Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1893-03-23

tween them, and Joe left with the firm
conviction of her Inconsistency.
| This is not meant to be fiction, but
simple and real life in some of its var
led forms. Joe was but man, and,
though he may have acted very unlike
a hero, he acted as many have done
before and since.
| Was it wonderful that his thoughts
should turn to MaryP Not the girl of
his heart to be sure, but then he once
thought so, and Mary loved him.
Those were few happy days for Mary;
Joe did not thinkingly deceive her; it
was his nature to be tender with all
pretty women. Mary knew OF his diff
ference with Georgia. But then she
/ thought: ssJoe doesn't seem to feel it
much, and l believe he does care for
me.''
So they were married, Joseph Haines
to Mary Bowers, one beautiful spring
morning, and Mary went to live-in the
little house on the hillside. Mrs..
Bowers was no longer widow, having
| changed her name at the request of a
well-to-do old bachelor, and was happy.
Days and months went by and the
young wife was alternately happy and
| miserable; she was not long in decid
ing she had made mistake. Her
husband was very kind to her in every
way but one; though he seemed to find
more consolation in solitary rambles
with his gun and dog, Georgia's face
sad, longing face, it appeared to him
that spoke of despair to both. 1t was
plain to his wife, that Joe was no less
unhappy than herself. but she was de-
termined he should find no fault in her.
No, Joe could not; why could he not
love her? 1t is something that can
hardly be explained, this momentary |
love, or infatuation, and the slumber-I
eternal love both existing at the same |
time. And time alone will prove which
is stronger of the two.
The cold winter months were drag
ging themselves by, and Joe continued
to gather harvest of fresh meat in
plentiful store. Little encouraginglyl
could be said of the lonely hearts on
the hillside. Mary had a look of resig-
nation on her face, and had fixed
purpose to live if only to love. The
other found much in his little wife to adj
mire, and often wished he could make
her happier. The time came and only
too soon, Joe afterwards often thought.
One evening he returned rather earlier
han usual, having helped TO drive his
and neighbor's cattle to market that
lay. On entering the house he found
t vacated. The next moment he heard
lis dog, which had been with him,
rowling somewhere outside. He found
he noise came from the barn, and run
ling there, he found his wife lying
notionless upon the stable-floor. Hell.
fitted her carefully in his arms and
,arried her into the house. She had
allen from the loft in the attempt to
ind eggs for Joe's supper; he saw it
IL. After much diligence on his part,
oe saw signs of returning life. Mary
PRESENTLY opened her eyes and again :
losed them. Then she was conscious
f some one holding her hand, and felt :
warm tears and kisses upon her cheek.
he opened her eyes again, it was Joe.
Ter little arms were around his big .
ody, and his face was buried in the
illow with remorse. '.And you really :
owe me Joe, y she said family? Hel
ould only answer with his tears. I
bays passed, and Mary never COM :
lained. She felt the pain in her back :
cry little, but was unable to rise. It
,as never present with her when Joe
7as near, as he was now most constant :
?. That this painful pleasure would :
OF last long, was apparent to all z
Tearly month had past since her in =
ary, when she lay with her hand =
lasped in Joe's, talking in a low voice.
i can't stay with you here always, : :
oe, y she said, ..And you love me?" :
..Oh! none other, Joe answered in a s
hoking voice.
..You never did love her Joe?n = 3
mo, no. And she is to be married :
Jon, = he said quietly.
.sJoe will you lay me out therennder
le two pines?" the dying girl asked.
e pressed her land and his heart of
ent out with hls sobs. Heaven and 20
.rth seemed to join hands that night Y
hen the earthly love ascended with
le spirit that left its love behind III
Job Work Of all kinds neatly execus 60
at this Office. I'M