The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-07-03
Romance Of a Life,

twenty y-HfSG year, ledNlHS lut LIS lull
charge of delicate sister, and an affec-
tionate, but much afflicted mother. He
was taken ill suddenly, and before we
realized the truth of our situation,
he was gathered to the home of his fore
fathers.
For twenty years previous to his
death, he had held the position of pay
ing teller in the - Bank, discharging
his duties to the ultimate satisfaction
of his employers, and the pleasure of his
fellow employees. He had, out of
liberal salary, besides keeping us al
ways in moderate ''style," purchased
neat little home in Harlem, and thither
we moved from the more fash enable
thoroughfare of the city. So on this
home and my rather scant salary de-
pended our whole subsistence.
held the position of clerk in the
counting-room of Hudliffe, Ruff & Co.
l had, as it were, grown up in this busi-
ness, and my employers likod me so
much so, that they at one time placed
in me a confidence which strangely af-
fected my after life.
One bright spring morning, two years
after my fathers death, was seated at
my desk, adding upon large column of
figures Mr.. Hudliffe entered the room,
walked up to my desk, coughed a few
times-he was afflicted with Asthma
and accosted me thus:
"Well. Charlie, how would you like to
have a trip to Europe ?"
First rate, Mr.. Hudliffe," l replied.
"To what part of Europe do you re-
fer?'
"England.'
The false thought occurred to my
mind tn he might have entertaind the
benevolent idea of giving me three
months vacation, and a return ticket
"The very place on earth l desire
most to see.'
"Why so, Charlie ~
because it was once the home Of my
father"
Apparently, Mr.. Hudliffe became af
fected at my answer, for he wiped hi
brow with his handkerchief, and
thought | beheld tear, but no. it il
impossible, l thought again, for rich mel
seldom sb ed tears
"The reason ask you" he continued
sis simply this: You know We have
branch house in London?'
Yes, SIR"
'This house hos not turned out salts
faetorily during the last year, so that W
entertain doubts as to the honesty of it
managers, and intend sending some re
liable person to look over the books AM
find where lies the deficiency. | hav
talked it over with Mr.. Ruff, and W
have come to the conclusion that we vii
send you"
"My mother?"
"She can get along without you. Sh
can draw your salary, and more, if neces
sary. Of course we defray your e1
penses."
"How long shall I be away ~
"Not more than one year"
81 will consult mother" l replied.
II must have decisive answer tc
morrow" he said, and then quietl
walked away.
That evening l acquainted mothe
with the whole interview.
, "Charlie," said she, in her usual a
: fectionate way, sit is hard to part, br
think it prudent that you go. 1t is
kind offer which many would gladly az
\ cept, and if you refuse, Mr. Hudlih
may be displeased."
2 1t was sad parting. | felt as | kisse
both good bye, that it might be OF
last meeting on earth.
Strange-mother bore it better than
: She was calm and thoughtful. My si'
ter, little, delicate creature, sobbed an
. cried aloud. thought her heart woul
break.
t Then she suddenly ceased, as thoug
/ all her tears had flown, a still, sad e.
preston overspread her delicate fac
T. and she passionately exclaimed:
: "God bless you! Goodbye"
: hastened away, but thatsad farewe
5 sounded in my ears as death-knell, an
t ever and anon that pale face haunte
: me.
6 Two weeks passed by, and l was in tt
+ great English capital. I instantly tel
}, graphed to my mother and sister, (
4 4 had been their wish ere l started, ii
forming them of my safe arrival, an