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Bella And Baby

Bella And Baby image
Parent Issue
Day
20
Month
April
Year
1877
Copyright
Public Domain
OCR Text

"Will you lift your head, Isabel, and isten tome? We must see what is to )e done for you as quiekly as possible. " The speaker, Caleb Arno, was a grave, careworn-looking man of 55. He had dme to New York with his three sisters oattend the funeral of a younger brother, md ' ' to inquire into the state of his afairs." Their rage and astonishment, when they learned tliat of the property ihey had counted on sharing with his vidow, not so much remained as would urnish a shelter for herself and child, can hardly be described. Outraged as hey feit with "Charles," all united io aying the principal blame of his ruin on ïer. Her extravagance in dress, her ove of society and pleasure - all this was brought tip against her, and her tmth and inexperience (for she was carcely 19) seemed no excuse in their eyes. Even Caleb, who had his feelings more under control, could not help an idded shade of severity in his voice as ie addressed her. Bella meed her head quiekly. Por iliing ! She looked too young and tenIer to meet such trials. And yet the esolution with which she choked back ïer tears showed that the little creature ïad considerable spirit after all. "It is best you should understand the state of affairs, Bella," Caleb went on. 'Charles lias left absolutely nothmg ehind him - not even the house belongs :o you. Now what are you going to do ? As you have lost your aunt - " "JAnd a nice one she was to bring up girl !" broke in Mrs. Cotton. " I don't elieve Bella can so much as hem a )ocket-handkerchief ! And ine with my even daughters slaving our lives out on hat miserable farm ! And the little money I expected in return for all I had one for Ch - " " Gently, Sarah, gently," interposed Caleb, and his calinly authoritative oice acted as a sort of stop-cock on Mrs. 3otton's effervescing wrath, for with one ndignant gulp of protest she was silent. "Such talk does no good," he went n. "Bella understands our circumtances, and that sister Wright is the uly one who hasn't a family on her hands " " No family I" put in " sister Wright," n acid-looking little woman. ' ' And well for me I haven't - it's all Job an' I an do to live now. Many's the time 'e gone to church in a calicó dress, when those no better'ii me were rolling bout in their oarriages, dressed up in ilk and feathers. No thought of sister Vright then .' But when trouble omes, and there's no one else to turn "I don't want to be a burden ; you on't understand me if you think so," 3olla broke in. "And I know I've been xti-avagant and foolish, though I didn't ealize it before. But I'm willing to do nything if I can only earn a living for nypoorbaby." Tears welled up into ïer eyes at the thought of her child, but he brushed tliem hastily away. " You needn't worry abont the baby," aid a voice that had been silent til] now. All eyes turned toward Mrs. Buell. Shc had had time for reflection during .he last few minutes, and had concluded hat matters might have been worse for ïer. Her husband was wealthy, able to upply her and her threc daughters with every luxury. Absorbed in these reflecions, she scarcely notieed the eonversaion going on around her, till the baby's ïame feil upon her ear. This recalled o her mind a talk with her husband, and she unfolded her " plan" with the air of one conferring an unexpected 'avor. ' ' You needn't worry about Archie, 3ella ; I have a beautiful plan for him. '. think the best way I can help you will ie to take the boy off your hands. Kobert vill be willing, I know. Of course it will je QUJta a care, but we sha'n't mind that if we can only be of service to you. He shall have every advantage ; we won't make a bit of difference between him and our own child ren. Of course you could come to see him now and then" - for Bella looked petrified. "I would ask you to stay with us, but you and Bobert never ddgeton weil togetlier, you know. And then it would bí better for the child." " Give up my baby!" cried Bella, springing from her chair. " Do yon think I have a heart of stone ? Oh, it's too much !" A gush of passionate tears choked her voice. "I may ' come to see him now