The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1869-07-08

'' ">;,' ''' NO. 81. ..... ~.,.
1'Chsrlqt,ttto 81 sometimes met Paul Reich
elm: Hc, treated her with marked
reference, carefully keeping within the
bounds, Of commonplace conversation !;
land what true woman makes the first
advance to the man she loves? Her
manner plainly proved she was Got; in
accessible as formerly. llal Paul
wished, he might, without any diff
Guilty, have established an intimacy
once beyond his widest hope; but lie
did not.
Winter passed. Paul had sole
charge of the mill during the prolong-
ed absence of Mr.. nildreth, who re-
turned home with glowing accounts Of
new methods Of working metals abroad,
still unknown in MilIwood. His mind
was filed with projects of improvement,
but he was without the information or
talent to render = II! ths;m, practicable. lie
wished to be progressive; to compete
with foreign forges; to preserve the
reputation sMillwood Furnace had long
sustained, Of o't. being among the best in
in the Country, IN this dilemma he
thought Of Paul Reicbeln, uhvse pro-
bitey, intelligence and knowledge Of
materials had been veil proved.
=, Alter mature deliberation, ne decia,
ed to trust him with an important mis-
sion. He wss TO- visit tie different
mines and furnaces in Europe, and. gain
| all the practical information. in his
power. He had 'leaveaof absence for a
year; or longer, if necessary; and, rep.
resenting Charles .Hildreth, of Mill
wood Furnace, was we'll provided with
letters of credit, and authorised to use
his august name at discretion: Paul
accepted this liberal offer with evident
satisfaction, and lost no time in making
arrangements for the journey. The
Percivak, though sorry to part with
him, rejoiced at the opportunity for
travel and Information within his reach.
They knew Paul would faithfully at
tend to his employers interests; and at
the same time acquire store of useful
knowledge beneficial 10 himself in after
years: .. :...
The Perciyal children, three in num-
ber, loudly, protested against "Uncle
PauPs" departure, and only consented
to the separation on account of the
wonderful toys and books he promised
to collect them while away.
And Charlotte Hildreth Did she
take an interest in his long absence
from 'Millwood! Mrs. Percival thought
so; and was quite vexed at Paurs ap-
parent indifference: "He must be
blind, indeed, not to observe Char
lotte's attachment: Why did he hesi-
tate to secure such prize 2" She tried
every delicate art to bring them to-
gether, and tound;to her =diSa appoint
ment, how capricious and provoking
lovers are.
The afternoon before Paul's depart
urc Charlotte called for Mr.. and Mrs.
Percival to ride with her a short dis
tance into the country. They agreed
ON condition that she returned with
| them to tea. Charlotte rather reluct-
antly consented.
During the drive the conversation
was almost altogether about Mr.. Reich
elm, whose long journey was to CON-
mence on the morrow. Charlotte asked
many questions concerning Paul's past
aud present life, an3 Mr.. Percival re-
warded her interest BY relating all he
knew Of his history.
It was a strange, sad story. Of in-
justice and oppression, Of poverty and
misfortune life that had known the
extremes Of ease and toll, and the
| temptations of luxury and want. Mr..
Percival became eloquent as ho deserib-
ed PauI's: early life Of: suffering and
sdisappoiutment, and his hpal triumph
over every difficulty. Charlotte listen
ed -attentively. ,n':r :: ,. =
81 cannot understand Why he was
tired so severely, "'sho exclaimed, with
a touch of her old petulance. "It al
most seems unjust ia Providence 70
blight the early years Of u man like
Nr. Reichelm. How miserable his lie
must have been! p =;
@My dear ftiepa,'" replied Mr. Per-
qiv.l solemuly, "no life is really miser-
able il spent IN the discharge Of high
and sacred duties: Doubles. the deep
waters Of sffliction often threatened to
overwhelm him, but, as thy day.: SO
thy strength shall be- and Paul Reich
elm's strength came from a = firm trust
in the Rock Of Ages! I believe fu.
ture lies now within his reach which
will more ethan atone for the trials o.
the past he has been faithful over .
few things, God will make him rule,
over many"
When they stopped at the parsonag'
gate, Paul came ont to welcome them
with Mrs. PcrcivaPs youngest child i,
his arms-the other two cl,ngius to hi
c;do HI povo his h,n1 %o Alice IJ;l