The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1889-09-27

window.
She need not have guarded the r.
mark at all, for it would not have
troubled me in the least | was lying
meditating upon the affinity OF souls
and my lack in finding one in this
world to respond to my own; and such
a thing as not lasting through another
winter was perfectly IN accord with
ry pleasant thoughts just then.
Not thatI was so miserable that 1
wanted to die, but that it was part OF
my programme to die young. Did not
all nv favorite Arabellas and Ethel
midas do so, or came SO very near II
that it amounted to the same thing as
far as sentiment was concerned? And
as Tor reality | thought very little
about it. Death in the abstract was
what held fascination for me.
So in this frame of mind l started
for Aunt Becky's, accompanied by my
father, who, as he placed me in her
care at the country stat.on-for he had
to return Immediately to the city-said
to her in an undertone:
Becky. do all you can for her.
Cure her, if possible; but humor her,
as she seems not long for this world !"
She gave Il sharp glance as she
seated me in the low basket phaeton
and gathered up the pony's reins; and
she kept up her swift glances as we
rode out to the farm. varying them by
occasional terse questions.
Been sick long, Rue?'
"For nearly a year." l languidly
replied.
whats the matterP"
81 don't know"
"Have aches and pains or coughp"
"No-that is, not much" had for
gotten that cough was usual in cases
OF decline, and forthwith proceeded to
give little one-a very unnatural one
felt it to be at the time.
Another sharp look.
THAT amt any consumption cough!
Well, how do you feel. any way?"
80, Aunt Becky, 3ust as if it would
be perfectly heavenly to lie right
down and die"
My far-away look as I contemplated
the blue sky was intended to settle
forever the question as to my condi-
ton; and it seemed to, though not in
just the way had expected.
''Pish!' was her contemptuous ejac-
ulation. Die! Well, you amt going
to just yet-not from any thing you've
got now"
l had no chance to reply to this un-
feeling remark, as we had reached the
farm.
For several days | wandered idly
around. swinging in the hammock !
had brought with me, arrayed in
clinging white wrappers and slippers
When the weather permitted took
my maps out of doors in the most ap-
proved attitudes-a book of poems
clasped in one hand, one arm thrown
gracefully above my head while the
other hung limp by my side, and one
slippered foot peeped from beneath
my skirt over the hammock's edge. !
felt that my affinity might possibly
hover near me unawares and it be-
hooved me to keep my lamps always
trimmed and burning; for even if
could not live, we must at least recog-
nize each other-and how could that
be if did not live, while l lived, up
to my ideal?
But a few days after my arrival
ready for my day-dreams. l missed my
favorite poems; in fact novels as we'll
were gone.
'Where are my books, Aunt Becky?"
| asked, as she was about to drive to
the village
I've put them away. The doctor
says you mustn't read MUCH" she an
swered us she drove off.
l had not heard of that edict before:
but l knew some poetry by heart ant
that would do as we'll; so lay think
ing-my breast swelling with emotion
as made myself the heroine of most
romantic tale passing through nv
brain. My eyes were wet with tears
and | was sobbing with the excess of
emotional excitement to which pitch ]
had worked myself when she returned
'What are you crying about Rue?
she brusquely exclaimed.
80. nothing! only" I paused un-
decided how to express myself.
Only what? HomesickP"
mo, indeed, Aunt Becky! but you
can't understand me- 1t Is delightful
to cry sometimes l do love when ]
am alone to lie and think and-feel-
that ALI"
''Fiddlesticks! Well, 1 got some
thing to-day for you to take that'l
make you feel-better," was all shs
said.
That night she came to my room.
Two of the Stats are out of nv bed
stead. Rue; guess IL have to sleel
with you" she announced, tying OF
her nightcap as she spoke.
whats these?''
She had opened one of the burea,
drawers in an ostensible endeavor tt
close it properly.
Only some soft slate-pencils 1 hav
with me, l answered, family.
"Well, now, child, I'm going to tax
them every one. amt going to hay
YOU iggerin' one bit while you "a,
here, . she shrewdly remarked as S
conilscated my whole stock upon Il,
spot.
Gloves, too. Why, Rue, your N;
must've sent these to me. Enough TO
last a housekeeper a year, and l want