Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1901-11-28

low. breaking the
silence that had long brooded in the
room. Her husband rose stifily and
crossed to the window.
shes jest comm into view" he
said, his eyes on tie point where the
village road emerged from the screen
interposed by his own orchard. His
face frightened as the 1.-THE young
figure came briskly along beneath
the arch of winter boughs. Letitia
always conveyed the impression of
abounding, radiant joy. In a mo-
ment she spied him and waved her
muff gayly.
The Harlow house was but slightly
removed from the street, its severe,
uncompromising front unadorned
save for the fan light above its green
door. Letitia ~deprecatingly eyed
this door as she hurried in at the
side gate. 1t had always been a
trial to her; but, to her petitions that
it be replaced by one of modern
make, her father had. Unexpectedly
turned a deaf ear. So it had stood
in his fathers day, and so it should
remain while he had any say in the
matter.
Something II have
happened to Lefty, mother" Mr.. Har-
low said, as the girl g%leefully waved
a letter in passing the window.
Lefty is always bubbling over
about somethin'," she said, placidly.
at beats all the amour of pleasure
she gets out of everyday affairs. And
she isn't one to be always askin' for
things, either"
That's so-that's so," her husband
assented; but this is somethin' eX-
ira, I'll be bound,' and he turned
eagerly to the pretty vision hat at
that moment appeared in the door
way.
Its a letter from John, with such
a wonderful surprise! You read 1T,
father" Letitia urged, thrusting it
into his hands. Mrs. Harlow, look
ing at the pretty face with its stray
ing dimples and radiant eyes. smiled
alphabetically at her impatience,
while Mr.. Harlow fumbled for his
glasses, and, drawing near the win
dow to catch the fading light upon
the sheet, began to read. But, after
the opening sentences, Mrs. Harlow
forgot her daughter. Her eyes
dropped to the glimmering needles
and the comely old face betrayed no
sign of the inward perturbation with
which she listened to her sons pro-
iect. Mr.. Harlow stumbled occasion
ally in the reading, shifting impa-
tiently as if for better light, and
clearing his throat at intervals. The
'etter ran thus:
Chicago. January IL, 1899.
Dear Lefty: 1 have been thinking of you
sill a good deal of late, and wishing that
/ could do something to make you more
comfortable. I know that the farm meets
all running expenses, and that father has
enough laid by for the future, so that you
have no cause for worry. The house is
old, however, and lacking in conveniences,
and a new house would make life easier.
I have been lucky in my copper stocks
and made more than 1 expected. so / mean
to share my good fortune with you. I
inclose a check made payable to your or
der, and place the whole matter in you
hands. 1 will suggest, however, that you
build upon the knoll beyond the orchard,
as there is a pretty view of the river at
that point. Get a city architect to draw
up your plans, but put all else into Mason's
charge. as he is a reliable man.
LOhc ~ lOlHSIs 1dlHST aIO NOuTSG1.
Your affectionate brother,
JOHN HARLOW.
With the last words, Letitia could
aot be longer repressed. Dear old
Johni" she cried. isn't it amazing!
Oh, I have so wished for a different
house, but 1 never dreamed we would
have oneI"
A different house! But, crushing
down her dismay, the mother spoke
bravely. the echo of her own words
stin ringing in her ears. It was true
that Lefty was not one "to be ask
ing things" Should she stand in the
way of this hearts desire?
Indeed it is ~amazingi" she said,
heartily. "John is a good boy, and
mindful of our comfort, though he
has been so long from home. 1
supposed he sem quite a tidy little
sum-" and she held out her hand for
the check hat her husband silently
p~roffered. "Sakes alivei Does he
mean us to spend all that on a
h~ouse?"
Il don't know what to say" her
husband murmured in bewilderment.
He was puzzled at the manner in
which his wife accepted this aston
fishing plan. He had supposed-but
women were unaccountable. Then,
he, too, looked at Letitia's eager face
and his own softened-
$50 you're pleased, are you, little
grip" and he pinched her pink ear.
@WeIl. well-it's hard to teach old