The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-10-27
LAURA'S INTAKE.

RufflinE skirt. seven bias ruales, corded on
po, oc .is s'sss IA. nrs a.. ''' 10
Total...................... ..... 90
''That's all, ;" said the tired girl, letting
her pencil drop, and breathing sigh of
relief
Il hope she will pay you tonight, -
murmured Mrs. Stetson.
''She is we'll aware of our needs" was
the sad reply eat the same time she
carries her old habits of saving into her
new life, for she knows shall not charge
one half the price that a regular dress
maker would. She would have to pay
Nine. Joliffe 800 at the least"
well, it's a shame" replied her
mother, "that you can't get the regular
price when you do your work as we'll.
Time was when your father could have
bought and sold Walter Hayden; and
now you must work your fingers off for
his daughter, who has neither your edu
cation, nor"
ooh, don't, mamma" pleaded Laura,
with little laugh that was partly hys-
terical. "You only make it worse for
me, you see, calling up old times. Just
say it will come all right in the fall, as
P0P6 uoCu W, dASi VIII u oLuAiC Quiz OA
her lips, she turned the troubled eyes
away.
For poor, proud Laura, earning q
scanty living for her mother and herself.
had a memory of the Haydens hidden in
her heart.
When Bart Hayden had gone away
only year before. she had thought of
him for months after, nay, even till now
with 'quickened pulse and heightened
color. The Haydens were not wealthy
then; but within short time they had
come into fortune, and it was rumored
that young Bart was also growing rich
through lucky speculation.
1t was Just nine months since the death
of Laura's father. He had dropped down
suddenly, while apparently in the full
enjoyment of health and after the fune
raj it was found that his affairs were in a
very tangled condition. In fact, only a
small house was left to the widow,
through the consideration of creditors,
and that far from comfortably furnished.
Laura, the child of wealth and fashion,
her fath.rs idol, delicate, thorough
bred, elegant girl, who had heretofore
summed herself in the warm rays of pros
perity, and hardly knew whether she
had heart or not, proved herself
horeine. Whatever she could find to do,
she worked at with all her heart. Plain
sewing, embroidery, dress-making, for
which she had talent, and concerning
which she had often laughingly said that
if she had not been rich she might have
been famous; everything was under
taken willingly. She accepted the stu
alton, though not without some struggles
with pride and many secret tears.
Mrs. Stetson thought of the time
when a carriage was at the call of her
beautiful darling.
Dear, can't take it," she asked,
gazing at her anxiously. "You look
sick"
II am ill-that is, my head aches; but
the walk will do me good" Laura re-
sponded, trying to look bright. do
you think I would let you carry home
my work? No, indeedr' and she bent
over and tenderly kissed her mothers
forehead.
Out in the open air she felt better.
The nervous depression from which she
suffered, gradually left her, and she be-
came interested in the sights and sounds
about her. Some of her former &C.
quaintances passed her, few with nod
of recognition, but most without noticing
her at all-little stings these were. but
she held her bundle firmly, lifted her
head triAe higher, and passed bravely
on. Turning corner she came full
upon an unexpected tableau. A smsrtly
dressed boy, with feather in his hat,
kicked and struggled with his nurse who
vainly pulled the obstinate child till her
face was purple.
why, Lucy! Why, Bennyw exclaim-
ed Laura, for the girl wss nursemaid at
the Hayden's, and Benny the youngest
hope of the house. What's ali 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 him now?'
Laura spoke few words to the boy in
low tone, and he ceased struggling for
. moment.
Were all at skies and sevena," said
the nurse, land the missis is orful ner-
vous. Mr.. Barts just returned from
Californy, without no warning, and
brought q beautiful young lady with
him. 1 do suppose it his wife, from
what 1 heard-and it's quite upset the
missis. and made such q time. Now,
there's that policemen; SO you better
come"
Laura heard and for n moment street