Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1904-03-01
A TYPEWRITER STORY.
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70 OW well l remember the day
I6I when first came into the office,
~ right from the factory, with my
enamel black and shining and my
nickel trimmings untarniShed! 1t was
late in the afternoon when l arrived
and the office was deserted. | was
rather lonely that first night, for |
missed the lively chatter to which l
had been accustomed, and the new oak
desk to which l was securely fastened
seemed somewhat unsociable
The next morning l was abruptly
awakened by a babel of girlish voices
and soon one of the speakers sat down
at my desk and drew me out into the
light. When l glanced rather fearfully
into her face | was treasured, for her
brown eyes were very pleasant and
kind. and L found the touch of her
hand light and practiced.
How fast those little fingers would
fly over my white keys, as my carriage
slipped back and forth over the sheets
of paperl l grew very fond of my lit
tie mistress, and knew she was proud
of me- Sometimes when thick pile of
letters lay on the desk waiting for an
answer. her fingers moved so swiftly,
yet uperringly. that l marveled at her
skill.
grew to understand her moods, just
by the expression of her brown eyes.
When she was happy they would laugh
so merrily; when she was angry they
would flash with defiance; but when
she was sad they would hide under
her long, dark lashes. all the happy
light in them gone.
Every few days the mail brought her
n letter, at sight of which she would
suddenly grow quiet and thoughtful,
and her face would take on a sweet
gravity which well became her. One
dov as she furtively opened the cover
of her little enamel watch l caught a
glimpse of mans face with eager,
dark eyes and a firm mouth and chin.
One day a tall, athletic young fellow
came into the office. whose face in
stantly recognized as that hidden in the
watch. They greeted one another with
quiet well, Ruth and How are
Won. Jackg" but their hands and eyes
met simultaneously.
He could not be called handsome.
hpt there was character in every line
of the rather rugged features. He car
ried himself very erect. with master
ful air and a slight touch of hauteur.
They went out together, and l was
- Law
mainder of the week Ruth was unus-
ually gay, humming happy little
snatches of song. and now and then
laughing softly TO herself
Several months passed by. One day
the mail brought her a letter thinner
than usual. Her cheeks flushed hotly.
as she read 1t. and her eyes grew dark
with anger. without rejecting upon a
hasty decision. her fingers tapped out
her answer.
.Jack-Your letter received. Since
YOU did not trust me. 1 have no ex-
PLANTATION 10 make 20 you. Consider
our engagement at an end forever. I
will return your ring at once.
RUTH"
eyes were wet with tears. but with set
lips and steady hand she dropped the
little white envelope into the mail box.
The next morning the slender circlet
of pearls on her left hand was missing
and for many weeks her smile was
rare indeed.
one day. late in December. when she
was rushed with work. she told the
girls she was going TO work an extra
hour. For time she clicked away on
my white keys, but soon her fingers
began 10 move more slowly. suddenly
with a great sob she buried her face
ia her arms and the tears came un
checked.
AS she sat there. crying bitterly. the
door opened softly. and someone came
quickly TO her side
Ruth. dear little Ruth" said husky
voice. and tender hands raised her fair
tear-fushed face and Kissed it
20. Jack. Jack" she sobbed. cling
ing TO him, while he lavished caresse.
and loving words upon her.
II saw the light and couldn't helI
coming up" he murmured. Can yol
forgive me. dear2 These weeks hav,
been so long and lonely"
But Ter answer she only chung close
to him. and scbbed from sheer happi
ness.