The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-02-23
MY BIRTHDAY.
Exchange

never call the iittle oOx Of room by so dignlfed a title, and for the hundredth time they were telling me what they knew of my life.
 You see. Birdie.' said mother. as had always called her. |" il was a stormy night and lack had been detained d, the store-he was cash boy al Cotton X Co.'S ihen-but just when he was running up the steps about o clock he met d woman hurrying down them. She rushed by without speaking, and he, when he reached the door, almost stumbled over basket where you lay all snugged up in warm tlanncls. An, but you were nice baby. my detr."
 Pity my mother hadn't thought so v 1 sareastioally observed.
 ]" undoubtedly you would have fared better than in our humble home" said Jack, grimly
 Why, Jack, you don't think mean that, do you.' hastily asked. ' It made me feel badly to think my own flesh and blood would abandon me and trust me with strangers, that's all"
 That was seventeen years ago to- morrow night, meditated mother, unheed- ing our conversation.
 "Yes,' ehimed in l, anxious to clear the cloud from Jacks forehead and you have always called 1t my birthday, and have always made the day so pleas ant for me, too. Let me see v ratiled on. you thought must have been about a year old. and so l am IS tomorrow l, Have you made my birthday cake, yet mother
 .'Nos, indeed. And that reminds me | must go out and see to the frosting of Il. too tonight. No. you stay right here Watch her lack. for she's not to see the cake until tomorrow"
 re,reated before her laughing com mand. and. seeing how sour lack sull looked. I determined to do my best to make him behave like his own self again. Perching myself on the arm of his chair, leaned over, trying to catch his eye.
 .' Cross. dear!" asked. very sweetly.
 No" he replied, in tone that said, a es, decidedly so let me alone But 1 was not to be rebuned.
 Slipping my arms around his neck drew hts fare toward mine.
 ou're sorry you didn't send me 10 the .oundine's Home, aren't you: It's enoa@to make any one cross ,o think ho~ he bas been troubled for seventeen years }asl because he was so soft hearted over a miserable little baby whose own people didn, care about keeping ii. Are you sorry. lack
 Are you, Bird ~
 He suddenly s,raish,cned up, look in his dark eyes l had never noticed there before.
 What have l to be sorry for :" asked Wasn't 1 thrown into the hands of the dearest, kindest mother and brother a girl ever had =
 ''fes. dear-that is. we've always meant kindness: but still am not your broth CT. Bird
 '' know 1t, but love you just IS well. '' began, but some way under the steady look of our lacks beautiful eyes ! could not go on with my usual protesta,ions of affection. as had always been Tn the habit of doing, and drew my arm away from about his neck.
 But didn't want you So, Bird," he said slowly, and then went on eagerly My darling, want you to love me jus, as well as do you, dear. want you for my own, for my wife, Bird
 Clasping me close in his strong arms he told me how happy could make him by saying that loved him.
 And so strongly did he urge his case that some way was completely won owe, 10 his way of thinking, and before the great birthday cake was frosted JSok and were engaged.
 have accepted Jack as a birthda, gift" l whispered 10 mother as l rar out.
 A radiant look of surprised joy fairl, Illuminated her dear old face as she somprehended the meaning of the re mark
 :: It has been the wish of my life" sh, whispered. kissing me softly. |" Be read, for other birthday gifts tomorrow .r shs called after me.
 Oh, happy birthday" whispered when tomorrow dawned, and l waking remembered my promise to lack. Wha better gift could nave asked than the gift Of dear Jacks love:
 Several little tokens were al my break. fast plate. some very expensive, too. .oi since lacks pictures had begun 10 sell SC we'll and orders poured n faster than h, could execute them. he had begun 10 b, quite extravagant.
 He had gratiied an off expressed wish of mine by having little cameo earring found m the basket in which they frs found me, set in a ring for me for one O my birthday presents. It was an exquisite clearly-cut cameo, and 1t had decidedl, unique setting so had always indulge( Tn the hope that sometime, perhaps. might learn through it who my parent. were.
 IL had evidently dropped into the basket by mistake. for there was no,hins else about me to identify me There was none of the proverbial strawberr, marks or moles, so had only the cameo 10 connect me with the unknown past.
 So slipped i, on my finger, and wker