pleaded Frank
and "Go, dear, CO." added the old man
Bella hesitated moment, then did al
she was told.
Goodnight, uncle" said Frank
grasping his hand. Then, in a whs
per, "You know what 1 IN going to asl
her, Uuncle Joe?"
"Yes, yes. God bless you, my boy
She loves you, know"
Hes worthy of her," he muttered
as Frank walked off. "l'm glad OF it
but, Lord help us, how we shall mis-
her and the bOy!" brushing away
tear.
Bella was waiting in the store,
troubled but resOlute look on her face
Closing the door, Frank stood silent
moment.
"Bella," approaching her, "you know
what wanted to ask you'd"
al suppose so, Frank" said Bella
quietly, but looking rather pale. %
wish you wouldn't ask it, though"
"Oh, Bella, If you knew how low
you'll" pleaded Frank. Cant you low
me little. dear?"
Listen to me, Frank" said Bella
forcing back the tears. IT'S impOssi
BILE for us to marry; it would make to
many people unhappy. Think of you
family. What would they say" a tain
smile crossing her face, "to your max
ing poor shop girl your wife? An
on my side are dear Uncle Joe and hi
wife"
"Bella, you don't know my mothe
and sisters. Worldly as they seem, the
have warm hearts, and they eouldn
help loving you and your dear lttl
boy. AS for Uncle j c and his wife
they shall suffer no loss. Our HON
shall be tt eirs, my darling; we will car
for them together"
Frank, Frank, that generous hear
OF yours is always getting the better {
your head. If my conscience wOul
let me bring such a burden on you, d
you suppose Uncle Joe and Aunt Name
would be willing to give up their HON
and live dependent on another?"
"Then they needen't leave the
home, Bella, persisted Frank. II wi
find some one to take your place in til
store, though that shan't hinuer you
boi.r. ,,,ith than ns mnph as VOu Meas,