The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1886-08-11
ALL ALONE.
Philips Dream-No Life So Desolate and
Lonely as . Selfish One.

Lonely as . selfish One.
"All alone-ycs, I wish / was ali
alone in the world; then l could have
every thing my own way. It's pro.
voking to have to share all the good
things with Beth and the boys"
Philip Fay, with his hands in his
pockets and his eyes cast sullenly
down. scuffed along through the dust,
till turning off from the road he en-.
tered the shade of the woods Throw.
ing himself down at the foot of large
oak he looked through the softly wav-
ing foliage up to the white house on
the hillside, almost hidden among the
trees. His mother and sister were at
the gate, and old Prince and the bug
gy waited just outside. Philip did not
wish to see or to be seen when his
mother should drive by, or to hear il
she should call, So he stretched himself
out on the soft green moss and placed
his hat over his eyes and covered his
ears with his hands.
'Iwanted to 60 to the city this after
noon, and it's mean in Beth not to give
up he muttered.
Philip lay long time, brooding over
his disappointment and cherishing un-
kind, selfish thoughts toward his dearest
friends. At length it appeared to him
that Prince must be far away toward
the city, and he thought he would re-
turn to the house.
The summer sunshine streamed in at
the open doors and windows, but none
of the family were 10 be seen, and
neither of his brothers answered his
whistle. Sauntering out of the house
again, he was more astonished than he
could express to find Prince and the
buggy waiting by the gate. Yielding
to sudden impulse, he sprang into
the carriage, whipped up the horse
and dashed off toward the city.
'Tll pay Beth off for trying to cheat
me out of good time, and I'll 90 to
the menagerie in the bargain"
On through the fragrant woods,
down the long hill, past the black
smiths, by pleasant orchards and bril-.
liant gardens, Prince was hurried on.
Never before had Philip urged the old
horse so impatiently. He thought of
nothing but his great desire to reach
the city, and have a good time all by
himself. Now he had reached the long
covered bridge, part of the ride that
was usually delight to him. He liked
to hear the sound of the horses hoof
on the plank driveway, and to catch
glimpses of the river below through
the small square openings in the side,
which, at regular intervals, admitted
light. To-day he scarcely thought of
these things, although it did seem to
him trife odd that the jolly old toll
man was not in his accustomed place
in the doorway OF the little house at
the city end of the bridge. .....
But Philip was now in the midst of
the scenes he had longed tor. He no.
ticed with surprise that the ball grounds
were quite deserted, but as he pro-
ceeded on his way he was still more
astonished. The store doors stood
wide open, but not a customer was Wis
ible. Neither could Philip discern a
single clerk behind any of the counters
He gazed up and down the streets, but
not solitary person could he see.
What was the meaning of this unusual
state of things?
After seeing that Prince was we'll
cared for, Philip walked leisurely into
confectioner's Nor was any one
here. But, promising himself that he
would pay when he should find the
proprietor, he helped himself literally
to the tempting sweets. Then he set
Oft for the menagerie, wondering if the
entire population had gone to the
show.
Arrived at the grounds, no one de-
manded an admission fee; and, enter
ing, Philips eyes beheld lions, tigers,
elephants-all the marvellous things he
had read about-but there was not q
human being any where around. He
began to feel little strange, and half
wished he had brought one of his
brothers, or even Beth, with him. 1t
was not such great fun, after all, to
see the wonders all by himself. He
wanted some one to talk 1t all over
with.
The afternoon wore away, and Philip
suddenly realized that it was past sup
per time. Still no person had ap-
peared. He had seen the wonderful
sights; he had looked into every nook
and corner, with no one to hinder:
nothing had escaped his notice. He
thought he should have great story
to tell about his being the only spec
tator, but somehow he felt decidedly
uncomfortable.
"Pll 60 up to Aunt Fannie's, and
find out what this meane," he thought.
Philip was almost out Of breath from
running when he reached his aunt's
home. The beautiful house and gar
den were just a. he had seen them the
week before, but no sound of his cous-
ins' merry laughter broke the silence;
there was no Aunt Fannie ready with q
hearty welcome. Philip gazed spell
bound at the lifeless house, and while
he wondered the twilight faded away.
Heartily wishing himself at home, he
concluded, Notwithstanding, to spend
the night where he was and be on hand
to surprise his friends on their return
In the morning. for he was sure they
would be back by that time.
With the dawn of the new day
Philip arose, and, losing no time,
helped himself TO solitary breakfast
in the pantry. Then he roamed about
the premises, ON tho lookout for the
appearance Of friendly faces. Butvain
was the watch, and he went down
town again, looking in every direction
for q human being. The river
sparkled joyously in the morning sum
light, but not Q boat moved along be-
tween its banks. Silence reigned
everywhere. Philip wandered bewil-
dered through deserted warehouses,
and up and down street after street.
At length, almost ready to cry with
lonAliness ho want afkunr old pr;n0o