Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1875-11-18

Raymond one of its favorite beaus; but
when they met after the long parting
some new emotions stirred both hearts.
They did not know what made the hours
pass so quickly when they were together,
nor recognize the subtle charm that dwelt
for each in the others presence, for many
q week.
Raymond was the first to awaken to the
knowledge that love was the charm that
bound him to Bertha's side whenever she
was present; that 1t was love that made
her eyes, the dark, sparkling eyes, so
beautiful in their expression; that love
tuned her voice so musically; that love
made her the dearest of all women in his
eyes.
Amabel was delighted. Bertha was
one of her own fast friends, and Bertha's
father merchant of standing and infiu-
ence. Aside from this the girl had inner
tied money from her mother. Altogether.
Amabel decided the match would be
charming But hint to that effect met
one of Raymonds sternest frowns, such as
had never visited his face in the old sun
shiny days.
"Never speak of it again, Amabel," he
said: q am no fortune hunter to live up
on the money of rich wife. III carve
out my own way first"
But carving his own way proved tedious
work till, desperate at his many failures,
he accepted position, offered in jest, of
driver TO an express wagon.
Il do understand horses" he said,
eff / cannot sell goods or keep books"
1t proved harder work, however, than
in the first flush of his desperation he had
imagined Not the mere work; that he
soon conquered; but the sights, rude
ness and stares of his old friends. Some
few recognized the true nobility that &C
cepted honest labor rather than an easy
dependence upon wealthy connections, but
these were few.
A week passed, when one morning, de-
livering some goods at one of the most
fashionable stores on Broadway, as he
went out Raymond saw Bertha Haines
opening the door of her low carriage. An
impulse made him start forward to hand
her out, only to draw back crimson with
confusion, and dropping the hand he was
lifting to raise his hat. The sweet, mu-
steal voice he loved spoke at once:
please, Mr., Thurston, help me with
this obstinate door. II will stick"
He went forward, then, with all the easy
grace of manner that had ever marked
his intercourse with ladies. The little
gIoved hand was extended to meet his as
she thanked him.
alt is too bad you are engaged" she
said. Il should like so to borrow your
artist eye to aid me in selecting dress for
my reception on Thursday evening. But
you will come and tell me how succeed
ed alone, will you not?'
She said the last words very earnestly,
raising her dark eyes 10 his face.
s. Do you really wish me TO come now ~
he asked.
II DOR
"Then l will come! I must say good
morning." and he left her with most
courteous bow.
But while the great express-wagon rat
tied down the streets Miss Haines turned
away from the store she had been entering
and re-entered her carriage.
ITO my father's," she said TO the
driver, and few moments later the
merchant looked up from his ledgers 30
see his only child, in faultless walking
dress, entering the counting house.
Another check!" he said, moving a
chair to her. How much this timer"
=" Nothing! / want to talk TO you.
Shut the door, so those horrid men can't
hear me-"
The door closed, and privacy in the
sanctum was secured. Bertha astonished
her paternal relative by bursting into pas
sion of weeping.
"Why, Berthar' he cried.
Never mind, papa. 1t is all over now.
Do you remember what you said To me
when Raymond Thurston asked for some
employment here!'
mot exactly"
~ do. You said that man brought
up as he had been would want sine
cure; that he never would come down to
real work, and that you had no position
for fine gentlemen; that his offer 10 take a
subordinate position and learn business
was simply farce"
did | say all that, Bertha?"
ITO me you did. suppose you dis
missed him politely enough. But papa,
If you thought he was really in earnest,
really meant TO work for living, would
you give him chance herey'
Eyes. He has capacity, brains and a
splendid address. But he has been an idler
all his life"
"He is no idler now. He is driving an
express cart"
s'Berthaw
"He is. met him not an hour ago.
He thought was going TO cut him. As
IT," she added, with magnificent scorn,
II would slight an old friend in adver.
sity."
"Bless my soul! Driving an express
wagon! Ned Thurston's boyi Educated
at Harvard Dear me! Did you notice
whose wagon il was, Bertha?"
Bertha had not noticed, and the old
gentleman hustled into his coat and start
ed for the office. At dinner he informed
Bertha that Raymond had accepted place
in his own large establishment, with a
frank confession of his profound igno-
rance Of all business affairs, but In earnest
resolution TO learn we'll and speedily
whatever appertained 10 the duties intrust
ed to him.
II was not many weeks before Mr..
Haines congratulated himself upon the
acquisition of his new clerk. He told
Bertha marvellous stories Of Raymond 3
rapid progress and the strides he was max.
ing In his new life, not knowing OF the long
nights spent IN porting over ledgers and
accounts, the many misgivings the new
clerk felt The same active brain and
quick intelligence the new student had
brought to gain college honors now stood
IN good stead in mastering the intricacies