Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1898-08-04

w ILLIAM and I had been married
w two years, when he received a
letter from an old friend and neighboI
who was in business il Colorado offer
ing him a position with a good salary
attached and a promise of future ad-
yancement.
From the time of our marriage we
had felt satisfied and happy with the
modest income yielded by an honorable
position in the town of L in Ohio,
but, when a greater opportunity of
fered, we seriously considered il, and
at length concluded to accept.
We made our preparations for the
change with many heart-burnings, fol-
the severing of old ties was hard TO
bear and as the last partings with
childhood friends were said and the
tree-clad hills disappeared, we felt
somewhat less certain as to the wisdom
of our choice.
But new scenes brought new
thoughts, and soon cur journey was al
an end and the hearty grasp of Mr..
Thomas hand assured us that we had
one friend in this new land.
We had heard much of the clear air
and beautiful scenery of the noun
tains, and as we glanced over the little
town lying at their feet. while from
two sides a fower-sprinkled plain
swept to meet the sky, we felt a sense
Of JOY and interest in the new life open
ing before US. The air of activity was
in such contrast to the quiet life we
had left. that it seemed we had stepped
ourselves merged in the busy whirl,
for Williams duties began at once and
upon me developed ,he arrangement OF
our new home.
Mr.. Thomas had taken for US house
two miles from the town. and 1 well
coined its possibilities with delight,
for 1 was sure no more coy home nest
could be found. The house was an IN
usually good one for a new country,
having been the home of a wealthy
Englishman who had returned to his
own land.
1t was built of strong mountain pine
and stood where we could have fine
view of mountain and plain, and far
enough from the road to afford seclu-
sion.
In one corner of the yard stood a
good stable, for the Englishman was
sidered this fortunate, as we had de-
cided to buy a strong horse. that I
might drive William TO his work, and
that we might. together, in leisure
hours, visit the many beautiful places
about us. had no fear of being lonely,
although the country was new and my
only neighbor lived mile away in
long. low ranch cabin.
I secured a strong girl to aid me in
putting our house in order, and felt d
just thrill of pleasure when the work
was finished and 1 heard Williams
words of praise
The diniDg-room contained beauti
fully ornamented CRATE. in whose wide
depths the mountain pine burned glo-
riously. and upon its polished shelf
arranged vases of gay mountain flow
ers. while easy chairs, bright carpet,
soft muslin curtains, shelves for books,
and small piano, our only luxury,
made the room complete.
y broad hall separated this room
from the kitchen---Shich was large,
light and airy, and where Tillie reigned
a model house girl-and from the
hall a broad stairway with a spacious
landing led to the sleeping rooms
above. of which there were three. To
give extra security against intruders
there were double doors and strong
outside shutters fastened by heavy
bars.
As the autumn days came on, the
drives and trips we took
brought both health and happiness.
and when one evening William asked
me to drive him down after tea that
he might attend a political meeting,
and on the way informed me that our
friend Mr.. Thomas was candidate for
treasurer and had asked his
aid. / little dreamed that il was the
first cloud in our happy lives.
How clearly / remember that ride.
/ finger in memory ever the delight i
felt as our pony trotted gayly over the
road that stretched away as smooth as
a floor. Will. the mountains and plain
were bathed in the soft moonlight. We
talked of the future, of what might be
the benefit to US if Mr.. Thomas should
be elected: we talked of the past. and
the friends at home. little dreaming
that over US was the shadow of a great
1 returned home before the meeting.
for William said ne would walk back
after IT was over. and ] spent the even
ing reading until II o'clock. when Will
liam came in flushed with victory, for
IL had been decided in caucus that Mr..
Thomas would be chosen candidate