SO VERY UNKIND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 53, 31 December 1892, Page 1298

SO VERY UNKIND.

A YOUNG man with a pale and anxious face presented himself to a French postmaster. • A letter which I mailed day before yesterday is now in your postoffice,’ he said. ‘I have been travelling after it ever since 1 dropped it into the office in my own town. I want you to return it to me.’ 'That is against the law,’ answered the official. * So I have been told by all the postal agents through whose hands it has passed. But you must take pity on me. I repented writing it as soon as it left my hands. I have not slept or eaten since. I shall never be happy again if it is delivered. * You see, the letter is to Jeanne Arnet. We have been friends ever since we were children. We were going to be married next month. When I wrote this letter I was offended about something, and I wrote so coldly, go unkindly, that she will think that I do not care for her at all. She will never believe that I loved her just the same when I wrote it. And we were going to housekeeping on such a nice little farm !’ The official was touched. Evidently the happiness of this worthy young couple was in his hands. * I will give you the letter,’ he said, * but I must go through the formality of making sure that you wrote it. You niay repeat to me the expressions with which you began and ended it. I will open it and see if it corresponds with what you say.’ *Of course this is painful to you,’ he added. ‘ I see well enough that you are bitterly ashamed of the cruel and violent things that you have said. But you are young, and I shall not judge you too severely. Now, —‘ and he assumed an encouraging air of being prepared for anything. The young man passed a moment in miserable reflection. How had he begun and ended his dreadful letter? * Yes, I remember!’ he exclaimed presently. ‘lt began, “ Dearly beloved ftiend,” and ended, ‘‘ Yours for life.” ’ * Exactly so !’ said the postmaster. • Here is your letter, but I think she would have forgiven you. Patdon my smiling. Good by ! How can you thank me? Invite me to the wedding.’