The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1880-07-24
Selert Sturg.
EFFIE'S MONEY.

at is no use, mother, | would sooner
stay at homo than wear that dress again.
| did want to go to this party, aud want,
ed some kind Of pink dress--I could not
have silk, but could get tarlatan and
have it just as pretty as | want for e.
Indeed, it is Too hard Effie said, almost
crying.
~ am very, very sorry my dear, but
you know | began this year with the de.
termination Of not going into debt for o
thing. | am just getting little relieved
now. Bear up, my child, next year you
can have more pretty clothes, " the mother
said soothingly.
"Next year Oh, mother! Next year
| may not care for them. Don't you know
thot Mr.. Arthur told US Willie Carleton
would be home, aud the party was given
for him 2"
There was bright flush on the pretty
face that looked so eutreatingly into her
mothers.
How can | manage it? No way that
| can see"
"Alamma--oh, | know Please, nam
ma, Mr.. Stcwart's rent will be due Inlet
mc see-ycs, Just eight days. Ask him
10 let you have half of it. Do!'
Her voice was raised in the excitement
of the moment, and Mrs Fairlcigh said
"llush, dear, he will hear you"
"0h, no, he cannot. ] heard him e
out over half an hour ago. Will you mol
mother?
Indeed, cannot, dear Mr.. Stewart
has always been so prompt | might Dor
row it, but hate so to do il. Well, we will
see but don't make up your mind to it. y
"0h, If some good fairy would only drop
it down the chimney to me Oh, for only
two pounds to make me the happiest girl
in the world. | never thought before how
much two pounds could do. Nothing
could make me so happy, now, as a new
pink dress" Eiie said,
Then her thoughts flew TO tho one she
wanted to wear that dress to please.
Two years beforo-wheu Willie was on
the eve of leaving home for sea voyage,
he had told Efie she ought always to wear
pink, And he looked so much, and said
not great deal, but only word now and
then, that with his image, had been treas.
ured in Effie's heart ever since.
MB Fairleigh was thinking, too, of
times when, ike Efke, she had had her
bright dreams--of the happy days when
she watched and wished for loved one
coming. On and on, sad, sweet light
beamiug III her eye. A delicate flush
coming over her saddeuod face, Efiie raised
her eyes aud exclaimed:
"Why, mother, how pretty you. look. /
declare that puts me in mind of what Mrs.
Arthur said the other day--that she did
not know how Mr.. Stewart could live in
the same house with you and not fall in
love with you-that you were prettier now
than half the young girls she knew"
"IIush.shl directly, Elhc. How could
Mrs. Arthur talk so 2 | am astonished at
you, Eflie, to repeat her words, Dear me !
suppose Mr.. Stewart should bo 10 bis
room Do go and try the door. | shall
be miserable until am sure he has gone
out. lie could hear every word; and what
would be think of you or me2' Mrs
Fairleigh said, looking very uneasy.
Mr. Stewart was in his room, and he
heard every word. Quick as thought he
darted across the floor aud Doiselessly
turned the key
"Now rest easy; tho door is locked, and
he is out, Of course. You know when he
is Ia, tic door is never fastened" Effc
said.
$50 aud see II the key is out. | Icanuot
rest, I'm SO afraid. Aud what would be
think Of me ?"
Quickly across the room Mr.. Stewart
went again; returning to his armchair with
the key not only to Mrs. Fuirleigh's front
door, but with the key to the little woman's
heart aud her reserve Of late.
''Then she does care what | think Of
her." Mr.. Stewart said; "I am glad Of that y
"The key Is out, mother" said Efie.
II am relieved now Now, child, don't
you ever talk or let anybody talk to you
like that again. Mr.. Stewart has somc
sorrow, | know, and | would not add to
that by having such talk reach his ears.
But, indeed l should like to know what
his trouble is; and I'd like TO comfort him
if could. He Is good man, know,
and I'm sorry enough for him."
And 10 the front room, Mr.. Stewart
thought;
'fShc Is dear, gentle little woman, and
II had happy heart to offer her truly
wonld But n would be pity 10 cast nv