and then.' Oh, how kind you are, Mrs. Buell ! how well you understand a mother's yeurning over tier child !" " Bella," said Calcb, gravely. Hhe turned and caught his hand, as if hopeful of his sympathy. " Oh, Caleb, wasn't it wicked to ask me to give up my child ? I've boen a vain, foolish girl, but I always lid love my baby so ! That slie shouid think of suoíi a thiug, it h'urts me, Culeb. " She wept passionately, lier head upon liis shoulder. Caleb waited till ahc wae quiet; then he said, in his grave, modérate Urnen; ' ' Belle, be reasonable. If jou really love your chilJ, you will put nis happiness before your own." " You want me to do it I" cried Bella, She would have pulled her haiids aWay but he held tliem firmly in his. ' ' Be quiet, and let us talk it over sensibly." "Iwas going to 8ay, when Bella interrupted me," said Mrs. Buell, "that Bobert and I would offer her a yearly urn- " Thank yoü; ï wouldn't sell rny own fiesh and blood for all the money in the worldi" "Letus bring this to an end, Bella," said Oaleb, decidedly. "Harriet has made you a most reasonable offer, and, if you persist in declining it, we must conclude that you -vish us to interfere no further in your nffairs. We will give you half an hour to cousider," dropping her hands. "And I don't want five minutes," said Bella, firmly. She stood quite ereot now, with soarlet cheeks and a defiant light in her large blue eyes. " I won't give up Archie, and you can do as you please." " Think a moment before you turn yoxir back on the only ones who can help you," said Caleb's warning voice, arresting her. "God can help me," said Bella, a pathetic trerable in her voioe. "He gave baby to me, uot to any body else, and He will help me take care of hini I'm sure. " She passed froto the room without another word. "No, ma'am, we cannot give you a cent more. The watch isñ't worth jL. " There Was a touch of insolence in the ieweler's tone that called itp a faint flttsh into the palo face regaïding him. Bella - for it was she - stood hesitating a moment. LW " Well, you may have it on your own terms, then, though I'm sure it's worth more," she said, with a sigh. ' ' You're in no danger of being taken advantago of in this store, ma'am," said Mr. Marble, sharply, as ho counted eighty dollars into her hand. Bella went out of the store, her hcart heavy as lead. The day when she and Axohie would be turned homeles.s into the strcet was put off, but only for a time. ' ' My wedding ring - that will have to go next," thought the poor " And then .'" A look of despairing anguish came into her eyes, and she clasped the litüe slie held more flrmly. "It would kill me !" Bhe muimured, in a husky voice. ' ' Do 'lone. mamma, do 'lone I" cried Archie. She released his hand, and he trotted on before her. Though scarcely eighteen months old, he was so large of his age he seemed like a child of two years. His bronze hair curled tightly over his head, he had his father's ampie forehead and splendid black eyee. A princely boy ! No wonder Bobert Buell coveted him, and would have been proud to cali him his son. " Buil ! Buil !" cried the little fellow, pausing before a shop window, wherein were displayed children's toys and a few jars of candy. ,, " No, dear, notto-day." " Buil ! Buil !" repeated Archie, imperiously, and his mother yielded, as usual. Mr. Buil, a little ronnd-faced Englishman, came in smiling from an adjoining kitchen. He was glad to see the pretty lady, who had come into his store like a beneflcent fairy some months ago. Archie, too - his nurse had taken him there once, nnd from tbat time the cliild would never let her pass the door without going in. The old man learned to watch for him, and his round face would dimple with pleasure at the sight of the boy. " A pleasant day, Mrs. Arno," a sympathetic gentleness softening his voice as he noticed her careworn looks. "You are quite a stranger. And how's curlyhead ?" laughing down at the child. " Give him a chocolate mouse, Mr. Buil," said Bella, laying a penny on the counter. "And how is Aunt Nancy today?" "Oh, much the same as usual. Wouldn3t you like to go in and see her, ma'am? - it would do her good." "And me too," thought Bella, who feit comforted somehow since she entered the little store. "Yes, indeed," she Haid, aloud, as she followed the old man. Archie trotted alter, nibbling at lis mouse. In a chamber adjoining the kitchen lay he old wonian propped up by pillows. 