The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1886-06-05
IHlBODAUA, LA. SATURDAY, 5

his way CT thinking. aud before the
birthday cake was frosted Jack and /
were engaged.
"Iveaccepted Jack as a birthday gift"
whispered to mother as | ran ont.
A radiant look Of surprised Joy fairly
illuminated ner dear old face as she
comprehended the meaning of my
remark.
1t has been the wish of my life, " she
whispered, kissing me softly. .'Be
ready for other birthday gifts to-mor-
row." she called after me.
"Oh. happy bir.hday." l whispered
when tomorrow dawned, and T. awak-
ing, remembered my promise to Jack.
"What better gift could l have asked
than the gift OF dear jacks love ?"
Several little tokens We're at my break
tas. plate; some very expensive, too, for
since Jacks pictures had begun to sell
so well and orders poured in faster thai
he could execute them be had begun t.
be quite extravagant.
He had gratitied an sft-expressed visl
Of mine by having a little cameo ear
ring, fourd in the basket in which the,
hrst foIni me. set in ring for me 70
one Of my birthday presents. 1: was az
exquisite, clear-cut cameo, and it had
decidedly unique setting: SO l hat
always lndulged in the hope that some
time. perhaps, might learn through j
who my parnuts were.
1t had evidently dropped into th.
tashet By mistake. for there Was nothing
else about nc . identify me. There wer.
none OF tie rrovcr.. .lal straw berry mark:
g: moles so often found on lost children
IN stores, so | had Only the cameo te
connect ne with lie uuhrogn past.
SO J shipped j. cn my tiHocr and whcr
Jack told me to keep 1t for an engage.
mcnt until be could procure another il
became doablr dear to me.
Dy-anu-hy, rs socn ~ breakfast wa:
:-nished, nllcn t. my SURPRISE and dis
appointment. my lover went ND TO Ll.
studio aud remained Invisible for two
hours.
He might have spent my birthday
with me, anyhow. noutcd as ploddcd
~ stairs feeling blue enough.
1 knocked al the door CT his studio.
Not just now. dear; I'm busy"
came III jacks voice from beyond the
door.
Angry and indignant, fer he lad
allowed me to spend my mornings there
Tex two months past, silently went to
my own room.
l was angrier still when ten minutes
later his door opened to admit Miles
Griffith, fellow from the Artists Club.
Then l was ready to cry with vexatiou.
Iiiey had always petted and spoiled me,
mother and Jack, and let me have nv
own way, so that I coall not bear even
tins little neglect gracefully
AT last l WAS ,ictermnci to be mean
enough to listen and hear if [ could
What they were talking about SO earn
city in the studio.
Me. l found out at once, for Jack had
laat spoken my name IS ! guilty pu.
lay ear to the keyhole \ disoraceful
hing to do, | admit, but as L Imean this
to be faithful account of my birthday.
9al as | really did listen Mt tic keyholc.
| record it.
Il have made a great mistake" said
Jack, signing heavily.
l couldn distinguish Mr.. Glillith's
reply. but, hushing my breath, heard
jack say
1t has always been nv mothers
wish. L did 1t more to please her. |
suppose. She loves Bird dearly, and"
With dry sob l fell forward on tic
rug. could not have stirred then had
hey opened the door ana saw me there.
He has found out this early that he
has made 4 mistake, has he 2" though.
bitterly. when nv brain stopped whlrl-
ng so could think cit was ONLY to
lease his mother that lie asked me to
,ecome his wife. And to think he
should reveal his disappointment to
nat horrid old Griffith first! Oh, it
VAS too humiliating
| resolved 10 release him at once, but
again listened, having o dim hope. l
s@ppose. that perhaps my ears had de-
Owed me-
IF It suits my mother" began Jack.
That's not the thing" interrupted
griffith. "You never would be suited.
lie lacked expression and"
Yes. l know-naturaluess:I I know
he faults--for I'm better acquainted