Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-07-29

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cd in calling the fragile little accountant.
III the intervals of business. of sight-see-
ing and of writing to his wife-this last
being his favorite way Of filling in odd
moments.
While driving with Mr. Bronson late
one sultry July afternoon in Central Park.
Inc broke out abruptly, vet with tone OF
peculiar carnestness, which the Younger
man had learned TO understand covered
some deep feeling.
Your eyes need opening, friend Bron-
son. Oh. not at all in regard to your
horsemanship; you hold the reins like an
expert. beg Your pardon. but I wan;
to speak to you about your confidential
clerk. You look surprised. I suppose I
shall surprise you still more my dear fell
low, when tell you she is dying by inches
there in that sitting office, before your
very eyes. and you arc so accustomed 10
her clear, white rose Of face and her
gentle ways that YOU can't understand
that anything is wrong with her.
Why, man, even /. with my broad
chest and perfect health. almost lose nav
breath every time ] run up those stairs.
She has faded and wilted and lost vital
ity perceptibly in the week that have
been here. Her lovely face grows more
and more transparent every day.
Now Oliver Walker, nv confidential
clerk, Is wild to come to New York. He's
cute, sharp fellow. conscientious and in
dnstrious, and being so well acquainted
with my business he would work into
yours with little difficulty. Now want
to propose to Won that we change confiden-
tial clerks. The fresh western air will
brace that little woman right up, know
enough Of woDian-kind to know that it i
matter of life and death with her. The
change. the journey. the meeting with
new people will renew her personality :
she won't know herself in months
time.
This great ciN broadens the lives of
those who are in constant attrition with
their kind. but IL more contracting than
the most isolated country lite can be to n
soul moving in daily rut.
know she is valuable tn YOU. but when
the flower utterly fades and falls to the
ground you will be obliged to take some
one to fiji her place.
II cant dispute your argument re-
piled the young man thoughtfully, bring
ing his housekeeping horses down to a
walk
II have no doubt she needs rest and
change. The place is "A responsible one,
and there is a great deal put upon her,
as there is apt to be upon person so elf
cient and 40 oblieing.
! never saw her out of temper and
never heard Der complain Of WEAKNESS.
She has no relatives. and never seems 10
care about taking vacation. She could
never be persuaded to leave us. - he con-
tinued, presently, with confident smile
curling his tawny moustache.
1--WE will, however, for the sake of JUS
tee, submit the proposition To her. |
have no right to dismiss the subject until
she has been consulted.
think YOU are needlesslv alarmed in
regard to her health. however She has
wonderful powers of endurance, although
it is true, she has looked as fragile rs that
day lily yondcr all the ten years she has
been with u.s.
"fen yenrs ~
Ten years last autumn
Mr.. Sturtevant went back to his airy
room at the ST. Nicholas. and wrote long
letter to his wife. although he had already
sent her postal card and a telegram that
day. lie used to say that his pcnt-up en-
thusiasm would explode. had he not the
safety-valve Of writing to Eliza always at
hand.
The next morning Mr.. Sturtevant APP
pcared Mt the Bronson office Just as the
old black porter was taking down the
shutters. He had not long to wait how
over, and disclosed his plan to Miss Clark,
while she was removing her simple wrap
and plain straw hat.
You say Mr.. Bronson is willing to
make the exchange ?" she queried with
taltering voice, seating herself mt her desk
and mechanically breaking the seal of the
topmost letter of that mornings mail
Yes. for your good. remember"
II will GO"
That was all. Mr. Sturtevaut. with Il
rare knowledge oil woman gained from
his long and fclicitous union with Eliza.
went over to u window and sat down to
look at the morning papers. while she
busted herself with the mail rs usual but
with faint glow on her cheeks. warning
of an inward fire. like the reflection on the
snowy petals of the CLEAN in the chalice
OF cactus cup. An hour passed thus.
and her employer entered. genial and
gentlcmanly rs usual.
Continued Tomorrow