The Russellville Democrat., 1877-06-21

,f hair. Frank saw she felt uncomfort- able, and rose to go.
 twill you come into the store with me moment, BellaT' "Oh, I guess I'll say good night here, 1" said Bella, "I must finish my work" Just five minutes," pleaded Frank, and "Go, dear, go," added the old man. Bella hesitated moment, then did as she was told. "Good night. unclc," said Frank, grasping his hand. Then, in whisper, " You know what am going to ask her, Uncle Joe?'
 "Yes. yes. God bless you, my boy. She loves you, know"
 He's worthy of her." he muttered, as Frank walked off, "Tm glad of it; but Lord help us, how we shall miss her and the boy, brushing away tear.
 Bella was waiting in the store, a troubled but resolute look on her face. Closing the door, Frank stock silent moment.
 Bella" approaching her, you know what wanted to ask you ?"
 q suppose so, Frank" said Bella, quietly, but looking rather pale. Il wish you wouldn't ask it, though"
 "Oh, Bella, if you knew how love youl' pleaded Frank. "Can't you give me little, dear ?"
 "Listen to me, Frank" said Bella, forcing back the tears. cts impossible for us to marry; it would make too many people unhappy. Think of your family. What would they say" taint smile crossing her face, to your making a poor shop-girl your wife ? And on my side are dear Uucle Joe and his wife,"
 Bella, you don't know my mother and sisters. Worldly as they seem, they have warm hearts, and they couldn't help loving you and your dear little boy. As for Uncle Joe and his wife, they shall suffer no loss. Our home shall be theirs, my darling; we will care for them together. Frank, Frank, that generous heart of yours is always getting the better of your head. If my conscience would let me bring such burden on you, do you suppose Uncle Joe and Aunt Nancy would be willing to give up their little home and live dependent on another ?"
 "Then they needn't leave their home, Bella" persisted Frank, "I will find some one to take your place in the store, 1 though that shan't hinder your being with them as much as you please. We will both help them in every way"
 Frank, I tell you it is impossible. Ii we are to be friends, you must never mention the subject again. And now,' in softer tone, " really cannot stay any longer. Goodnight, Frank; l shall always wish you we'll"
 There was slight break in her voice and turning, she went quickly out of tht room. Frank looked after her for mo ment, then, with white, set face, ht picked up his hat and walked of.
 Heartless little thing!" he muttered as he strode fiercely homeward througf the rain, "Pll never give her anothe thought. An, we'll, can't help loving her; she's the only woman in the work to me. Poor Arno hadn't it in him t love her as do. Oh, my darling, hoy can you be so hard to mel'
 hour later, as she sat crying in her owl little room!
 | Ido love him--I dol" she sobbed out "The dear, generous-hearted, noble fel low! Oh, I wish he hadn't gone ava. so angry with mel"
 "There, darling, take this from mann ma. So, now; she will sit by you ant hold your own hand"
 Nearly two weeks have passed sine Frank and Bella parted. She has no seen him since. It cost her many tear at first, but for the last few days she cal think of nothing but her boy.
 Archie has diphtheria, and is very sick the doctor says. He has gone away nov for awhile, and the child lies exhausted on his pillow. How livid and sunken h' looks! You would scarcely know th' blooming face that lay here a few night ago.
 Poor uncle Joe. He could not keel still moment, but lowered about thu mother and child in a nervous hutter 0 fear.
 | Whose step is that at the door? Th' old man looked up, and flash of io. passed over his face. Going hastil, toward the new conner, he seized both hi hands,
 "Thank God, you've come back, Frank The child's been very sick, but thinl he is little better" following Frank t' BelIa's side.
 She looked up with her white face, ant the fearless anguish in her eyes. Oh Frank" she said faintly, putting ou her hand.
 Clasping it gently, he said in tone o mild reproach Why didn't you sent for me, Bella?"
 Cts diptheria-you musn't stay, whispered Bella, motioning him of as ht bent over the crib.
 "But 1 am going to stay, Bella," h' replied, with such mild decision that sht felt remonstrance was useless.
 Wearily the time passed by. The doc tor came and went, leaving little consol ation behind him. The old man, worI out with grief and anxiety, slumberec heavily in his chair.
 Bella felt she could hardly have gons through that night without Frank. She scarcely knew her ardent, impetuou. lover in him who sat by her side-s6 strong, yet so gentle, quick to anticipate her slightest wish, and ministering te her and Archie with the tenderness of 2 woman.
 "Can't you close your eyes for few moments 7' he whispered once. "l know just what to do now, and you look so exhausted"
 "No, oh mo-" said Bella, resolutely and he urged her no further. Midnight was approaching, and great