The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1877-05-05
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Robert and would offer her a yearly

" Thank you 1 wouldn't sell my
own flesh and blood for all the money
in the world"
" Let us bring this to an end, Bella"
said Caleb, decidedly. Harriet has
made you most reasonable offer, and if
you persist in declining tive must con-
cude that you wish us to interfere no
further in your affairs. We will give
you half an hour to consider," drop
ping heI hands.
" And don't want five minutes"
said Bella, firmly. She stood quite erect
now, with scarlet cheeks and defiant
light in her large blue eyes. " won't
give up Archie, anu you can do as you
please"
" Think a moment before you turn
your back on the only ones who can
help you," said Caleb's warning voice,
arresting her.
"God can help me-" said Bella a pa
thetic tremble in her voice. &C. He gave
baby to me, not to anybody else, and
He will help me take care of him I'm
sure"
She passed from the room without
another word.
" No, ma'am, we cannot give you a
cent more. The watch isn't worth it,"
There was a touch of insolence In
the jewelers. tone that called mp faint
flush into the pale face regarding him.
Bella-for it was she-stoOd hesitating
a moment
We'll, you may have 1t on your own
terms then, though I'm sure it's worth
more" she said, with a sigh.
You're in no danger of being taken
advantage of in this store, a'am, ''said
Mr.. Marble, sharply, as he counted
eighty dollars in her hand.
Bella went out of the store, her heart
heavy as lead. The day when she and
AIcEie would be turned homeless into
the street was put off, but only for a
time.
my wedding ring-that will have
to go next" thought the poor child
And then u
A look of despairing anguish came
into her eyes, and she casped the little
hand she held more firmly.
Z" 1t would kill me ~ che murmured,
in husky voice.
" Do lone, mamma, do 'lone' cried
Archie. She released his hand, and he
trotted on before her. Though scarcely
eighteen months old, he was so large Of
his age lie seemed like child of two
years. His bronze hair curled tightly
over his head lie had his fathers am-
pie forehead and splendid black eyes.
A princely boy ! No wonder Robert
Buell. coveted him, and would have
been proud to call him his son.
" Bull Bull !" cried the little fell
low, uausing before shop window,
wherein were displayed children's toys
and few jars of candy.
4" No, dear, not tO.day."
Bull Bull /" repeated Archie, i'm.
periously, aud his mother yielded, as
usual.
Mr.. Bull, little round-faced En-
glishmau, came in smiling from an all.
Joining kitchen. He was glad to see
the pretty lady, who had come into his
store like beneficient fairy some
months ago. Archie, toO-his nurse
had taken him there once, and from
that time the child would not let her
pass the door without going in. The old
man learned to watch for him, and his
round face would dimple with pleasure
at the sight of the boy.
A." A pleasant day, Mrs. Arno," a
sympathetic gentleness softening his
voice as he noticed her ca-e-wOrn looks.
"You are quite a stranger And how's
curly.head 2" laughing down at the
child.
e" Give him chocolate mouse, Mr..
Bull" said Bella, laying penny on
the counter. "And how is Aunt Nancy
to day."
"Oh, much the same as usual.
Wouldn't you like to go in and see her,
ma'am Pit would do her good"
&" And me tOo," thought Bella, who
felt comfOrted somehow since she en-
tered the little store. Yes, indeed"
she said aloud, as she followed the old
man. Archie trotted after, nibbling at
his mouse.
In chamber adjoining the kitchen
lay the old woman prOpped up by pills
} lows. She would never walk another
step, but her hands were busy knitting
stockings from morning till night, aud
the sale OF these added considerable to
their household store. Her sweet pale
face was framed in silvery hair ; there
was an air Of refinement about her that
LtI Hubuduu Iltl fJOo OiiBuN-
ened at the sight OF Bella, for the lat'
, ttr's good nature and sOcilble ways had
, made her as great a favOrite with the
: old couple as her little boy.
" DeaI Mrs. ArnO, how glad am to
, sec you And tie darling boy too IL
pressing warm kiss on the uplifted
mouth, with its impromptu mustache Of
chocolate aud cream. Erasing her sa-
lu'e in the manner peculiar to childhood,
I he followed his particular friend,
/ Uncle joe" into the store.
, Are you well, Mrs. Arno You
I don't look So" said the old woman,
after they had talked a few moments.
! The tender sympathy in her voice
? fairly Oyereame poor Bella. She strug-
pied moment then hiding her face
on the bed, Sue broke into passion of
? tears.
. Poor child ! what Is it ?" asked
the old woman, laying her hand on the
: bowed head.
S That gentle, mutherly touch made
Bella's tears flow the faster. 1t was
: some minutes before she could look up.
It's too had OF me to trouble you,
: she said (" but you spOke SO kindly.