Northwest enterprise. [volume] (Anacortes, Wash. Ter.) 1882-1887, 1883-07-14

herself from fainting The words
rang in her ears. Il do suppose it's
HE wife" The strange and sudden
revulsion of feeling passed, however.
leaving her deadly pale. Certainly
Bart had n perfect right to get mar
ried; perfect right to forget her -
of course he had. Men had done
such things ever since the flood, and
wonld probably, to the end of time.
The blood burnt her face now; :;
but as she came in sight of the dwell
ing it recedrd, leaving her pale and
almost faint. She stormcd ut herself
for being 50 supremely foolish; but
the tears were very near her tired
eyes, for all that
huge trunks blocked up the hall.
A loud, CHEEKY voice sounded, that
struck wofully 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
up stairs.
"Laura-my dear Miss Stetson"
exclaimed the young man, hurrying
toward her.
But Laura's face was like steel.
She made cold little bow.
"Welcome home, Mr.. Hayden"
she said, in set. cold voice. Il came
to bring some" she could not say
work-''somethiug for your sister. l
generally go to her room. Is she
there?"
He fell back little. Strange how
the light went ont of his face
IL rather think she may be en-
gagged" he said, in blundering way,
"but perhaps you had better go up"
He didn't like to speak of his
wife, and no wonder" half sobbed
Laura.
What in the deuce makes her act
so coldly'" muttered young Hayden;
then in q tenderer voice, "but she
might have seemed just the least bit
glad to see me, / think" and then he
kicked u box out of his path, and went
moodily to the door.
Anne Hayden was alone.
$50 glad you brought it, she cried;
'and oh! doesn't it look beautiful"
and she shook out the creamy satin
with exclamations of delight. "Now
sit down, wort you? I've so much
to tell you. Bart has come home"
"Yes, l know it; hut l can't wait.
It mus, be almost dusk, and" she
grew desperate with the fear that
Anne should see the tears, and stoop-
ing she spatched up the bill and
placed it in the hand of her patroness.
'Oh, so sorry! Suppose you won't
mind waiting for the pay till next
week"
I'VE are ont of coal and wood"
said Laura. her cheeks crimson; land,
in fact, we need the money very
much"
Dear me! was so thoughtless to
spend all my money. But stop-lll
go down and ask Bart"
Laura felt as If she could sink
through the floor.
"Stop!" she said, seizing Anne by
the arm, her face quite white and
proud again. II can waits do not go
down"
It'll run round, perhaps. Must
you 60? You do not know how much
1 have 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 saw
them. Oh. the humiliation to that
proud spirit! She threw half de-
tiant glance at the plying face; then,
with a gesture that repelled him, she
almost flew down the street, nor
hardly drew breath until she was at
home
How dreary and meager it all
looked! The few cheap dishes, the
scanty table cloth, the worn out chintz
on chairs and lounge.
I'm tired, mamma; let me lie
down." she cried in suppressed
voice. and threw herself on the old
lounge.
"What is the matter, my darling7
see-she did not pay. Of course;
and not stick of wood in the house.
Oh, the heartlessness. the wickedness
of those who are rich!'
A loud rap. Laura hid her face
Her mother answered the call, and
in strobe Bart Hayden almost de
family.
"At 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 a sealed envelop on the
table.
when did you get homer asked
Mrs. Stetson, when she had recovered
somewhat from her surprise.
''Only n few hours ago. I brought
Cousin Jacks wife with me; she was
ordered home for her health. and
Jack couldn't leave, SO 1 took Matte
in charge. I am afraid home is not
going to help her much, CT indeed
anything else"
Laura made an almost impercept.
ible movement. She was far from
cold now; her very temples were hot.
"Well. good night" he said, steal
ing a CLAM. at Laura, as he rose to
go. I've done my errand; and Mrs.
Stetson. yon at least will let me come
and talk with you sometimes, won't
you. for the sake of auld lang syne9'
ITO be sure, if you will come to 80
humble place. You see how the
wheel has gone round with us. My
husband"