The Osceola times., 1886-12-25

theorem every day, which ] mentally
worked out at night In this way devoured
the book reviewing until could have dem,
onstrated every theorem 1t contained with
out making a single mistake. In similar
manner became proficient in many Other
branches. Usually attempted to master
but one study at time. At very early
age my father had insisted on my writing a
verse, story or little sketch, at least once q
week This practice l managed to keep up,
and after my composition-book was writtes
through j had recourse to an old time-woru
ledger ofmy grandfather's.
On Christmas Day-it was my birthday,
tool gained courage to send one Of my lit.
tic poems to paper my uncle had been IN.
duced to take ! watched its columns
eagerly every week until my pride was
fully gratfed by seeing my own produc-
ton in print. Again and again my vanity
prompted me TO write few verses, which
invariably made their appearance in tho
course of few weeks
One evening my aunt sent me on an err.
rand TO the minister's wife. She was en-.
gagged when | told my business, and gave
me a new magazine TO look over until she
would be at leisure. Among the first ar
ticles that attracted my attention was one
OF my own little poems, clipped from the
paper for which it had been written. Ny
heart tremblcd joyously at this token OF
appreciation. For few moments |
was supremely happy, and then an
overwhelming sense of my utter loneliness
came over me, and with the bitter thought
that had not single friend to rejoice over
my success, turned rapidly through the
remaining pages, until the words Give
hundred-dollar priZan attrrted my atten-
ton ran my eyes overiit hastily, then
re read II carefully after which | took pen
Gil and paper fiom my pocket and copied
the address. The prize was offered by the
editor Of the magazine for the best serial
for girls. The story was TO be Of such
length as TO run through the twelve nun.
bers, beginning with the New Year. All
manuscripts intended to compete for the
prize were TO be in the hands of the editor
not later than June 30.
Before slept had written for particulars,
and a neghboring lad, passing carly next
morning. carried it 10 the Office. As soon as
/ received the proper instructions, went to
work with will have no doubt but that
nv aunt had good reasons for her fault-ind-
| ing during the next six months, for my
mind was more upon the characters that
my Imagination had created than upon my
work. Aunt had persistently denied me a
| light in my room during the whole year, but
dear Margaret remembered my sixteenth
/ birthday by sending me dollar. Part of
/ this used for oil -nd paper, and the bal.
| ance was boarded for postage. On the 18th
/ Of June my precious package was committed
/ TO the care of Uncle Sam and the next
| six mouths / waited and hoped,
| vet dreaded TO hear the decision that tho
/ 2Oth Of December might have in store for
| me. On Christmas morning my weary
watching was changed into glad song OF
/ Thanksgiving, for misunderstanding letter
my uncle put into my hands brought me
the Ave hundred dollars | had dreamed OF
/ every day for a year. had won the prize,
/ how, | scarcely know, unless my desperate
case had nerved me for the conflict. Prob
ably my aching heart made itself felt
through my fingcr-tips. AT any rate, had
won the prize and the money was indis-
| putably mine.
Five hundred dollars may seem very
insignificant sum TO those who count their
possessions by the thousands, but TO mo II
meant a peaceful home with my dear old
Margaret, and relief from the bitter bread
or dependence.
"Wen. II does seem as If book-larnin'
amounts 10 something, after ALL" admitted
Aunt Phills.
jest as told you" said Uucle Reuben
"The gal shows her bringin' up.n
John looked more sullen than ever.
| though when he took me to the train few
days later, | overheard him explaining my
success to young lady, and If am not
mistaken he proudly owned me as one oi
the fanny.