The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1880-09-23
BEHIND THE SCENES.

aside your work and express your ad-
miration. Half dozen of these pret-
ty linen collars for one dollar! So
nicely scolloped and stitched; just the
| thing for the morning, are they not?"
Exactly, Julia. They are q very
desirable addition to your bridal
| wardrobe. But / cannot but regret
that they are not higher priced"
"Why, Aunt Fanny you astonish
me- had no idea that you were one
of those ladies who think nothing
worth having unless 1t costs All extrav-
agant price"
"And you are much in error II you
think so now, Julia. But in looking
at your cheap collars my sympathy is
called forth for the poor seamstrcss,
whose weary fingers performed the
task which. was to procure her
wretched subsistence"
ooh, it is all very true, Aunt Fanny
and am sure pity the poor workers
as much as any one but as long as
this evil exists / may as we'll reap the
benefit of it. You know that it is an
ill wind that blows nobody good"
Aunt Fanny shook her head gravely
rs she replied:
"You speak lightly, Julia. May
you never have reason to know the
suffering which springs from this want
of union of the interests of the cm-
ploycr and employed. But enough of
this. Let us speak of your approach
ing marriage. Tell me when the we'd
ding is to take place, and all about it."
"In two short weeks. am to be
married at my guardians, of course.
You know he does not quito approve
of the marriage; or, at least, he would
prefer that we should wait until Hen
nv is established in business but I
have coaxed him into good humor.
You know he might as well submit
with good grace, for shall be eigh-
teen OIL my wedding day, and my lit
tie property comes into my own hands.
So we shall begin life in the style
which we intend to keep up-a hand
some house, we'll furnished, and in q
pleasant part of the city. You shake
your head, but you will see that 1t
will all end we'll. And now Say
will you grant the earnest request Of
Henry and myself, and make your fu-
ture home with us? l shall need an
adviser, and you shall be my second
mother"
"My dear child! your kindness
brings tears to my eyes. But cannot
accept your invitation-at least not at |
present. A few days ago l received
an urgent request from an aged rela-
tive i'm England to come to her and DO
her companion and friend for the re-
mainder Of her life. She is wealthy,
but lonely in her richcs, and being
nearly blind, is much dependent OH
the kindness of those around her. At
present there are none but servants to
to her wants. She was the
sister of my own dear mother, and
feel 1t to be my duty to 60 to her and
do what can for her comfort 1 soil
in the next steamer"
"Before the weddingl Why, Aunt
Fanny, you will not leave US so soon?"
"My prayers will be with you and
yours, dear Julia, but 1t Is necessary
that hasten my departure as much
as possible. Do not forget your old
friend, and in the midst of your hap
pincss sometimes remember the words
Of advice which she has 30 often spo-
ken."
With many tears the young maiden
babe adieu to one who, though in rc-
ality no relative, had long been a val
ued friend.
Julia Howard had become an or
phan in early childhood. Her fathers
dying charge placed her under the
care of person who In many respects
was worthy of the trust, and had we'll
performed the duty which devolved
upon him.
At seventeen she became attached to
Henry Lawrence, a young man of good
family and unblemished character.
Her guardian heartily approved tho
h,,t T,,lS oto 20 |
Aunt Fanny, preferred that the young
;ouple should wait until Henry was
In business but this pru-
lent advice was not followed,
Henry's prospects were goOd-Julia
1ad few thousands. Why not begin
he world at once7
So on the very day when, by pecu-
lar coincidence, the bridegroom was
wcnty lone and the bride eighteen,
hey stood at the altar and pIighted
hose holy vows which bound them
ogether for veal or for woe.
All was sunshine then. The pres
mt was delightful, and the future bore
he rainbow tints of hope.
Years passed ere the dark clouds Of
diversity gathered around them but
las! they did ga ther, and the bright
unlight faded nv ay until scarcely one
,eam found its way to those once hap
oy hearts.
We will pass over the train of mis-
ortunes which had at length reduced
he young couple and their two chill
lren'to absolute poverty and want.
Imprudence in their style of living,
allure in business, long and severe i'll
less, were the producing causes.
Unaccustomed to self-control, or to
he denial of selfish Qualifications, Ju.
Ia was ill prepared to bear the rigid :
ystem of economy which was now
ecessary. She became irritable aud
norose, and thoughtlessly added many
drop to the bitter cup which her
husband was drinking. I
sis there no hope OF your obtaining
IN Afs IL, !