3he would nover walk another step, but ler hands were busy knitting stockings ïom morning till night, and the sale of ;hese added considerable to tlieir housciold store. Her sweet, pale face was "ramed in silvery hair; there was an air of reflnement about her that her husoand lacked. Her eyes brightened at the sight of Bella, for the latter's good nature and sociable ways had made her as great a favorite wiüi the old conple as lier littlo boy. "Dear Mrs. Arno, how glad I am to see you ! And the darling baby too !" pressing a warm kiss ou the uplifted tnouth, with its impromptu mustache of chocolate and cream. Erasing her salute in the manner peculiar to childhood, he followed his particular f riend, ' ' Uncle Joe," into the store. "Are you wcll, Mrs. Arno? Yoix don't look so," said the old woman, af ter they.had talked a few moments. The tender sympathy in her voice fairly overcame poor Bella. She strugglcd a moment ; then, hiding her face on the bed, she broke into a passion of tears. "Poor child! what is it?" asked the old woman, laying her hand on the bowed head. That gentle, motherly touch made Bella's tears flow the laster. It was some minutes before she could look up. "It's too bad of me to trouble you," she said; "but you spoke so kindly. Nobody has spoken to me so since- - " "Poor child!" repeated the old woman; "teil me your troubles. It'll ease your heart, perhaps. " Thus encouraged, Bella took heart and went through her story, not without m-iny tears. The old woman cried with her. ' ' That they should want to take your baby from you - that darling baby ! ] don't wonder you feit heart-broken. And so you thought the Lord had forsaken you ? Ah., you'll know Him better when you've livetl as long as me, poor child!" "Yes, aunty, I was wrong ; but I feit o discouraged. I thought I had so many friencls ; but when the time of trouble came " Bella's voice fnltcrod. Tlir old womai luy sileut, strokiflg tlic hand ste held ii hers. "And you Wiint ua to ndvisc youi' she said at last. "Yes, I thought you might henr o I :Í;:;:l i r ;üU 0, I ilon'f kbv ni'i' ly. I'm very sorry aböttfc that. But is tliere's anytliing else " " Poor dear lady ! To think of your having to work for a living ! Why, you look as if a breath woüld blow you over now " Oh, I'm stronger than you think. I can work," said Bella, earnestly. The woman reflected. "I'veaplanin iny mind," she said, looking up. "Iwislil could think of something better for you ; but - Would you mina asking my husband to step here a moment, Mrs. Arno, please ?" What the " plan" was will be shown hereafter. "Yes, sir, I cali it the flrm of Bella and Baby, and I'd like to have it put on the sign. There's a blessin' follered us ever since they come into the house. " Mr. Buil, or " Únele Joe," as he is generally called, leans forward in his chair, his eyes fixed affectionately on Bella. It is three years since we saw her last, but she looks little changed, except that the bloom has returned to her cheek. " The blessing came'because you and Aunt Nancy were so good to us, Uncle Joe," she says, looking up f rom her work. Something glistens in her blue eyes, and the young man watching her from an opposite corner feels more in love than ever. He is Frank DarroW, an old friend of Bella's, whohas visited here so of ten he seeüis like one óf the family. ' ' And so you were in lïurope at the time of Bella's trotible ?" said the old man, müsingly. He is never weary of talking about Archie and his mother, and one of his hearers at least finds the repetition of the thenie an linending deight. Büt Bella seems rather uneasy. " Did yott ever think she'd turn ovit such a little business woman, Mr. Darrow ? Why, the store 'as prospercd as t never did when I was running it alone. 