Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1888-04-26
AT THE STORES.
Three Very Happy People, and
What Made Them So.
CHAPTER /.


CHAPTER L
She was tired. A long day at the Stores,
with July sun beating down upon the
building, is wearying; but when to all the
harassing calculations as to the necessary
details of a boys school outfit, from a
woman's point of view, are added the
necessities from that same boys point of
view, then is that woman's life burden
indeed.
Oh, say, aunt, don't want any more
pocket-handkerchiefs; but can't possibly
go to school without decent racquet"
And when this same boy seems to have
solved the problem of perpetual motion,
to say nothing of an ubiquitous presence,
1t is easy to understand the condition of
mind and body with which Mrs. Dale
finally suggested an adjournment to the
refreshment room. Five minutes before
she had seen the boy descending with in
terested face-which he vainly tried to
make lordly and calm-in the lift, and had
reJo1ced over the prospect of some peace
full moments over the contemplation of
socks, and here he was at her elbow again,
with his usual preface to new want:
''Oh, I say, aunt, what rot!" with a dis
gusted glance at the pile of hose on the
counter. 81 call that waste of money.
WOULD be SO much better to spend the
money on little spirit lamp and methyl-
ated"-
"And, pray, what part are those to
play?"-
sob, to boil fellows kettle or things.
You never know
''My dear Steve. l know nothing.
thought I did till 1 came here. But now 1
am willing to own my ignorance. Never
vri1 + tn no lodi ,,fo &c
necessities again. 1 am worn out-and
have become aphilosopher. We wear too
many clothes. We ought to return to the
simplicity OF our ancestors, and clothe
ourselves in blue paint and fishing rod
Let us go and have some tea. Perhaps a
bun might be reflection of some weight
to your mind and body. If you can sit
still five minutes without moving or say
ing: 'Oh, say, aunt, you know will
give you seven"
He tucked his arm with eager, grateful
affection into hers, and led her off to the
refreshment room.
1t was crowded, but, after much i'm
portant eagerness, with some slight pom
posity as beftted the dignity of his
quest in her service, he found her a table.
The order was given to the waiter, but
scarcely had the boy sat down than he
bounced up again, having caught a
of the room. His aunt leaned YEARLY
back in her chair, as he plunged reckless
1y between the tables, looking after him
with shining, lovingieyes, which suddenly
dilated and darkened into amazement,
fear, anger, and q strange, regretful pain.
A man had suddenly risen from one of the
tables between her and the school boys.
She had not noticed him as he sat, but
now, when he rose and shut out the dis
. H.,
greeting his friend, she saw nothing else
but this tall, slightly-built young man,
with his face still pale from recent
severe illness. His right arm was in a
sling. He caught sight of her at the same
instant. He hesitated for a second, his
pale face growing paler. Then he strobe
quickly toward her. She looked down for
q moment, toying with the parasol on her
knee. When she raised her eyes again
they were calm and cold.
"Major Huddlestone" she said, with
the same cold brightness, "what an age it
is since we metn'
Major Huddlestone colored slightly as
he took her hand, apologizing for doing
so with his left.
81 know" she said hastily, her eyes not
quite so calm: but the waiter brought up
the tea and cakes, and at the same mo-
ment young Steve came blowing back
through the tables, regardless of the toes
and feelings of the occupiers. my
nephew" she said to Major Huddleston !;
ssand he is going to school in the autumn,
and his mother asked me to bring him here
TO get his outfit. His name is Stephen
eyes, said the Major.
Tt twas a nephew of her late husbands.
1t made him think of that husband. Per-
haps that was what she intended MIN TO
dc, he thought as he tugged at his fa1r
mustache and looked gravely at the BOY.
Sand jolly day we had, too, though
aunt is awfully tired. But we shail nave
to come another day; we haven't half I'M
ished." .
ssWe shall have to come another day"
she said, smiling with sweetness that
was angelic, considering what she had al
ready gone through.
'sAnd then we shall see about that hsh-
ing rod and things; and oh, say, aunt,
really must have"-
"Another bum" said the Major, good
humoredly 81 wish could eat buns! !"
The boy looked up at him with scorn ana
some resentment
There's nothing to speak or In THESE
buns. could polish off a Dozen"
His aunt and the Major laughed, and the
sympathetic bond of that laughter seemed
to draw them nearer each other. Inc
brilliant coldness of her society manner
vanished. :,
ssSit down in that chair and talk to us, "
she said, genially, eff you are not In a
hurry"
1t was hardly likely that he would be In
q hurry when he had not seen her Tor
fifteen years; but as he had never been
gifted with eloquence when his deep feel
ings were concerned he could say moth
ing now, and simply sat down on the
third chair at the little table. He found
it easier to look at and talk to the boy.
"And so you are going to sahool?" he
said. swhat are you going to learn to
be?'-
aOh, q soldier. Aunt says that any fell
1oS she cared"-