The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1865-10-19


/ have considerable respect for your
judgment, Allison, but you may bring
them, and we will see what they are
like"
The papers were brought, highly APP
proved, and paid for; a kindness that
touched Alice the more deeply in that
she had heard from her brother, who was
slowly improving, and she was tryingto
send him aremittance. From that time
more confidential intercourse grew lp
between the two though neither could
have told why. Alice found no happier
place than in the grim office and its as
sociates,' and our editor felt lost, when
ever the boy was away, until returned
again. And when more at leisure than
usual, he would sometimes sit for an
hour tipped back in his chair, his feet
upon another, and eyes half shut, listen
ing entranced to the clear, bell-like tones
of her voiceand watching the expression
play upon her exquisite features, as she
read some good old poem or romance, or
even dry political speeches or disquisi-
tions. And often after Office hours he
would ask her home with him to his ho-
tel, to dinner or tea, and spend an hour
or two in quiet conversation. Alice was
fully aware of what misconstruction
would be put upon their interviews, were
it known that she was woman; but
she trusted to her disguise, and was only
too happy to enjoy them. 1t seemed
strange to her, though, and him too, that
he should form such friendship for a
mere boy, a lad of half his years, and a
few educational advantages, but so it
was.
It was early autumn when she entered
the office, the winter was over and gone,
and one morning in early spring the ed
itor came in and as usual found a good
fire, the Office swept and busted, and his
boy at the desk busily engaged in writ
ing !7;,ooa ,,o.,,;,,a 4,;so,, ), s.;d 10
pleasantly, II have been over to see
Blake; he is decidedly bettera at last, and
thinks he shall be able to go to work
again in a few days"
"And then you will want me no long
err" gasped Alice. And she turned very
pale, and grasped at the desk to keep
from falling.
Mr.. Merely saw the look and act, and
stepped quickly forward.
"Do you really like your place and
employment so much ?" he questioned.
either,o she uttered impulsively, and
.
.sDo not be alarmed, then, for there
are so few in the world that do that, that
l can not afford to lose one. Blake has
received the offer of a better berth than
/ can give him, and will not come back
to the office. To tell the truth, boy, YOU
are worth quite as much as heever was,
with the exception of writing an editOri-
al occasionally"
elbow do you know but what could
do that ?" asked Alice.
II don't think it possible; few possess
or acquire the gift.''
"What will you have-the one you
spoke of upon the condition of the times
generally -OrsOmething elsew and with
blush and smile she passed him the pa
per upon which she was engaged at his
entrance, with the ink yet scarcely dry
upon the last page.
"Bravow exclaimed Mr.. Moreley,
laughing, rs he ran his eyes over the
page, II couldn't have done it better
myself Did you really do this, boy?"
Certainly, sir. They used to say
had some knack at composition at school,
and I've been trying my hand at it a lit
tie lately"
"But why didn't know you had such
talent before?''
Z AtSAetlJ AlACW ~ III oCAAs
But what are you trying to do with
it?"
'Practicing little, to get my hand
n" said Alice blushingly.
II see it ALL" said the editor, with a
searching glance. "You have looked
weary and worn oflate. Youare sitting
up nights, after hard day'swork, striv-
ing to realize some ambitious dream of
authorship. You must not do so. You
are too young. You will soon sacrifice
your health as your brother has DONE"
"But in case of necessity, sir"
"Whatnecessity, would like to know.
Do | not pay you enough for your sup
port ?"
Eyes, and much more; more than I
dared hope for"
"But you wear the same old clothes |;
you live in obscure lodgings, you go to
no place of amusement; tell me for what
you are denying yourself all the pleas
ures Of youth"
~ hate to plague you with my trou-
bles, Mr.. Moreley."
"ft's no plague. l like to have those
about me give me their confidence"
. "Well sir, you know that my brother
| - land