Connecticut western news., 1881-08-24

spirit She threw half defiant glance at the handsome, pitying face; then with 8 gesture that repelled him, fer he had come toward her, she almost flew down the street, nor hardly drew 6 breath till she was at home.
 How dre ary and meager it all looked the few cheap dishes, the scanty table cloth. the half-covered floor, the faded wallpaper, the worn-out chintz on chairs and lounge.
 "Im dreadfully tired, mamma; let me lie down." she cried, in suppressed voice, and threw herself on the creaking old lounge.
 "What is the matter, my darling l see-she didn't pay, of course; and aot stick of wood in the house. Oh the heartlessness, the wickedness of those who are rich I thought"
 A loud rap. Laura hid her face. Her mother answered the call, and ID strode Bart Hayden, almost defantly.
 "At least you 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 home ?" asked Mrs. Stetson, as soon as she had recov- cred from her surprise.
 "Only few hours ago." was Bart's reply. 'tI brought cousin Jacks wife with me she was ordered home for her health, and Jack couldn't leave, so took Mattie in charge. Poor girl :! l am afraid home is not going to help he, much, or, indeed, anything else."
 Laura made an almost imperceptible movement. She was far from cold now her very temples burned.
 "Well, goodnight, he said, stealing 8 glace at Laura, as he arose, after answering Mrs. Stetson' inquiries. ''Pve done my errand; and, Mrs. Stetson, you, at least, will let me come some times and talk with you, won't you, for the sake of old tim es ?"
 The mothers reproviug eyes were fastened upon Laura. What did the girl mean by acting in this way?
 "To be sure!" was her quick answer, eff you will come to so humble place. You see how the wheel has gone round with us. Poor MT. Stetson--" and the widow could get no further.
 "Yes, I heard," he said, pityingly, 'long ago. Anne wrote me. But am not one of the fickle kind, Mrs. Stet- son."
 This with a reproachful glance at Laura.
 Good nightP he said the next min ute, and bowed to both women.
 He had reached the door, when a faint voice called:
 "Bartp'
 Yes, it was Laura's eager cry. She was ashamed of what she had done, and heartily repenting.
 He came back with half-suppressed eagerness in his manner, his glance wary, but anxious.
 ''I was just little rude tonight, :" she said, looking dangerously beautiful in her humility. ''Please forget it.
 "Indeed I will;" and he seized her pretty hands, his eyes radiant. "1 understand! Oh, yes! I understand you were always such 8 sensitive little creature! So you forgive me, eh?" he blundered.
 ''It was you who were to forgive me, I believe," said Laura, demurely, her lips quivering, ready to cry and to laugh, too.
 "Mrs. Stetson, will you allow me tc whisper ?'' asked straightforward Bart
 "Certainly!'' said the old lady, he1 heart beating quicker. What was go ing to happen? Had poverty done its worst for them? Was there, indeed, bright hope for the future?
 Bart put his full, shining beard close to Laura's ear, and the second time said the mystic words, that had so long fingered in her memory. Laura did not repulse him. He fel then that her heart belonged to him that it had never gone out to any other.
 So it happened that, after that even ing, Bart Hayden kept calling, ane that the widow invariably left the tw' young people together; and the end o it was brilliant wedding in less than year.