Evening journal., 1889-09-19
A GIRLS DIARY.


against the window as they came A de
spondent face had, as ! stood there think
ing. Oh, the tiresome, dreary dayl Oh, for
something to pass away the tmel | turned
and went out Of the library and up the broad
staircase We lived ia an old house on the
outskirts Of the city This old place had been
ID possession Of the family for over a century
now A weather beaten old rookery it was,
but withal the most delightful place 70 live
in. with It's broad halls, great winding stair
case, and a perfect wonder Of a garnet ex
tending the whole length Of the house.
Il was wonder in more ways than one
Old presses and old trunks were slowed away
against the walls, full Of relics and fineries Of
the departed Hunungdons Old books and
manuscripts were piled on queer old chairs
md tables, and all sorts of odd, interesting
things were to be found there
Toward this place | wendell my way that
rainy morning. Surely, Thought |, in the
garnet shall find something to amuse me, it
has never failed me yet
Up went till came to the door. | stood
on the threshold moment Such a ghostly
old place it seemed, with its shadowy cor
ners, and the Wild rain without knocking at
the windowsl
enter, then, with laugh at my foolishness,
walked boldly in.
poked around among the old chests for
while, and presently dragged forth triumph
antly 70 the light little escritoire. Such
pretty one it was, all inlaid with mother of
pearl, with an ebony lid. The legs were
slender and spindling, and in the key hole
was a tiny, worn, golden key, faded blue
ribbon hanging from it. | turned the key
excitedly It moved just little hard, as II
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 inkstand lay a
dainty penholder with the initials I'd. 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.
opened il excitedly-I think without feeling
that might be doing wrong
Ny 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; 1.-THE private thoughts and rsminis.
cences Of Dorothy Helen Huntingdon and
below, the date:
Dec. Is, 1880. Wednesday. | have wanted
diary ever SO long in my thoughts, but
did not tell father till he did say to me yes
terday: well, dear, what viii you have on
Christmss dayr"
IA diary, father, please" said only
said dairy. think ! rather got it mixed up
with butter and eggs and cheese).
And father did laugh 80, and say; What
my little girl turn dairymaidf
NAY, dear father, book mean,n and /
did feel so foolish at my making such mis-
takes--a girl Of twelve years-on Christmas
day turned my face away, well nigh cry
ing,
"why, what's thisin said father, and be
raised my head. 81 will bring thee twenty
books, but cry not, dearIn
NAY, father, it is not that, but because
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 this was nothing, only natural
that should make some little mistakes; but
it was the great mistakes that we must all
guard against and pray against.
SO this morning I found my diary on my
pillow when woke, and father had put
within it, 40 my little daughter" and be-
meath il / wrote as you sec above, eth, Pri-
vate Thoughts and "reminiscences Of Dorothy
Helsn Huntingdon And / win write in il
every day till next Christm as if be spared.
Dec 20, iTB0. Thursday. | have been
greatly angered this day and very wicked.
Madame did say to me this morning; "Tell
me, ma chere, in French, that | am beauti-
full" But 1t did seem TO me very queer, FOR
madame though mean nothing unseemly,
but quite the TRUTH is not beautiful. She is
quite yellow, tall and thin, and with hooked
nose. SO | did say nothing but Ali
when think Of it now blush for shame at
my wickedness-but laughed. And mad
ame did rise up with a most awful look and
swept from the room. Then did feel the
blood rising to my face, and my heart seemed
like to choke me, and did leave my chair
and 60 to fathers room.
But the door was closed, and it did seem Ia
me that everything would now be closed
against wicked me Then did sit me down
outside the door and put my head into my
lap 50 that would not disturb father writ
ing within. But soon it did seem could not
keep my heart down longer, it choked me so,
aud father, hearing a sound. came out and
found me.
And father brought me in, and did tel
him all, and nothing said he but, Little
/
that sometimes cause great sorrows" And
he did smooth my hair and take me to ma
dame to ask for pardon, which most gracious
/ ~ shs granted. And I now put this down SC
that may never, never forget that the small
mistakes do sometimes make great sorrows.
Dec. "a, 1880 Friday. Father took me tC
the stables today, and there showed me
most beautiful pony, black as night, and with
/ n soft silken name and tail And fathor aid
seat ma ON her and say; Il bought this for /
friend Of mine, little girlp / think / an
most wicked. ever angry and jealous Anc
/ did feel SO envious, for did want the pony
70 much myself and nothing did say but
II am very glad fer ths little girl; | hope sh'
may like it,.
At that father did laugh outright and say
1.-THE little maid is not far away; mayfair
You know herfn
And then Of sudden It did flash acros
me that the little girl was my very self, an,
did speak out quite boldly and say; "Oh
sir, is 1t mine.H
And father laughmgly did shy: "Yes, lie
tie friend. it is late Christmas gift and al
early New Year oae v nat viii you cal
herln
Gypsy, dear father said /, and was s.
glad that l knew not what to do.
SO did think me what could give fathe
IN return. and | did go TO the kitchen an,
ask cook IL she would kindly allow me L
make pie for father
And did make most beautiful one, al
belt i did let it fall upou the floor in carry
a. is " L4s tsADIry. LIZ 4 0aSas1 IL q.
quite clearly, and father was greatly pleased
| took q lesson in riding. and father di