St. Landry democrat., 1881-10-22

! ever Gay. Anu mere Ctcild 1doo
clouded. 1--WE could never hit upon
ANYTHING that she had not heard
Here was dilemma, for we were
both anxious that Angie should have
something new, Stella sat thoughtful
for moment Then she said, eagerly:
"Couldn't YOU writ her story, Mr..
Keller? Something entirely out ofyour
own head?'
The idea of my writings story seemed
so very absurd that l couldn't help
laughing, but Stella persisted.
"You could write about something
that happened to you when you were u
boy Things did happen you, didn' t
they? Oh! real, true story would be
just splendid!'
Aud so all at once / found myself
transformed into an author. Remem-
bering sundry amusing escapades of
my youthful days, | decided to put
them to paper, making of them four
thrilling tales, to each of which gave
an appropriate name. These submit
ted to Stella approval, which She gra-
ciously gave. She also christened the
book for me. 1t was to appear under
this imposing title: ''True Tales of
Postman's Boyhood.'
Well, the leaves were cut and the
stories written. Then came Stella S
work of pricking them in. This was no
small undertaking., and the difficulty
was increased by the frequent visits of
/ the blind girl herself, who seemed to
"count each day LOST OF which she did
not spend some portion with her poor
little friend.
"And | wouldn't for the world take
it out when she is here, said Stella,
despairinSly. "She will see every
thing, if she is blind
| But the evenin rs remained and Stella
was diligent Two days before the
| birthday the stories were ready. The
little girl closed her eyes and passed
her hand complacently over her work.
''1f fingers can see ANYTHING, I'm
sure they can see this said she; and |
thought so, too.
Out of a pretty pasteboard box we
made the covers. into one of which |
! pricked the title with a shoemaker's
awl. When our work was finished,
/ there was nothing about the book
which Angles fingers could not see,
/ but the different colors of the leaves
and covers and the bright little bows of
ribbon which tied them together.
"And now cried Stella. ''let's do
it up; but first you must write her name
upon the wrapper, and I'll prick that
| in, too.1
So the wrapper was carefully directed
to "Miss Angie Trowbridge.' Then |
wrote in corner these words: g. A
birthday gift from her friend, Stella"
| When all this was pricked in the pack
age was ready.
"Another whole night before to-
morrow" exclaimed Stella Dear
me! can't wait
And l was scarcely less impatient.
Of course, it will seem very foolish to
any sensible person, but | must confess
that slept very little that night; but
morning came at last. As turned into
Beverly street saw Angie at her gate,
and I gave an extra emphasis to the
'.click' of my stout boot-heels, which
she had learned to know 80 we'll.
She came at once to meet me. ANY
letter for me to-day?'
81 believe not" said I, trying to
speak calmly, but here is mysterious
package which has come into my hands.
1t is as funny as that letter you once
showed me. See if you can make it
out
She took it eagerly (the unravelipg of
mysteries seemed always keen pleas
ure to herr and passed her fingers over
the wrapper. watched her earnest,
changing face, at first simply curious,
then eager, then delighted.
Something from Stellar she cried.
ga birthday gift. Isn't she good9 Oh!
Mr.. Keller. could you stop just mo-
ment, to unite it for me?'
I 1 cut the string. With hands almost
trembling with eagerness, she removed
| the wrapper. Her fingers saw the book,
| saw the leaves; scanned them as peo-
| pies eyes are wont to do before read
| ing; then they read for her the title
upon that cover.
"New stories for me. Stories that
even mamma doesn't know. | can read
to her now. Can't /? Oh! | thank
Stella so much! l can never tell her
| half And the enthusiastic little
maiden put the book to her lips and
| kissed 1t.
Her childish gratitude so touched me
that | could not speak for moment.
Before l could recover my voice the
busy fingers had read the rest of the
title.
"True Stories of Postman's Boy
hood Oh! I hope you wrote them,
Mr.. Keller
pleaded guilty.
And they are really, truly true?"
REALLY, truly true.''
She drew long breath, as if the
prospect Of the coming enjoyment were
too much for her. Then she took my
hand and squeezed it tight.
g | can't think what make you all so
good to me-" she said, simply.