The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-03-01
How Laurette Came Home.

IVA and mere prudent girl would have
been glad to have the Rev. Beranger
Haslem--in his own congregation, too
but he must needs pick up this strange
wilding from some outlandish place,an
set at the head of his influential city
church, as PASTORS wife," and, seeing
that she had no money, family or expec-
tations, what else could he have chosen
her for but blind, stupid love2
And yet, but four months after the
looming home," behold Laurette In
her husbands study, where she sits
with corrugated brow before his half
written sermon, not crouching lovingly
on the footstool beside him, with her
dainty toy work in her lap, as the moral
run of idols would have 1t, but standing
before him, the table between them,
passionate tears in her eyes, reproach,
despair on her countenance, her hands
clasped In frenzy of woe
Why did you ever bring me hear ?"
she shudders out in tragic, breathless
gasps; "not because you loved me. Ah,
no, Beranger, never that Don't seek
to comfort me by your cold assurances
know better now 10
"My desrp my dear ?" expostulates
Mr.. Haslem, gently, but in rather a
discouraged tone, as If he was finding
his better-halfa bit of handful to
manage.
Mr.. Haslem is great man his heart
is In his work, and his true desire is to
do his duty in the sphere in which God
has placed him but If he had not also
placed his heart in the keeping of this
restless, eager girl, he never would have
taken her to be the companion of his
life; consequently these wild words fall
almost like an outrage on his ears,
though he assures himself that she can
surely never mean them, nor do him
such injustice.
Yes, yes, know that only trouble
you !" cries Laurette, the burning tears
beginning to fall over her scorching
cheeks that have no place here but
to cause anxiety-that but for me you
would be happier and more successful
man. know all that 30 well am no
comfort to you, no advantage in your
work, and L have come to"
"Laurette," he, interrupts, wildly;
"have ever said any thing like this to
you.
ooh, no, mol You are too patient
and good, but l know-I know you
never would have chosen me, Beranger,
but that you took pity on my great love
for you, which 1 poor fool could not
hide"
"Why will you torture yourself thus
dearp Do you find me unkind or neg
lectful to you, that you should fancy
such things ?"
"No, too kind; too considerate !"
mnrmurs the young wife, wringing her
hot hands; "too uncomplaining for it
to be real. Don't 1 know what your
wife should beY Why didn't you mar
ry a wise, useful young lady, whose
poor foolish heart would not torment
you with so much love and yearning.-
You don't need any worship-it is only
extravaganza to you ?"
81 thought wanted it, Laurette or l
would not have asked you for it," sighs
Mr.. Haslem, feeling words to be idle,
while she aUiU twist them so strangely.
But you know better now," gasps
Laurette, with hysterical laugh, and
so do 1, to my despair. Oh, Beranger,
never think that 1 blamed you ~
She stands moment whitening to
the lips, gazing at him in indecision, as
If she longed even yet to cast herself at
his feet, and implore his tenderness or
forgiveness, but his eyes were on his
unfinished sermon, ,longingly as it seems
and she turns away and creeps softly
away from the room as if crushed.
My darling" begins the young hus-
band, looking up, and then he discovers
that he is alone.
After all, he muses., " it is better to
leave her to come to reason herself-she
always does-and then 1 can tell her
perhaps more strongly than have ever
done, how deep and strong my love is
for her. Poor Laurette, 1 wonder why
she doubts me p''
But it is Saturday evening, and his
sermon must be finished, so he puts
away his domestic perplexities with an
effort, and plunges into theology.
With all his excellencies-and he is
truly an affectionate, ever-thoughtful
husband-Mr. Haslem does not altogeth-
er understand the way to treat his
Laurette.
She is passionately loving. imnulsiy.