Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1882-09-28
THE IMPENDING RUIN.

Hattie, would you mind sitting in
the nursery this evening? Willie has
been fretful, Jane says, all day, and she
thinks he is not we'll
But Maude, shall you go if he is
sick?'
'Pshaw! he is not sick. Jane Is al
ways fussy, only l shall feel easier if l
know you are with him. Col of course
I shall go. l wouldn't miss this party
for anything. 1t will be the one of the
season, and my dress was made on pur.
pose. Is it lovely' was three whole
days looking for this exact shade of
rose color, and the lace is perfectionl
/ have not dared ask what Madame
gave for It'll Then these new puffs are
so becoming, and nothing suits my
complexion like blush roses Elsie, raise
that bud about half an inch-so! and the
beauty stood erect before the long glass,
trihing with the full folds of her rich
silk, and touching fall OF lace here and
there to add to the effect of the costly
toilette. Never did perfectly fitting
robe cover more graceful figure, or an
exquisite coifttre heighten the charms of
a fairer face. The delicate features,
soft, waving brown hair, large hazel
eyes, and rich, beautiful complexion,
each and all added charms. From the
well-poised head to the tiny foot there
was beauty in all.
Il wish you would ever go out, Hat
tie was the next remark of this bright
butterfly. You would he almost pretty
if you would dress like otLer folks, and
wear your hair in anything but those
old maidy folds. What's the matter
to-nightp You are unusually grave,
even for you.
Nothing more than l have already
told you. l am afraid there is some
thing wrong with Wilfred. He looks
so pale and haggard that it worries
me-
DO you really think him illp' The
wife's face grew shade anxious too.
Not exactly i'll, but I'm sure some
thing is troubling him.
oh, hard timesl The old cry. !
never asked papa for cent when he
did not tell me it was hard times, and
yet he left us ten thousand dollars
apiece, and there were seven of us, and
mammals thirds besides. 1t is always
hard times with business men. L am
sure Wilfred never denies me anything
and if he were really in want Of money
why, you know, could do with less
Jewels and dresses, and there are other
ways to save suppose. But whats
the use talking about it. You and
can do nothingl / think l have kept
that carriage long enough. Elise, my
hood and cloak. Good night, Hattie
Don't forget about Willie. Dear little
man, would 60 in and kiss him, only
I'm afraid he will cry when / go away
Adieup and away she tripped, hum
ming a polka, as her light feet crossed
the hall.
Hattie Farquar waited till she heard
the hall door close, and then stepped
across the entry to the nursery. The
nurse sat before the fire rocking in hel
arms a lovely boy of about two sum
mers, whose flushed face and restless
movements spoke of feverish illness
In a little crib another child a girl Of
four years of age was sleeping quietly
You can 60 to bed, Jane said Har
riet, taking the child from the nurses
arms. Il will stay here till Mrs. Far
quar- returns. Wilfred, darling, come
to auntie.'
The child nestled down contentedl.
into the loving embrace, and for hours
the aunt sal before the fire soothin,
and caressing her little charge.
1t was long past midnight when sh
placed him now sleeping quietly in hi
little cradle, and went softly down t.
the sittingroom. To her surprise sh
found it occupied. Seated before tn
fire, his hands folded over his knees, hi
face clouoed with gloomy thought, sa
the master of the house.
And here let me pause a moment b
introduce the inmates Of this house b
my readers. Wilfred and Harriet Fan
quar- were orphans. born in a'far west
ern home, and early in life left wit
but mere pittance for support. Flo
a few years they struggled in their owl
home for living, then an offer bein
made to the young man, of situation