Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1882-04-06
receded, leaving her pale and almost

loud, CHEEKY voice sounded, that strucl
woefully against her heart; and the frs
person she saw was stalwart, handsome
Bart Hayden, just coming forward as he
issued his orders to the men who were
taking the boxes up stairs.
'1Iaura-my dear Miss Stetson" ex-
claimed the young man, hurrylng to-
ward her.
But Laura's face was like steel. Sh,
made cold little bow.
"Welcome home, Mr.. Hayden" she
said, in set, cold voice. 81 came tC
bring some" she could not say work
-''something for your sister. gener
ally go to her room. Is she there.
He fell back little. Strange how
the light went out of his face.
'I-I rather think she may be engag
ed," he said in laundering confused
way, there might have been a little an
ger in the voice, 'but-yes, perhaps you
had better go up" and he turned on his
heel.
HE didd't like to speak of his wife
and no wonder" half sobDed Laura to
herself.
"What in the deuce makes her act so
coldly?" muttered Young Hayden; then
in tenderer voice" but she might have
seemed just the least bit glad to see me
1 think, and then he kicked box out
of his path, and went moodily to the
door.
Anne Hayden was alone.
$50 GLAD you brought it" she cried;
''and, oh! dosen't it look beautiful? and
she shook out the creamy satin with
ordinations OF delight.
'Sit down, won't you? I've so much
to tell you. Bart has come home"
eyes, 1 know II; DuI L can walt-not
moment. 1t must be getting dusk and
and" She grew desperate with
the fear that Anne should see the tears,
and stopping snatched up the bill, ard
placed it IN the hand of her patroness.
ooh. so sorry! Suppose you won't
mind waiting for the pay till next
week ?"
1--WE are out of coal ard wood" said
Laura, her cheeks crimson; "and Ill fact,
we peed the money"
Dear me! Dear me! | was so
thoughtless as to spend every cent |
had. But stop-In go down and ask
Bart"
Laura felt as if she conld sink through
the floor.
"StopW she said. OBTAINING Anne by
a hold ou the arm, her face quite whi'e
and proud again. Il can wait never
mind"
'1'll run around. perhaps Must You
go? You don't know how much I've to
tell you. Well, then, good night.
Laura had not worn her veil. The
tears were running down her cheeks as
she hastily descended the steps of the
house, and Bart Hayden who happened
to be there. saw them. Oh! the humilia-
ton to that proud spirit! She threw a
half-detinant glance at the pitying face;
then, with gesture that repelled him,
she almost flew down the street, nor
hardly drew a breath till she was at
home.
How dreary and meager it all lookedl
the few cheap dishes, the scanty table
cloth, tue half-covered floor, the worn
out chintz on chairs and lounge.
"I'm dreadfully tired, mamma; let
me lie down." she cried in a suppressed
voice and threw herself ON the creaking
old lounge.
"What is the matter, my darling? I
see-she didn'tpsy, of course; and not a
stick of wood in the house. Oh! the
heartlessness, the wickedness of those
who are richl"
A loud rap. Laura hid her face Her
mother answered the call and in strobe
Bart Hayden, almost dehantly.
cat 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 homer" asked
Mrs. Stetson as soon as she had recover
ed from her surprise.
''Only few hours ago." was Bart's
reply. 81 brought cousin Jacks wife
with me; she was ordered home for her
health, and Jack couldn't leave, so /
took Matte in charge. Poor girl, l am
afraid home is not going to help her
much, or indeed, anything else.
Laura made an almost imperceptible
movement. She was far from cold now
her very temples burned.
"Well, good night" he said. stealing
glance at Laura as he rose, after an
swering Mrs. Stetson's inquiries, GIVE
done my errand; and Mrs. Stetson, you,
at least, will let me come sometimes and
talk with you, won't you, for the sake
Of old times?"
''To be sure!" was the quick answer,
eff you will come to SO humble place
You see how the wheel has gone rounC
with us. Poor Mr.. Stetson-"
eyes, 1 heard" he said pityingly
'1ong ago. Anne wrote me. But an
not one of the tickle kind, Mrs. Stet-
son."
This with a reproachful glance a
Laura.
"Good night" he said the next min
ute and bowed to both women,
He had reached the door, when fain
voice called:
"Bart %
He came back with half-suppresset
eagerness in his manner; his glance
wary. but anxious.
81 was just little rude tonight, "sh'
said, looking dangerously beautiful il
her humility. Please forget it"
"Indeed / WILL" and he seized hel
pretty hands, his eyes radiant. 'I un
derstand you were always such sensi
tive little creature! SO you forgive me
eh ?" he blundered.