Buchanan County bulletin and guardian., 1869-02-12
ALLIES GIFT.

1t was in June, when the roses were blush>
ing in nyriads together, and the air was la
den with perfume, that Richard Crindall,
with small bundle in his hand, crept from
the house steathily, and daried quietly away.
The sun was not up, and everything was
quiet and still in the morning twilight. He
stole along the little path in the orchard
aud soon stood in front of large white
house, surrounded by trees and flowers o.
almost every variety. No one was stirring
within; all was silent as the tomb. He
looked long and wistfully toward one Of the
windows Of the house, and at last called tins
idly to the sleeper within.
:" Allie" he said, :" Allie look, out Of the
window"
No answer was made, and he called again,
this time with more boldness. The shutters
were thrown open. aud bright head, with
its wealth Of golden eurls, appeared at The
window.
"Allie." whispered the boy, II am going
away, and wanted you to come down be-
fore co."
"Ill be down in minute" was answered,
In pretty childish voice. And the golden
curls disappeared.
In q few moments, wbicE appeared like
hours to the anxious boy, the door was
opened cautiously, and Alice Drumnond
came stealing out. Her shoes were united,
and her pretty curls had seen neither comb
nor brush that morning.
Dick said she, "a e you running
away?'
"Tes,' said the lad, in solemn tone,
"snd I'm going to stay till I'm a rich man.
Il ~, he, c.,l
be treated like dog; though if mother
was alive Id bear anything rather than
leave her,"
The sweet, blue eyes of the little girl were
filed with wonder and sympathy.
"Dick,' said she, q shan't take any
more comfort alter you are gone hnt you
will be much happier, and am glad you are
going and when you get to be great man,
and are rich, then you can come back, and
We will be married together, and never part
any more.'
Yes,' said Dick, "that is Just what
am going to do, but it will be good many
years before can come back, and you'll see
great many handsome men, and you many
forget me-"
Forget you Why, Dick, you know bet.
ter said the child, pouting. " II you never
come back. I'll never get married in all tie
world. Are you going to the great city
that Uncle Allen told us about ~,
. don't know. Allie,r said the boy; al
have only five dollars and that will not carry
me far, shall 60 to the city if can.''
They were silent for moment, then
Allie said:
Dick, must give you keepsake, so
that you'll not forget to come back to ME.
Wait here moment till l come"
Softly she stole into the house and up to
her room.
"Now," said she to herself he has got
only five dollars, and I'll give him the mon.
ey papa gave me yesterday to buy that neck.
lace liked SO much"
She drew it from her purse-a five dollar
bill.
" That will make ten dollars" said she;
but what are ten dollars? Sister Jane
pays ten dollars week for her board"
She went to trunk, and taking there
from little white box, she opened it, and
there lay q beautiful diamond pin.
"Aunt Emma gave me this," said she,
softly, 6 to wear when am grown up ; bu,
they say it is worth great deal Of money.
and would mnch rather Dick would have
il, than wear it myself
So she placed the fac dollars besides it in
the box, aud tied the cover on snugly and
putting it in her pocket, she glided down
stars, again, aud out to the great elm tree
where Dick was waiting for.
snow Dick" said she "promise me that
you will not open this box til to>mOrrow
night"
IL PROMISE said Dick, sand thank
you for the gih, Allie, whatever it may be-
A stir was heard in the house, and The
sun was coming up behind the bills.
must go now, Allie," said the boy,
with tears in his eyes. Kiss nae, and don't
forget me-"
~ never will, Dick" said Allie, throwing
her arms about his neck aad pressing her
pretty red lips TO his cheeks.
Richard Crindall was sixteen years old,
and Alice Drummond was twelve. They
had always been friends ever since Allie !
was . wee baby, and when the brave little
girl stole back to her couch the tears were
streaming down her cheeks. Richard was
The son Of poor but honest man, who died
when his boy was only two years olc, leav>
ing nothing for the support Of his wife and
child. Mrs. Crindall worked for years, and |
Levi Drew asked her to be his wife and 20 |
10 his house. She consented, thinking that
BY so doing her boy might be better provid
I'd for; bat alas for her hopes Richard,
lhough worshipped BY bis mother perhaps
for that very thing was hated by his steps |
father; and finally Squire Drummond
asked him to come to his house and be his |
srrand boy, he went joyfaly and in the
years he remained there sprang up the
friendship between himself and tie wealthy
Squares daughter. Those days were hap>
py ones to Richard but when he had been
there seven years, his mother died and her
husband married again and Richerd was a
stout, capable lad, bis step>father command.
ed him to return and labor for him. The |
10y obeyed: but he was miserable there,
- = : .z..4 hon.a MA n nnin. for tha futrra