Year: 1878

death Of Isabelle and that the family
were in very destitute circumstances,
but he could not remember where
they were living at the time Of ls4-
bells death.


Then it WAS that Hart Riversdale,
with a heart almost breaking meath
its weight of sorrow, found his way to
the distant city where his sister Nell
lie, who had been lately married, was
now making her home,


Her heart was deeply touched by
the visible wretchedness of her loved
brother, and while she tenderly pre-
vailed upoa him to make her house
his home, she gave him sweet sisterly
sympathy in his mourning for Isabel.


For many long months he secluded
himself entirely from all society, ab-
solutely refusing to meet any Of the
many guests who were often assem-
bred beneath her roof.


At last, however, to crafty his sis
ter, he consented to make the ac-
quaintance Of the Sheitons, and grad
uallv, almost without his own knowl
edge, he had been drawn within the
charmed circle Of the beautiful Dora $
destinations, and for the last week or
so had even been led to seriously ask
himself if this girl might not at least
occupy a place second in his affections
to that which must ever be sacred to
the memory Of his lost love, and
brighten by her sunny pres ;e, the
lonliness Of his darkenel life.
lie did not pause to consider how
little he really knew Of Dora Shelton S
true character and home life.


50 far as he had seen she was the
incarnation Of amiaUility and sweet
ness and innocence, and it did not
occur to him that he had never yet
had a glimpse behind the curtain Of
her parlor stage.


Her mother was a naughty, purse
proud woman who could i'll conceal
her anxiety for her only daughter to
win for husband the wealthy, aris-
tocratic Hart RiVerdale.


She and Dora had gone out to do a
little morning shopping, on this day
that the young man was to dine with
them, thinking Of course, to be at
home in time to receive him. But
they met with some unexpected de-
tention and Mrs. Shelton was start
led, upon consulting her watch. to
find ihat it was already waning tow
ard the dinner hour.


She hastily informed Dora of the
fact, but while the young lady lin,
gered yet one moment over a lovely
set Of jewelry she was longing to pos
sess Hart RiverlaIe, who haG gone
early, hoping to have few moments
conversation with Dora before dinner,
was ushered into the darkened parlor
to await the arrival of tn, ladies.


He had scarcely found seat when
he heard chiId's voice asking for
Miss Shelton,and the boy who had an
swered the door bell tell her she might
wait in the hall till Miss Dora came
home.


A few minutes later the carriage
rolled up to the door, and there was a
rustic OF silken robes as Miss Shelton
and her mother swept into the hall,
and be heard the child say, pleading
ly;


Miss Shelton, sister says please
send her the money for the dress she
made for you last week, and you can
deduct what you think proper for the
little rent in the piece Of lace trim
ming that was left.


lie could not see the speakers face
but he readily recognized Dora's voice
as she said harshly:


No, indeed, not one cent will | paw
your sister for her work and I'm
half mind to make her pay me for
that half yard OF lovely lace ruined
! through her carelessne s.


oh Miss Shelton, said the child,
implorlngly, please send a part Of
the morey, anyhow, We can't get the
medicine man IA needs, without it.


That's not my f.ult, | guess; &C
now, and let this be the last time you
come to me for work, was the unfeel-
ing response, and the child went slow.
ly and sobbingly out OF the open
door.


Now, mamma, wasn't that splen-
didly managed There's ten dollars
saved on the making Of the dress, and
my piece Of lace not in ured beyond
use, either, Miss Dora said, gayly,
as she and her mother swept up the
grand stairway to their own rooms to
make their dinner toilets.


Every word she uttered had fallen
full upon the ear Of the unseen guest


AS soon as they were out Of hearing
Hart Riversdale walked out of the
parlor, and leaving his excuses with
the butler whom he encountered in
the hall, he took his hat and quietly
left the house.


When he gained the street he found
the little girl, slowly vending her
way down the broad pavement.


lie hastened TO overta Ike her, and
few words of tender sympathy and