Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1888-03-15


One evening as he came in to pass
an hour with Mary, he thought her
| pre-occupied. and felt, rather than
saw. a difference from yesterday.
She sat by the fire, playing with a pea
cock fan; and only looking up to
greet him. resumed her contemplation
of the blazing coal.
! Atkinson, as he stood leaning
against the mantle. thought he had
never seen her look so well. Always
a handsome woman, incre asing years
had but added to her charm. He
noted with admiration the quiet ele-
gance of her dress, the fitness of her
| few ornaments.
Presently she looked up. do you
remember, Robert, it was thirteen
years ago to-day that Vale brought me
to this house? 1t was on such an
evening as this that we three gath
cred around the first fire lit in my new
home"
Il remember" said Robert, with a
sigh; land how proud Vale was to in
stall its mistress, and what q happy
evening we spent"
Yes" said Mary; II have been
thinking over all that is past. We have
had many joys and sorrows here-and
shared them together. Here my chill
dren were born. and died. That was
bitter blow, but Robert helped me
| bear it."
Atkinson said nothing, res pecting
her sorrow. and there was silence
again until Mary, rousing herself
from q reverie into which she had fall
en-, said:
you had known him long before !
| did. He was always the same noble,
unselfish man I knew him, was he notP
Oh, yes. l know what you will say
| but love to hear you say it"
you and know what he was. Mary
the best, the dearest fellow that ever
| lived' Atkin son went on to re-
capitulate incidents that showed Wales
integrity, his generous spirit, and all
those endearing traits which both so
fondly boosted in him, ending with:
IF he could only have been spared to
us, Mary! There was not so happy a
house on earth as his. "
Yes. we were too happy, and it
adds to my sorrow now." said Mary.
mo one would have been so panied
to see you in sorrow. as Robert" said
Atkinson. '.But surely something has
happened to sadden you. M ary," he
added, with hope that he might help
her.
She CLAN ced up at him; then resum-
ing her contemplation of the fire, said:
81 have been reviewing my past life
and my present-and-you and ], Rob-
ert, are singularly alone in the world.
have not a near relative living, and
neither. think, have YOU"
No." said Atkinson, mot one,
| now"
Had my children been spared me-"
pursued Mary V ale-"but 1 am very
lonely"
Yale would be sorry for that, but
how can it be helpedP" said Atkinson.
You know you may count on me-"
Yes l know. No brother could be
kinder than you have always shown
yourself; but changes may occur Who
knows what may Representation
ert, l need your help. your advice
now"
''You shall have it, Mary" said At
! was the prelude, but far from guess
ing.
Mary shifted her seat little. so that
her face was partly averted from At
kinson's glance, and said: "You know
Mr. Cranston-Mr. Charles G ranston
well, think?'
ooh yes, certainly"
What is your opinion of him?''
"Why. as to that. he is a gentleman,
a man of honor respect him highly.
But why do you ask?"
Mary was silent. After pause:
Mr. Cranston would..be acceptable to
YOU as a sutton for sister, or friend
of yours?"
'Why,yesi but have no sister, you
know"
mo Robert have received an
offer of marriage from him. He is
waiting for an answer
You are not thinking of accepting
him! I beg your pardon. I was
rude.
''Why not, Robert? Why not ac-
ceptP Have you any objectionP'
No. None" said Atkinson, too
amazed to add any thing further.
"Then why should not marry himP
If | were not so alone" Atkinson,
deeply hurt by the imputation. cast q
reproachful glance at her. which she
answered by saying: Yes, l know.
Robert-but l must not allow myself
to be selfish and keep you always by
my side. A time might come when
you would gladly be released, and
then you would find me hinderance to
your freedom and l should feel it. I
must spare you-spare both of us
the possible pain, by doing what is
best now"
''What do you wish me to say?
What advice must l give?" said At
kinson, in a smothered voice.
You know what / want" she an
swered, with suspicion of vexation
in her voice. you know this man
far better than can. 1 felt that in
taking his name could do so without
losing my dignity. and have brought
myself to think 1t may be best that I
should do so. 1t remains for you to
advise me- and / will abide by it.
Atkinson made no reply, but sat
with his eyes fixed upon her face.
why don't you speak?' said Mary
at length. "Why don't you
He sprang TO his feet, and turning
at the door said: Il must have time
| T can't ~ and ,yaS rouo