The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1867-05-18
HOW I WON POLLY.
BY TOM HOOD.


compelled to resign rather suddenly through i'll
health. As a consequence the first sub-clerk,
Chaundy, and had to do the chiefs work be-
tween us until fresh appointment could be
made. It was thought in the Office that Chaundy
was likely to get, not the Cowford Office but that
of Nottingham, the postmaster of which would
probably be transferred to Cowford. He was the
likeliest candidate for our vacancy, though
Chaundy had been recommended for it by DIVER
ryman who was a man much thought OF at head
quarters. 1t was supposed that Chaundy was
sure to get some sort of promotion; and think
it pulled him up little, for he seemed to give
himself the airs Of superior, and certainly made
me do the lions share of the work
didn't care. was poor and sub-clerk, and
never expected to be anything else. And why?
Because was in love. That is a thing to make
most men ambitious but it only made me, if
not contented, at all events submissive under
poverty. had fallen in love with an heress of
one of the richest landholders in the county; and
/ knew no possible position within my limited
sphere would or could ever qualify me to become
a sutton for her hand. Dreams of ambition there
fore did not trouble me. Had the office of post
master general or secretary been vacant, and
made the prize of a severe competitive examine
ton, would have given the best years Of my
life poor scholar as l was, to study for the con-
test, in order to try and win position that would
make me worthy of her Failing I would have
come back without a murmur to my high stool,
with bold face and broken heart.
She was a lovely gir&-such a merry bright
glimpse of sunshine. We first became acquaint-
ed-if l may SO term her, condescending ever
after to bow to NEON one st. Valentines day,
when stamped some twenty valentines for her.
When she was gone I looked them over-not
without pang of jealousy, which was allayed
when found they were either to school fellows
or old gentlemen-her god father, her uncles, and
that sort of thing. A more innocent batch of
valentines never swelled her Majesty's revenue.
How man like her father could ever have had
so charming daughter, can't understand Mr..
Drake was harsh, proud man, stern on the bench
and heartless at the board. He was severity it.
self with all tramps and beggars, and he preser-
we'd his game with the utmost strictness. There
was fierce hatred and feud of long standing
between him and the poachers, who were tolera-
bly, plentiful He was not the sort of man was
at all disposed to ask for leave to pay my address
es to his daughter.
So bowed to fate; cherished Mary's image in
my heart of hearts; and used to comfort myself
the intervals of business by reciting mentally
Shelleys lines about
"The love Of the moth for the star"
Besides this 1 had but one delght-that of
collecting foreign stamps for her. She happened
one day to ask for one that was lying ON the
office ledge; and kept watch for them ever
afterwards. How grateful was to the mania
l had sscorned and despised
This humble passion of mine had existed nearly
two years under these not very favorable cir,um-
stances, and what is more. instead of diminish
ing, it was increasing Meantime Chaundy and
went on as two sub-clerks rolled into one post
master, and no appointment was announced
Early in December there was always great
ball at Cowford, whereat all classes met and
were supposed to fraternize. 1t was the event of
the season in the county Mr. Drake was one Of
the patrons, and occasionally honored the ball
with his presence and that Of his lovely and ac-
complished daughter, as the local journal gush.
iingly styled her. This year he had announced
his intention of going, and it was generally sup
posed therefore, that he would be present. He
had just made a fierce raid on the poachers and
was reported to head his watchers nightly in per-
son, being determined to put down the gang, two
of the ringleaders of which had Just been sen.
fenced to long imprisonments through his instru
mentality
One afternoon, about three days before the ball,
was looking out of the indow. NY desk was
just at the junction of the Office in which letters
were received, orders issued, and transactions
with the public generally conducted, with the
inner room in which the sorting was done. and
two rooms formed two sides of the small court or
Vestibue, which was open to the public ;.and the
window where sat was just in the angle, light.
ing the inner Office, SO, by looking over the
ground glass with which the window was glazed
Aali way up could see in profile all applicants
ut the outer door.
Inc other clerks were at tea--a meal did not
care for; and had, just as an occupation, clear
ed the box and sorted the letters, and then re.
turned to my desk AS mounted the stool I
saw one of Mr.. brakes servants
He was only stable help and had but lately
entered Mr.. brakes service, yet knew him, for
1t was silly fancy of mine to watch nil Marv,s
surroundings with minute care and picture 70
myself where should have made alterations and
improvements, surprising had been rich enough
TO make her mine.
noticed that the fellow peered around as 70
anxious To sccif he We're observed Not noticing
my face in the window, owing to the decncn;n1,
twilight, Ec seemed reassured aud slipped iet.
tcr into the box. There was something so odd
about ta.' tAat went to the box and took il ont.
pcrhal I half expected it was from Mary. II
Wa, rla 't hed scrawl, addressed J. NJ Post
Office, towi ra TO be called forj hurried
70 the window which gave a view of the street
and jus. caught nt az the man climbing into n
cart which U1s anulng outside the ponlterer's
few door oil. I!aewitt be the gamekeepcr's
cart ~ which "-'ao was brought into the town
Tor I'd J aaw the keeper come
out ol the shop, HlUat tne cart and drive off. -
Tho lclp bad r'iati,tly aiken advantage of his
abeence i9 s.nand post his missivc
aua #t t any further notice of
the letter. 1Iay!As G4ecrtained il was his. 7