3ut I was always soiry about her watch, and she insisted so on our taking the money " - "Of course I did," broke in Bella. ' A pretty thing it would have been to come upon you with my baby, and never per to lighten the burden a little ! Oh dear, how warm it is !" she added, rather jettishly, pushing back a bronze ripple rf hair. Frank saw she feit uncomforta)le, and rose to go. "Will you come into the store with me a moment, Bella ?" "Oh, I guess I'U say good-night ïere," said Bella. "I must finish my work. " " Just five mimites," pleaded Frank, and " Go, dear, go," added the old man. 3ella hesitated a moment, then did as was told. "Good-night, uncle," said Frank, asping hi hand. Then, in a whisper, ' You know what I'm going to ask her, Jncle Joe ?" "Yes, yes. God bless you, my boy ! She loves you, I know." " He's worthy of her," he muttered, as Trank walked off. "I'm glad of it; but, jord help us, how we shall miss her and he boy !" brushing away a tear. Bella was waiting in the store, a xoubled but resolute look on her face. Closing the door, Frank stood silent a moment. " Bella," approaching her, "you know what I wanted to ask you ?" "I siippoae so, Frank," said Bella, quietly, but looking rather pale. "I wish you wouldn't ask it, though. " "Oh, Bella, if you knew how I love rou I" pleaded Frank. " Oan't you love ne a little, dear ?" "Listen to me, Frank." said Bella, ■orcing back the tears. ' ' It's impossible 'or us to marry; it would make too many jeople unhappy. Think of your family. What would they say," a faint smile crossing her face, "to your making a joor sho]girl your wile? And on my side are dear Uncle Joe and his wife. " ' ' Bella, you don't know niy mother and sisters. Worldly as they seem, they ïave warm hearts, and they coulán't help loving you and your dear little boy. As for Uncle Joe and his wiie, they shall suffer no loss. Our home shall be jheilB, my darling; we will care forthem wgether." "Frank, Frank, that generous heai-t of yours is always getting the better of rour head. If my conscience would let ne bring such a burden on you, do you suppose Uncle Joe and Aunt Nancy would be willing to give up tlieir little lome and live dependent on another ?" " Tlien they needn't leavo their home, Bella," persisted Frank. " I will find some one to take your place in the store, ihough that shan't hinder your being with them as much as you please. We will both help them in every way." "Frank, I teil yoú it is impossible. [f we are to be friends you must never mention the subject again. And now," n a sof ter tone, " I really cannot stay any longer. Good-night, Frank ; I shall always wish you wel!" There was a slight break in her voioe, and, turuing, she went quickly out of the room. Frank looked alter her a moment, then, with a white, set face, ie pickcd up his hat and walked off. " Heartless little thing !" he muttered, is he strode fiercely homeward through ;he rain. "I'll never give her another diought. Ah, well ! I oan't help loving ier ; she's the only woman in the world me. Poor Arno hadn't it in him to [ove her as-I do. Oh, my darling, how can you be so hard to me 1" Could he but have seen Bella half an hour later, as she sat crying in her own little room ! "I do love him - Ido!" she sobbed out. "The dear, gcherous-hearted, noble fellow ! Oh, I wish hc hadn't gone away so angry with me I" "There, darling, take this from mamma. So, now; she will sit by you and hold your hand." Nearly two weeks have passed since Frank and Bella parted. She has not seen him since. It cost her many tears at first, but for the last threo days she can think of nothing but her boy. Archie has diphtheria and is very sick, the doctor says. He has gone away now for a while, and the child lies exhausted on his pillow. How livid and sunken he looks ! You would soaroely know the blooming face that lay here a few niglits ago. Poor Uncle Joe ! He could not keep still a moment, but hovered about the mother and child in a nrrvous flutter ot fear. Whose step is that at the door ? The old man looked np, and a flash of joj passed over his face. Going hastily toward the ncw-comer, he seized both hit) hands. " Tliank God you've come, Frank The child's been very sick, but I think lic's il littlo better," following Frank to Bella's side. She looked up, with her white face and tbc tearless anguish in lier oyes. " Olí, Frank " she gaid, laintly, putting out her hand. Clagping itgimtly, he said, in a tono o: mild reproach, " why 'Ijdji't you seud mr word, lieünv" " It's diphtlieria ; yon raustn't stay," whispered Bella, motioning him off as he