New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1879-01-08
THROUGH FLOOD AND FIRE.

J
N. p. Willis.
THROUGH FLOOD AND FIRE.
II assure you, my dear boy, am ex-
tremelv sorry to appes- :.-k;nd in this
matter, but, belive me, am acting to1
the best.:'
but surely may see Rosie as usual7'
] asked.
II am afraid not" replied Mr.. Temple.
ut would be very injudicious. You are
both too young and too romantic at pres
ent. Besides, your means are utterly in
adequate maintain wife"
MAY I not biz Rosie goodbye, then9"
I persisted. Zone more meeting cannot
hurt either of US"
"Rosie is not at home." replied her IA
ther, gently, almost alphabetically, as
he shook me by the hand. "She went to
stay with some friends yesterday. Good
night; and hope for better days."
''Good-night," replied. II suppose
you don't mean to be unkind, Mr. Tenn.
pie; but you have made me very miser-
able"
"My dear young FRIEND" he replied
putting his hand on nay shoulder, 'were
you in position to MAINTAIN wife, I
would sanction your engagement in time;
but now such course, though painful for
us all, IS the only one Mrs. Temple and l
can with justice adopt. We shall be
pleased to see you again after our return
from the continent. Goodnight"
made no reply-indecd,I could not
have spoken just then. My throat was
choked with tears, and big drops
welled slowly from my eyes as walked
across the open space facing the house.
This was to be the termination of our en-
gagement, thenl
Rosie Temple and had hattered our
selves that a series of dances, picnics, and
charade-parties, with very good knowl-
edge of lawn-tennis and croquet, consti-
tuted housekeeping. We had only $500
year between us, and dear Rose always
spent e40 at least on her dress annually.
She had lately been very economical in
the matters of gloves, and had made her.
self bonnet which was in every sense
becoming. Still, we were not much near
er TO matrimony then; and now
So pursued my way across the COM
mon, and I do not mind confessing that
I shed tears as walked in that dark
evening beneath the trees and into the
gloomy and desolate highway, caring for
nothing and for nobody except Rosie
my pretty, piquant Rosie-wondering
whittier she had gone, or had she really
gone. Was it not pardonable subter-
fuge CT the part Of Mr.. Temple to induce
me to leave the neiQhborhoods
At that time had, unfortunately, no
occupation. had been a clerk in
clearinghouse, but the ''bad times" had
necessitated reduction in the ''staff."
and was one OF those sent away at q
months notice and a months salary.
True, I had small income derivable
from legacy, but this was scarcely
enough to keep me in bread and cheese
and clothing.
It will therefore be seen that Mr.. Tenn
pie was quite right. Matrimony was a
luxury could not afford. 1 acknowl-
edged it even then as I went home de-
spending.
When reached my lodgings found
two letters awaiting me. One was from
my brother, who was commanding de-
tachment of bis regiment in Irland, the
other from my fathers late solicitor. 1
opened the ''of6cial" note first.
It contained only few lines, reqre est
ing me to call on him in London in a
day or two, as perhaps might be able
to do some work for the good-narured
lawyer.
The other letter was most cheerful.
and bore warm invitation to share nv
brothers country quarters for a fort
night, .'or longer if liked" next month.
Before went to bed replied to both
my kind correspondents, accepting both
invitations.
Next day went to Londen, and in
the afternoon called upon the solicitor
nervouslv.
His business was simple. Did know
French2 I did. Was I acquainted with
bookkeeping? was.
"Well, then" said he. "will you 20 to
Geneva, and transact this business, partic-
uiars of which will give you to- morrow2
You shall be paid as my clerk, and have
your expenses and something besides"
"Agreed," l said, gladly;"I will go.
When am I to set out?"
"As soon as you can get ready. If you
do this well I think can help you to
something better"
I wrung his hand and left him, took the
first train home, packed up, and next
morning at eleven o'clock was at his of.
ice in London again. wrote To NV