Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1876-09-25
Two Minutes.

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Maldon at all.
Joe Thurston was the driver and
Mark Maldon the fireman of freight
train No. SO which stopped regularly
all the year around at Redwood station
to let Lightning Express No. 20 pass
No. SO whistled at 1896 p. m, inva-
riably; at IL Joe had Jennie in his
arms, kissing her almost to death. This
was, of course, after they were married.
a1snnie lived in the only house and
kept the only store there was at Rcd
wood, and all the company she had af-
ter dark was her old grandfather and
the little dog-at least till the train ar
rived, and then Joe and Mark made
their appearance.
Thus the counting was done. Some
how, although each of Jennie's lovers
kept sharp eye on the other, yet both
found opportunities to propose. She ac-
cepted Joe, and when she informed Mark
the next night what she had done, he
turned pale, and then congratulated her.
and when he got aboard his engine he
was unsober
1t was the beginning of his ruin; and
on the night Joe and Jennie were mar
ried-which was but brief ceremony,
as Joe was pressed for time-Mark NAL
don was not in condition to take his
place on the train. and on the day fol-
lowing the company dispensed with his
future services.
From that time, as the expression is.
Mark went to the bad. His little saw
ings be proceeded rapidly to drink up,
and this dissipation made the usual
changes, and soon, in appearance, man.
ners, speech and the rest, he was a diff
ferent man.
Sometimes he dropped into the little
shop, and more than once Jennie spoke
to him in reproof, but with gentleness
and it was only when she perceived that
those well-meant reprOaches made him 3
great deal worse that she ceased to offel
them.
1t is terrible sight to see a human
being sinking in the dark and dreadful
pool in this way but down, down ht
went, and no mortal hand could say,
him.
don't know when or how it was, bu
. by impereeptible degrees Jennie grew
afraid of Mark Maldon. He had neve
e uttered one word Of love to her after he
: marriage, nor had he seemed to like he
husband the less ; but somehow whenev
= er she saw Marks white and swollel
o face coming in at the door. or beheld, il
!. the distant wood. his bent and furtiv
e figure gliding softly over the broke
twigs and dry grass like a ghost, be
: : heart felt nervous pang, and she wish
ed he would 60 away to live sOmewher
r else-Or-(was it wicked ?)-that h
might even die and be at rest.
d Matters went on much as usual unit
: one evening in October. when. about te
= = o'clock. looking up from her sewing, Jer
M ME beheld a pallid face at the windO'
staring at her intentlY.
N Something jumped into her throat an
to she could not stir or speak. But whe
es the face went away, and presently tt
- door opened and Mark came into tt
shop.
r Didn't know me ?" he said, advan
IN ing and leaning across the counter.
r. hope you are not frightened, Jennie.
- was thoughtless of me but | just wan
ed peep at freside comfort, happ
a. ness | fear | have missed, eh You d
:" look so coy and content sitting ther
an and I'd give something handsome
ea 1l have pretty wife waiting at the hear
,ts for me; and really you mustn't mil
my eavesdrOpping, Jennie, will you ?
is There was something nournful in b
us looks, voice and words that touched
!. deeply and this was the more notice
ne bic from the fact that, for once, he W
70 entirely sober.
"Yes, Mark. you frightened me ter
ew bly, but it's gone now. Why don't y
IS do better-you know what meau-a
; am sure you will not find it hard
leN get the pretty wife and the domestic ha
am piness both"
.sh He shook his head.
..ToO late. I've missed my tip /
not blame anybody. thOugh-Only l
rm m luck, you know. Joe is due pretty so
%iu % now, isn't be % He glanced at t
NJ clock and nodded, and then said. II
4 q felt awfully tired and cold all the e
PV Mug, and-aud lOue7OWe- uoA
Oh lleve ever knew myself to be so lon
before :" and be laughed in a melanc
- " way. 6ddling at the same time "
the the scales on the counter. And l
but clare, he went on, glancing round o.
Ien, ". .-this is such pretty scene that il
'ln- ll 1t makes ny heart ache. Jennie. to thi
-" - have no share in it The pleas
rom glow of the chimney corner for Joe, !
the cold and snow for Mark Suei
are fate. and fellow oughtn't to compls
leu, ought he q