bent over the orib. " But I mu going to stay, Bella," he ï-eplied, with siich mild decisión that she feit rernonstrance was useless. Wearily the time passed by. The doctor came and went, leaving little consolation behind him. The old man, worn out with grief and anxiety, slumbered heavily in his chair. Bella feit slie oould hardly have gone throixgh that night without Frank. She scarcely knew lier ardent, impetuous lover in liim who sat by her side, so stoong, yet so gentle, quick to anticípate her slightest wish, and ministeriug to her and Archie with the tenderness of a woman. "Oan't you close your eyes a few moments?" he whispered once. "I know just what to do now, and you look so exhausted." "No, oh no," said Bella, resolutely ; and he urged her no farther. Midnight was approaching, and a great hnsh feil upon them botli, for the doctor had said tliere might be a change at that hour. Bella sat, her eyes fixed on the child, never stiiïing except to give him his medicine or the stimulants the physician had ordercd. Frank, motionless as a statue, watched the little face with hei. At last Bella raised her eyes inquiringly to his. There was a gleam of hope in her look and iii the one that auswered her. " His breathing seems a little easier," she whispered. Frank nodcled silently, and there was another long pausé; A gentle moisture was breaking out over the child's face and body; his breathing secmed easicr and his expression more natural. Frank and Bella hung ibove him, scarcely daring to indulge the sweet hope that had sprung up iu their hearts. About 3 o'clock the doctor came in. His tired, jaded face brightencd the moment he saw the child. "Yes, he seems better," saidhe; "but we mustn't venture to hope yet. Now let us look at the little throat again." " His throat looks better," said he, as he rose to go. Bella followed him to the door. "The symptoms are favorable," said he, in answertoher imploring glance. "I will cali in again before noon." Bella turned to go back to her seat. As she did so she met Frank's anxious, loving glance. It was almost more than she could bear. " Oh, Frank," she said, "if God will only let him live !" and for the first time the tears feil over her chceks. Frank put his arm gently around her, and she laid her head on liis shoulder. They 'feit f rom that moment thatnothing could ever part them more. Once more let us enter the little chamber. The blinds are open now, and the sunset light is streaming in. Archie lies in his crib, looking like a little spirit, his mother tliinks with half a sob, as she watches his pale, wasted face, with its halo of gleaming hair. But he is gaining strength daily, and will soon be running round, the doctor says. Closing the blinds, his mother takes a chair beside him, and sings in a low, gentle voice. In a few minutes he is ast aslcep, and she slips away for a while. She knows who is waiting for ïer below. "Bella," said Frank, after they had alked a few moments, ' ' I received a etter to-day. Guess f rom whom." " I'm surel don't know," said Bella. Jhe was setting the supper table, and mused with a half-startled glance. 'From your mother, Frank?" "You little coward, how pale you' ve turned all of a sudden ! But yoü've no reason. I was a true prophet, I teil you," shaking the letter playfully at her. " I ïave told her the whole story, and she is arepared to love you and receive you as i daughter. Is that table ready ? Then sit down by me, and we'll read the letter ,ogether. You'll find out what a wnrm, oving heart my mother has, you little nfldel, you!" " And what shall we cali the flrm now ?" asked Uncle Joe, as the happy ittle party sat down to the table. "It's admitted a new member, you know," he went on, roguishly. "Come, 111 givc you a name ; onc it'll bear before long, and we'll drink to the health of the firm n this bottle of wine. " "Uncle!" said Bella, laughing and lusbmg, while his old wifo beamed inlulgently upou him from the arm-chnir There Frank's strong arms had placed ïer. "Bella, baby, and husband !" said Jncle Joe, rising with a beaming face, ihough something like a tear twinkled in lis eye. ' ' Loug lif e and prosperity to ;he ñrm, and may God's blessing be on ït for evermoro !' -

Article

Subjects
Michigan Argus
Old News