Connecticut western news., 1881-08-24
Ont in the air she felt better.

OuG GQ0 dlr SIl0 101U UObGO1s AA' nervous depression from which she suf- fered gradually left her, and she became interested in the sights and sounds about her. In gay and beautiful dresses, some of her former acquaint ances passed her, few with 8 nod o1 recognition, but most without noticing her at all-Ettle stings these were, but she held her bundle firmly, lifted hel head 8 trife higher, and passed bravely on. Turning 8 corner, she came full upon an unexpected tableau. A smartly- dressed boy, with feather in his cap, kicking and struggling with his nurse, who vainly pulled the obstinate child till her face was purple. -4..
 Why, Lucy! Why, Bennyr' ex- claimed Laura, for the girl was nurse maid at the Hayden's, and Benny the youngest hope of the house. "What's all this ?"
 "'Deed, miss, he's awful" said the girl, nearly crying. "When he makes up his mind, it's tiger he is, miss. Jest see bim now."
 Laura spoke few words to the boy in low tone, and he ceased struggling for moment.
 "We're all at sizes and sevens," said the nurse, "and the missis is orful her. vous. MT. Bart's just returned from Californy, without no warning, and brought 8 beautiful young lady with him. do suppose it's his wife from what I heard-and it quite upset the missis, and made such time ! Now, Benny, there's that pliceman so you better come."
 Laura heard, and for a moment street and houses whirled round, so that she had much ado to keep herself from fall ing. The words rang in her ears-"I do suppose it's his wife," The strange and sudden revulsion of feeling passed, however, leaving her deadly pale. Ger tainly Bart had perfect right to get married perfect right to forget her of course he had. Men had done such things ever since the flood, and would, probably, to the end of time. Over and over again she said he had never con- mitted him self, and yet her heart an- swered that he had.
 Those words he had whispered, had dared to whisper, she said, to herself with flaming cheeks. What was it but an avowal? What tingling memory it was! She saw herself as she stood at that moment, attired in the most exquis- ite fabrics, the acknowledged queen of the fete; and he, handsome and poor, had brought an answer to his question on her very cheeks, in her very eyes.
 The blood burnt her face now; but as she came in sight'o of the noble dwell ing, it receded, leaving her pale and al- most faint.
 She stormed at herself for being so su- premely foolish; but the tears were very near her tired eyes, for all that.
 Huge trunks blocked up the hall. 4 loud, cheery voice sounded, that struck woefully against her heart; and the first person she saw was stalwart, handsome Bart Hayden, just coming forward as he issued his orders to the men who were taking the boxes upstairs. What right had he to look so suddenly radiant?
 Laura-my dear Miss Stetson P ex- claimed the young man, hurrying toward her.
 But Laura's face was like steel. She made cold, little bow; and did not choose to see the hand he extended.
 "Welcome home, Mir. Hayden" she said, in 8 set, cold voice. "I came to bring some" she could not say work, something for your sister. I gener- ally go to her room. Is she there ?''
 He fell back little. Strange how the light went out of his face.
 CT rather think she may be en- gaged," he said, in 8 blundering, con- fused way; there might have been a little anger in the voice; "but-yes, perhaps you had better go up," and he turned on his heel.
 "Be didn't like to speak of his wife and no wonder," half sobbed Laura, tc herself, a choking sensation in hel heart.
 It was queer how the stairs bobbe6 about; but, perhaps, the thick drops or her lashes might explain it. "What in the deuce makes her act SC oddly ?" muttered young Hayden; the1 in tenderer voice, "poor little thing it's pride I suppose but she might hav' seemed just the least glad to see me, think" and then he kicked box ou of his path, and went moodily to th' door.
 Anne Hayden was alone.
 "So glad you brought it," she cried "and oh doesn't it look beautiful What fairy fingers you are!' and sh shook out the creamy satin with e2 clamations of delight.
 "Sit down, won't you? I've so muc to tell you. Bart has come home."
 "Yes, I know it but I can't wait not moment. It will be getting dark and-and- She grew desperate wit the fear that Anne should see the tears and the trembling mouth; and stoopine snatched up the bill, and placed it i the hand of her patroness.
 "Oh, so sorry! Suppose you won
 mind waiting for the pay till next week {
 "We are out of coal and wood," sai Laura, her cheeks crimson; "and, fact, we need the money" "Dear me <! Dear me! was { thoughtless to spend every cent ha' But stop-I'H go down and ask Bart" Laura felt as if she could sink throua
 the floor.
 "Stop P she said, detaining Anne |
 8 hold on her arm, her face quite whi