The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-10-27

person she saw was stalwart, handsome
Bart Hayden, Just coming forward as he
issued his orders to the men who were
taking the boxes up stairs.
"Laura--my dear Miss Stetson" ex.
claimed the young man, hurrying toward
her.
But Laura's face was like steel. She
made cold little bow.
"Welcome home, Mr.. Hayden" she
said, in q set, cold voice. II came to
bring some" she could not say work
something for your sister. l generally
go to her room. Is she there?"
He fell back little. Strange low the
light went out Of his face.
IL rather think she may be en-.
gagged" he said in laundering, confused
way; there might have been little an
ger in the voice; "but--yes, perhaps you
had better go up" and he turned on his
heel.
"He didn't like to speak of his wife,
and no wonder half sobbed Laura to
herself.
"What in the deuce makes her act so
coldly?" muttered young Hayden; then
in tenderer voice, "poor little thing!
it's pride, suppose; but she might have
seemed just the least bit glad to see me
I think, and then he kicked box out
Of his path, and went moodily to the
door.
Anne Hayden was alone.
$50 glad you brought it," she cried:
"and, OH doesn't il look beautiful" and
she shook out the creamy satin with ex
CARNATIONS of delight.
"Sit down, won't you? I've so much
10 <.,l1 way, Ro NJ hoe Gonna honQS
Eyes, know it. but can't wait-not
a moment 1t will be getting dusk, and
--and--' She grew desperate with the
fear that Anne should see the tears, and
STOPPING, snatched up the bill, and
then placed it in the hand OF her pa
troness.
mind waiting for the pay until next
week."
"We are out OF coal and wood" said
Laura, her cheeks crimson; land in fact
we need the money"
"Dear me! Dear me! was so thought
less as to spend every cent | had. But
stop-Tll go down and ask Bart
Laura felt as if she should sink through
the floor.
Stop she said, OBTAINING Anne by
hold on her arm, her face quite white
and proud again. 81 can wait-never
mind"
iii run round perhaps. Must you go?
You don't know how much I've to tell
you. Well. then, good night"
Laura had not worn her veil. The
tears were running down her cheeks as
she hastily descended the steps of the
house, and Bart Hayden, who happened
to be there, saw them. Oh, the humilia-
ton to that proud spirit. She threw o
half defiant glance at the plying face;
then, with gesture that repealed him,
she almost flew down the street, nor
hardly drew q breath till she was ut
home.
How dreary and meager it all looked!
the few cheap dishes, the scanty table,
cloth, and half-covered floor, the worn
out chintz on chairs and lounge.
"I'm dreadfully tired, mamma; let me
lie down." she cried in suppressed voice
and threw herself Oh the creaking old
lounge
"What is the matter, my darling? I
see-she didn't pay, Of course; and not
o stick Of wood in the house. Oh! the
heartlessness, the wickedness of those
who are rich!'
A loud rap. Laura hid her face. Her
mother answered the call and in strobe
Bart Hayden, almost definantly.
cat least yon will welcome me, Mrs.
Stetson," he said, the old, fine ring in
his voice.
Laura sat up, calm and cold again.
"Anne sent this by me" he said, and
laid sealed envelope on the table.
"When did you get homer" asked Mrs.
Stetson as soon as she had recovered
from her surprise.
"Only few hours ago" was Bart's re
ply. Il brought Cousin Jacks wife with
me; she was ordered home for her
health, and Jack couldn't leave, SO took
Matte in charge. Poor girl. / am afraid
home is not going to help her much, or,
indeed, anything else"
Laura made an almost imperceptible
movement. She was far from cold now;
her very temples burned.
"Well, good night" he said, stealing
glance at Laura as he arose, after an
swering Mrs. Stetson's inquiries, "Ive
done my errand; and Mrs. Stetson. you,
ct least, will let me come sometimes and
talk with you, won't you, for the sake OF
old times =
ITO be snrel' was the quick answer,
"if you will come to so humble q place.
You see how the wheel has gone round