The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1886-02-05
A BRIGHT ENDING.
A Story Of Injustice, Hunger and
Death.

Death.
1t was known as hard winter. Bread
had risen penny loaf; Goals five shil-
lirgs ton, and there were strikes all
over England. Long before the usual
time the singing birds were flying sun
wards and numbers of small animals
were stocking their cupboards and get
ting their winter nests ready. In the
first week of December there was q
heavy fall of snow, and in Chester ter
race the aspect was bright and beauti-
full. Stars and moon were shining on
ii. and the fresh, crisp air was thronged
with white wings floating and falling.
Upon Mr.. Everscle, this beauty-sweet
TO some. cruel to more-produced no
impression. Indeed, winter was shut
out 1t was night. Heavy curtains
shaded the windows of the luxurious
study. in which nothing was lacking that
could contribute to the enjoyment of
material life. From ceiling to floor were
shelves lined with books; there were
busts of great men in suitable places;
tnere were pictures on the walls, the
most CONSPICUOUS being portrait of Mr..
Eversole h mself. hung where the light
fell on it night and day. 1t was Curl
ously uniiattering resemblance. Some
men would have had the hard lines and
lights of the features softened. but Mr..
Eversole seemed TO take pride in them.
Books. manuscripts and wine were
on the study table; a cheerful fire was
blazing; soft and soothing light was
diffused through the room. Despite
these evidences of comfort, Mr.. Ever
sole was disturbed in spirit. He ex-
pected visitor and he glanced impa-
tiently at the clock. His thought was,
''Shiftless, lost, with no sense of respon-
sibilty." And further. "Why are they
permitted"
The minutes passed. The silvery
tongue of the clock, ON the summit of
which was represented gloomy figure
of Time, proclaimed the passing of
another hour. At each stroke the
scytne rose and descended. with the air
of an avenger who took delight in slay-
ing the record. When the sounds
ceased servant made his appearance,
and saying, .sMr. Richard, SIR" admit
ted man covered with snow.
His clothes were shabby and denoted
poverty. but he bore himself in the pres
ence of Mr. Eversole as an equal would
have done. He was tall and spare. his
hands were finely shaped. and in his
face a gentle nature was portrayed.
You should have shaken it off out
side" said Mr.. EversOle in . tone of
displeasure, pointing to the snow on his
visitors clothing.
ut did not occur to me-" said Mr..
Richard, Il have other matters to think
of
1 .Weighty matters. doubtless" said
Mr.. Eversole, with a sneer.
Every weighty," assented Mr.. Rich
ard, gravely.
You have kept me waiting. made
the appointment for eight 1t is now
nine
Indeed! But you may guess have
no watch"
There are churches"
True, there are churches. A mo-
ment, please"
He pressed his hand on the table to
support himself through fit of terrible
coughing, which almost tore him to
pieces.
Pardon me-" he said. presently.
with laboring breath. This sort of
thing must be very unpleasant to you. "
at is-eminently So"
''Sut it happens, fortunately or I'M
fortunately to me, to be unavoidable.
Tell me the object of this meeting, and
remember it is not who sought it."
you would have come to me sooner
or later"
Never. told you SO when we last
met. But it will be profitless to handy
words. What is your object in bidding
me come here?"
lit is for your good, not for mine. !
thought one last appeal from a man in
nv position to a man SO low as you
might not be thrown away. Understand
it will be the last time we shall speak
together.
.sApart from any resolution you have
formed" said Mr.. Richard, and there
was in his voice touch of scornful
sweetness, sit is more than likely that
after this night we shall meet no more.
Be sure that shall not seek you out.
Come, strange as it may sound in your
ears, my time just now is of infinitely
more value than yours. / can not af-
ford to have it wasted. Disclose what
is in your mind and end the farce. You
have wearied me already"
Unbidden, he sank into a chair, moi
from WEAKNESS, but from physical
weakness.
'qprefer,' said Mr.. Eversole, mot to
be brutal"
THAT is good hearing"
'tAnd shall state, in my own way,
how the account between us stands.
'.Ah!' said Mr. Richard, simply; but
there was glitter in his eyes as he pre-
pared to listen.
''You and have known each other
now" said Mr.. Eversole, making ar
arch Of his fingers and thumbs. ''fol
some eight and twenty years.
..In the art of reckoning you were al
ways master Yes; was scarcely two
years of age when you married m,
mother"