Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1881-11-30

a. she came in sight OF the noble dwell
ing, it receded, leaving her pale and
almost faint.
She stormed at herself for being so
suprcmely foolish but the tears were
near her tired eyes, for all that.
Hugh trunks blocked up the hall.
A loud, CHEEKY VOICE sounded, that
struck woefully against her heart and
the first person she saw was Ntalwart,
handsome Bart Hayden, Just coming
forward as he issued his orders to the
men who were taking the boxes up
stairs. What right had he to look so
suddenly radiant? -.
"Laura-my dear Miss Stetson
exclaimed the Young man. hurrying
toward her.
But Laura's face was like steel. She
made Il cold, little bow and did not
choose TO see the hand he extended.
"Welcomc home, Mr.. Hayden, she
said, in a set, cold voice. Il came to
bring some" she could not say work,
something for your sister. gencr-
ally 90 to her room. Is she there !?
He fell back little. Strange how
the light went out of his face.
II rather think she may be en-
Gagged" he said, in laundering, con-
fused way; there might have been
little anger 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 sobbcd Laura, to
herself, Il choking sensation in her
heart.
Ii was. queer how the stairs bobbed
about; but, perhaps, the thick drops
on her lashcs might explain it.
what in the ducc makes her act so
oddly muttercd young Hayden;
then in tcnderer voice, poor little
thing, its pride | suppose but she
might have seemed just the least glad
to sec me, think and then he
kicked a box out of his path, and went
moodily to the door.
Anne HAYDEN was alone.
so glad YOU brought it, she cried;
and oh. dosen't it look beautiful !?
What fairy-fngers you are and
she shook out the creamy satin with OK
carnations of delight.
sit down, won't you? Eve 80 much
TO tell YOU. Bart has come home.
Yes, know it; but | can't wait
not a moment 1t will be getting dark,
aud-and-" She grew desperate with
the fear that Anne should see the tears,
and the trembling mouth; and stoop-
ing, snatched up the bill, and placed it
in the hand Of her patroncss.
ooh, so sorry! Suppose YOU won't
mind waiting for the pay till next
week.
we are cut of coal and wood, said
Laura, her checks crimson "and, III
fact. we need the money
Dear me ), Dear me. | was so
thoughtless to spend every cent | had,
But stop--Tll 90 down and ask Bart. y
Laura felt as if she could sink
through the floor.
stop" she said, OBTAINING Anne by
q hold on her arm, her face quite white
and proud again. II can wait--neyer
mind. OF course l can depend upon
YOU by Wednesday"
Yes. I'll run round before, per-
haps. Must you 60? You don't know
how much I've to tell you. Well,
then, good night
Laura had not worn her vail. The
tears were running down her cheeks as
she hastily descended the steps of the
palace-like house, and Bart Hayden,
who happened TO be there, saw them.
Oh, the humiliation to that proud
spirit, She threw half-defant glance
at the handsome, plying face then,
with a gesture that repealed him, for he
had come toward her, she almost flew
down the street, nor hardly drew n
breath till she was at home.
How dreary and meager it all
looked the few cheap dishes, the scanty
table-cloth, the half-covered floor, the
faded wallpaper, the WORKOUT chintz
on chairs and lounge.
Pm dreadfully tired, mamma; let
me lie down." she cried, in sup
pressed voice, and threw herself on the
creaklng old lounge.
What is the matter, my darling
/ see-she didn't pay, Of course: and
not stick of wood in the house. oh
I the heartlessness, the wickedness of
those who are rich | thought
4 loud rap. Laura hid her face
Her mother answered the call, and in
strobe 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 a sealed envelope on the table
"When did you get home = asked
Mrs. Stetson, az soon as she had recOv
cred from her surprise.
"Only few hours ago. was Bart
reply. II brought cousin Jacks wifi
with me she was ordered home for he
health, and Jack couldn't leave, so
took Matte in charge. Poor girl !
am afraid home is not going to hell
her much, or, indeed, anything else"
Laura made an almost imperceptibl
movement. She was far from cole
now: her very temples burned.
"Well, goodnight" he said, stealing
a glance at Laura, as he arose, afte
answering Mrs. Stetson's inquiries