Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1882-04-20

gNu hob SOiuc
Because l had no leisure time until
after hours here, and then L knew it
would be useless to do So You have
not changed much in six years, Harry,
except''-holding me off at arms length
and surveying me- grown thinner"
colder and more care-worn' you
might have added in TRUTH
What are you, Assistant Postmaster
General, Chief Clerk, or whatP How
am l to address you?'' et
"Alas, my dear fellow, am only
poor dead-letter clerk, and am glad to
be this, with no title at all.''
" A what?''
1t must be remembered that Tom had
just returned from the West, and proba-
bly, COMPOUNDED dead letter with a
deadbeat, and supposed 1 was an
:" honorary" who received no pay
Possibly my plain attire confirmed this
opinion.
/ soon explained the difference, but
Tom, could see, had backwoods-
mans contempt for a strong, healthy
young fellow who was willing to pass
his life chained to desk at any salary.
"Why, my dear fellow" he said, "it
is worse than the tread mill, and do you
expect to 60 on all your life at this
rate?"
&c l may be promoted; if not, 1 shall
only be too glad to remain where am.
| have been exceedingly fortunate as it
is, considering have no influence. Not
many under these circumstances would
retain Office after change of Admins
tration.
"On what does your promotion de-
pendp"
laughed and answered, "on the
death of one of nv best friends, or
caprice of the heart, or my exceeding
great merit and efficiency coming to
ight-not one of the above likely to
occur.''
Toms only answer was a low whistle.
Our walk had now brought US to my
lodgings, where, undisturbed, we could
relate our several adventures. Mine
were soon told-the Encouragement,
the weary waiting, and the success at
last. To Tom only did confide it all,
sure of his warm-hearted sympathy. I
knew he would not laugh at my early
ambition-nor was l mistaken.
"And Sophie?'' he said, when had
finished; "where is she, and what is
sheP"
"Ah, Tom, this is the hardest part.
She is still at home, waiting for me. [
have not seen her since left. l promised
to marry her when returned, and am
not able, so 1 have not the courage to
meet her and tell her this. She is faith
full and true, her letters full of patient
trust and hope, which confess can not
respond to. Sometimes fear 1 am do
ing wrong to continue an engagement
of which the fultillment is impossible.
Yet l have not the courage to make so
great sacrifice. But enough of my
self, tell me how the world has gone
with YOU s
"Not very well. I've not made my
fortune," said he, laughingly, "nor do [
see the way. My poor Fannie died, as
you know, when our little girl, Lima,
was six months old. suppose l lost
heart then, or, perhaps, it was the be-
ginning of misfortune. At all events, I
lind myself poorer man now than on
the day of my marriage. l should not
care if it were not for the little one. For
her sake wish to retrieve my fortune,
that, in case of my death, the child may
be at least independent. You have yet
to see my darling," he continued, his
face lighting. 'She is lovely. Do you
know, have never been separated from
the child since her mothers death.
l have faithful servant who nursed
Lima smother and who is equally devoted
to the child. Come and dine with me on
Sunday, and will introduce you to the
most fascinating little fairy the world
contains
sI shall try to admire her, but give
you warning I'm not fond of babies nor
they of me-"
sit is because you are a Grabbed old
bachelor, and the sooner You marry
Sophie the better, and now good night"
sat up long after Tom left, musing
and asking myself if 1 had not been
fool after all. Would it not have been
better to have gone West with Tom than
to have sought a clerkship in Washing
tonP Tom, to be sure, was not wealthy,
but he had competency, sufficient to
marry upon, whereas / had toiled the
same length of time and had Just enough
to support myself. I retired with a sad
and heavy heart, half determined to join
Tom on his return home. l was heartily
tired of Office work, day after day, the
same routine. Toms free and indie
pendent spirit had quite captivated me,
and awakened a longing for country life
l
which 1 had never before experienced
I went to sleep dreaming of forests,
mountains and wales, all of which were
in some sort connected with Sophie.
did not see Tom again until Sunday.
He was busy with his claim and at the
office.
And what a pleasant morning we
spent that Sunday, talking over old
times. Little Lima was out for a walk
with her nurse, so we were quite unin-
terrupted. rather dreaded the child's
arrival, as likely to put final stop to
our conversation, and, indeed, was
right, for no sooner did she appear than
Tom subsidized into the devoted papa, and
knew him no more.
tsIs she not beautiful" he asked,
standing her upon the table and turning
her round for my inspection.
"Yes, she is" and so the child thought,
too, for she smiled and looked up at me
archly. e.-..e tsr4