Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1889-08-07
NINA,
or;
The Victim of TreaChery.
CHATTER L


Mrs. Belmont entered Grafton Cot
t.Ige with naughty air. and approached
Mrs. EichtOn, who sat under the back
window strlining her eyes over a piece
of embroidery. SIS the dress done,
Madam? ! am tired TO death of calling
for It, and Laura is out of patience
and angry because she did not get il
To wear We terday," said the unfeeling
woman in satin.
Il am Very sorry, but it Is not quite
finished yet. but he seated, and l VIII
soon finish 1t. Ny eyes are SO much
inhamed, working by lamp-light, that
/ have made slow progress to-day"
replied Mrs. Eichton, as she took off
her glasses to wipe her eyes.
do, pray hurryl' exclaimed Mrs.
Belmont. Laura is to have company
this evening, and she wishes to wear
this dress"
She spoke in a very impatient tone,
without manifesting the least sympathy
for the sufferer. Back and forth this
proud woman walked nervously; as if
TO take seat in this cottage would
compromise her dignity and position.
Presently she espied WIsSie and Nan
ME, at the back of the house, wedding
flowers, so she stepped out with an ex-
preston of relief, and began to talk
familiarly TO the children. They were
bright and interesting, and their novel
style of entertaining rather pleased her,
and she did not note how rapidly the
time passed. She chatted on till Mr.
EIchton's pleasant voice aroused her,
saying: ~ Will not detaIn you longer,
Mrs. Belmont. the dress is finished"
Mrs. Belmont stepped in, examined
the dress, pronounced it beautiful, and
asked how much she owed her.
Ten dollars" was the reply.
$50 much as thatY Well, my hns-
band Will call and pay the bill IN few
days" Bowing politely, Mrs. Belmont
took a seat In her carriage and drove
off, leaving MIS-. Eichton to struggle
with her disappointment Not TO re-
ceive the money for that piece of work
was disappointment, the extreme Bit
tGness of which no one knew but her
self. She tried to choke back the tears,
bnt rise they would in spite OF every
effort to repress them "Alasl alas!
how little sympathy the rich have for
suffering humanity" murmured the
widow, wiping the tears from her in
famed eyes.
Mrs. Eichton had not always been
familiar with poverty. There had been
a time when she could ride in her own
carriage, driven by a servant i'll livery;
her own bright boys were far hand
somer than those of Mrs. Belmont,
and the memory OF those days made her
present condition doubly painful
Those ten dollars" she said to her
self, would have paid the quarters
rent, which is due tomorrow. Mrs.
"a al To Gf haa ar
knows when / shall ever receive itl''
To this overworked woman the future
seemed gloomy indeed.
How to meet their pecuniary respon-
slJilities bafiled her most economical
plans. Weary and sad at heart she sat
down, with her hands over her eyes.
While in this attitude Nina Burtean
entered.
why, my daughter, you have re-
turned earlier than usual l had not
begun to look for you yet. I am sorry
tea Is not ready"
Just then Wissie and Mamie hearing
their mothers voice, came bounding in
to give her the usual kiss at evening.
well, mother, suppose you finished
the dress and received your money!"
"No, indeed, did not receive one
cent, though Mrs. Belmont pronounced
the dress lovely. The same old come
off, Mr.. Belmont will call and pay the
bili.'n
That is a matter of regretl The
rent is due tomorrow. How can We
| liquidate that debt, nother?'
''God only knows, my childi but
probably he will make some provision
| for US. Mr. ArcweIl is so exacting.
Perhaps he will take Mr.. Bellmont's
account, he is good for the money; We
can but try him." suggested Mrs.
| EichtoD.
THAT is capital idea" SAID Nina
Burteau Frightening. That seems the
only way out of this dilemma. Now
can prepare tea more cheerfully," and
she busted herself with making the
kettle boil and setting the table. Her
bright happy smile sent a ray of light
to the heart of Mrs. ElchtoD, and she
enioyed the meal very much.
| Mrs. Eichton rose earlier than usual
the next morning, dressed herself neatly,
aud after an early breakfast she took
the account against Mr.. Belmont tC
the office of Mr.. Arcwel. He was
lifting at his desk deeply interested in
what seemed ledger; his usually So
rene brow wore heavy frown, when