The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1889-09-19
A GIRLS DIARY.
BY ANNIE Il. REYES.

1t was raining dismally, and l stood
watching the drops fall wildly down,
splashing against the window as they
came, A respondent face l had, as 1
stood there thinking Oh, the tiresome,
'dreary day! Oh, for something to pass
away the time! turned and went out
of the library and up the broad staircase.
we lived in an old house on the outskirts
of the city This old place had been in
possession of the family for over cen
fury now a weather-beaten old rookery
it was, but withal the most delightful
place to live in, with its broad halls,
great winding staircase, and perfect
wonder of garnet extending the whole
length of the house.
1t was a wonder in more ways than
one. Old presses and trunks were slowed
away against the walls, full of relics and
tineries of the departed Huntingdons.
Old books and manuscripts were piled on
queer old chairs and tables, and all sorts
of odd, interesting things were to be
found there.
Toward this place l wendell my way
that rainy morning. Surely, thought l,
in the garnet | shall find something to
amuse me; it has never failed me yet.
Up went till came to the door. l
stood on the threshold moment. Such
ghostly old place it seemed, with its
shadowy corners, and the wild rain with
out knocking at the windows
For second stood there, half afraid
to enter, then, with a laugh at my own
foolishness, walked boldly in.
poked around among the old chests
for a while, and presently dragged forth
triumphantly to height little escritoire.
Such pretty one it was, all inlaid with
mother pearl, with an ebony lid. The
legs were slender and spindling, and in
the key-hole was tiny, worn, golden
key, faded blue ribbon hanging from
it. I turned the key excitedly. 1t
moved just a little hard, as if not liking
to disclose the secrets within.
The lid opened and showed numerous
little cubby holes and drawers which
were locked, but which | found would
open with the same key. By the side of
tiny ink-stand lay dainty penholder
with the initials CD H. H." cut in it.
took the key and eagerly opened the
first drawer. A book with golden
clasp and the same initials on the cover
lay therein. l opened it excitedly--I
think without feeling that I might be
doing wrong.
My eyes fell on the first page, on
which was written, in mans hand
"To my little daughter" And then,
underneath it, In a delicate, childish
hand, in faded ink, the words: "The
Private Thoughts and "reminiscences OF
Dorothy Helen Huntingdon" and be-
low, the date
December 20, 1870 "Wednesday,
have wanted diary ever so long in my
thoughts, but did not tell father till he
did say to me yesterday: "Well, dear,
what will you have on Christmas Day2"
"a diary, father, please, said (only
said dairy, l think / rather got il
mixed up with butter and eggs and
cheese.
And father did laugh so, and say
"What! my little girl turn dairymaid?"
NAY. dear father, "a book L mean,
and did feel so foolish at my making
such Mistakes girl of twelve years
on Christmas Day. l turned my face
away, well-nigh crying
"Why, what's this2' said father, and
he raised my head. 81 will bring thee
twenty books, but cry not, dearl"
''Nay, father, it is not that, but be
cause do make such foolish mistakes. ,
And father, quite gravely, with all the
laughter gone from his face, took my
hand in his and did say to me that THU
was nothing, only natural that l should
make some little mistakes; but it was thu
great mistakes that we must all guarc
against and pray against.
So this morning found my diary oil
my pillow when | awoke, and father haC
put within it: tTo my little daughter,
and beneath it wrote, as you see above
"The Private Thoughts and Reminis
cences of Dorothy Helen Huntingdon
And l will write in it every day till mex
Christmas if l be spared.
December 26th, 1730.-Thursday.
have been greatly angered this day ant
very wicked Madame did say to IN
this morning: "Tell me, ma chere, il
French, that | am beautifulf But
did seem to me very queer, for madam
Though / mean nothing unseemly, bu
quite the truth is not beautiful. She i
quite yellow, tall and thin, and with
hooked nose. So did say nothing bu
- All! when l think of it now blusl
for shame at my wickedness-but
laughed. And madame did rise up witt
a most awful look and swept from tn
room. Then / did feel the blood risiny
to my face, and my heart seemed like +
choke me, and l did leave my chair ant
tn fufharfe roorn