The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1901-09-10
composIToR's ROMANCE.


Little Miss Clark wss a c7mpositor in
the Office of the Weekly Clarion, and
she found life very duh. She was often
lonely and sometimes wished she did not
have to stick type" for living. The
cffice force consisted Of only herself,
the proprietor. Mr. Potter, and Tom.
the devil. Tom was as mischievCus as
bright devils usually are. and he was the
best OF friends with Miss Clark. The
boss however, frowned at any levity.
50 that il was usually very quiet when
the three were at work in the little
cluttered-Up printing office.
But one eventful day all things were
changed by the advent OF a printer whom
Mr.. Potter introduced as the son Of an
old friend Richard Knox was bright
young fellow, we'll dressed and oren-
visaged, and Miss Clark wondered what
brought him to that little out-of-the-way
country office
He proved TO be a hustler" and won
the admiration Of ali, while he admired
the quiet little. deft-handed -compositor
and wished he knew her better.
Miss Clark was very reserved, but
though she did not speak ten words TO
him throughout the day, she cast furtive
glances a him now and then. She spec
ulated about his history and the days
appeared very short after his arrival. Mr.
Knox kept a close watch upon her. too.
but she was unaware Of that. She did not
know that he had determined to become
better acquainted with her. He had no
opportunity, however till ore afternoon
he accidentally hit her elbow while she
was emptying a sticlful of type into a
galley. She dropped ii, and made a sorry
mess Of ''pi."
Excuse my awkwardness." he exclaim-
ed. penitently. so stupid of me. I'm
very sorry"
You are quite excusable," she replied.
smiling. Such accidents viii happen"
or course, he helped her pick up the
''pi,' and in the process their heads came
very close together. It took a long time
Mr. Potter being absent, and then he
helped her distribute it. The devil grin
ned approximately.
After that the two became good friends.
and one day she asked him why he went
from one printing office TO another, like
a tramp"
You are such good workman and
too young TO start life SO" she said.
'Twould be dreadful if You degenerated
, into the ordinary tramp printer
Would you be sorry if 1 did?" ne ask
ed, studying her keenly.
Certainly I should, she answered.
with a blush.
It's very good Of you to take an in
terest in me" he replied gratefully. Il
I
soul in the world TO care whether I come
or 60. All my people are dead, so I took
TO travelling from one place 10 another to
see the world
Il wish you would give it up and settle
! down. I'm sure you would make a great
success If you did. Can't you do it,"
Yes, I could. I learned my trade in
a big New York Office, and I can 60
back there any time. They did their best
to induce me to stay, but 1 wouldn't. I'll
go if you say So"
DO. It would please ne very much,
and would be best for you"
Then, I'll do it." he answered decisive
". He kept his word. and the next
week left for New York. And when
I've settled down and am doing well. I'm
coming back to ask YOU question" he
| said in parting. gazing earnestly into her
J eyes. May I?'
The little compositor dropped her eyes
and blushed, but she nodded.
A year elapsed, during which she had a
letter from him occasionally, but he
never spoke Of returning. and she won
dered if he had forgotten.
One fine June afternoon, while she was
busily setting a local" and wondering
whether Richard would ever return, the
door suddenly opened and there he
stood. Her locals" were pi on the in
slant, and Of course, Mr.. Knox, brighter
and handsomer than ever, helped her re-
pair the mischief.
You surprised me So" she murmur-
ed but I'm real glad to see you"
Not moro than ] am to see you" he
replied. The devil was watching them
and listening, so he could do little but
gaze into her face and let his eloquent
| eyes speak for himself.
That evening he called on her. IT can't
wait any longer to hear your answer 10
my question" he said. What is II 70
( be?''
You haven't asked me any question
yet"
so I haven't, but Of course you know
/ what it is. VIII you marry me?'
yes. dear" was the low reply. And
/ the very next day Mr.. Potter was in
/ formed tina he must look for another
I compositor.-Boston Post.