The Labor enquirer., 1882-12-23

NuAoIto I1IIOiCou, G1lOuSu, VI SOuISc, IuSlI
friendships had ceased, except for a
pleasant nod now and then. Their lives
were so utterly apart! God had showerd
such full, choice blessings on that girl
Martha could catch glimpse Of her now
through the folds Of the lace window
curtains of the judges library, sewing
by the lamp: how delicate, and fair, and
quiet,she was her face still with content
and security.
It was not her beauty that Martha
envied, nor position; it was the num-
bered chances she held ''The chances
the very air Of the house is full of life,
and music, and culture, every day. Not
one Of these men and women to whom
she talks that does not help her to
knowledge and refinement 1t is easy
to live nobiy, supported by nobler souls
-" am afraid it was bitter smile
which Martha gave at that moment,
seeing Sam Carton enter the gate
Over the street young Robert Fullmer,
the states attorney, had stopped at
Judge Lynn's. People said he was soon
to marry Miss Lynn. No man in his
party. they also said, had the mental
force Of Fullmer; even his enemies
prophesicd d sure and speedy ascent for
him. All her life first chance for her.
said Martha to herself. "AlWavS power,
and place to stand where she can make
God and man glad that she has lived
1t was the night before New Years,
and a wild fancy crossed her mind.
What if with the new year a new life
could begin for herself; if some magic
could tear her out of this dull, vulgar
commonplace, and give her, too, higher
heroic destiny Il wouldn't care how
terrible was the pain it held" she said,
"if -'
Sam Carton opened the door just then.
Now the girl loved Sam. whether she
knew it or not. She hurried a smile on
her face so as to please him, and felt a
little crestfaIIem when he did not notice
it, or her particularly, but began taking,
as her father had done all day, Of the
meeting, and old Dyke, and the gOyner
question. But forgot, Matty," he said,
at last, "you don't care whether we elect
our candidate or not What do you see
out of the window, Ell? It's a biting
cold night" coming up beside helJ
"Yon's Bob Fullmer, going in there.
They say he's honevf1gled that pretty
daughter of Lynns into marrying him.
It's pity"
why? sharply. "What do you know
of Mr.. Fullmer?'
"Hes not the true wood for a man,
Matty," rubbing his red hands in his
numbering, slow way. "Not the true
wood There's things about him |
wouldn't say-to you. But that was a
scOundrelIy trick, now, he PLAYED our
. firm about that screw matter. You
mind" ."
Yes, something of it, indiferently.
THAT did set my teeth on edge. I've
sworn often I'd be revenged on Bob
FulImer for that. But it's likely it'll 90
off in+swearing," with a good natured
laugh. "What are you going to do
tomorrow, Matty? It's a holiday. New
Years, you know?n.
Martha looked at him wistfully. 81
don't know. | think, Sam--if one
could have a new life-begin all over
again tomorrow w-"
"Eh? Yes! | see," looking gravely
out of the window, his face reminding
her, as it often did, that there were
depths of quiet and seriousness about
him in which she had no share. "Most
days seem like that to me-a fresh start.
He was silent for awhile, then reused
himself "Well, Matty, | must be of.
I only stopped to look at you on my way
to the meeting"
She stood tapping on the window sill.
This was the end of most Of their inter
views-iust such every day jog trot sort
of talk She had read of passionate love
words, OF tender looks; they were not
for such as her. "It's early yet, Sam,
smothering sigh.
'No, I think not. Will you look at
the clock, Matty? My watch is stopped.
She went into the back chamber to look
at a clock behind the door, taking a
candle with her. 1T wants five minutes
Of eiUht Eathn, got nnrs hN the town