The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-01-06
Written for the Sunday Journal
DALESIDE AND IT'S MYSTERY:
Or, THE BABY FACE.


1 was born in crowded city, in the
fourth story of tenement house. 1t is
needless to add that poverty was one of my
earliest and most intimate acquaintance.
Soon after my appearance my parents took
higher lOdgings-in that great tenement
where there are no stairs to climb and no
rents to pay. Twas not left entirely friend
less; cousin whom had never seen but
who kept up an occasional correspondence
with my father during his reverses in life,
was appraised of my lonely condition and
came for me, conveying me to her country
home far from my place of birth. i have,
even at this distant day, a clear recollec-
ton of events taking place at that time.
Especially do 1 remember the new shoes
given me by cousin Abbie at the commence
ment of our hOmeward journey. They
were the first / ever owned and had been
the burden of my childish petitions for a
long time. l accepted them as a direct
answer to prayer; and, young as 1 was, my
small stock of faith was greatly strength
ened thereby. / soon became accustomed
to my new home. 1t was not the abode of
wealth, but ample means of living and
solid comfort were found there. /
grew fond of the big old house,
with its mysterious corners, dark garrett
and odd closets here and there. Corner
ire-places gave the high-ceiled rooms the
appearance of being cut bias. / was of an
economical turn of mind, and wondered if
they were so constructed to save timber.
The narrow windows with tiny panes of
glass, no larger than my hand, were strange
b., Il Il Il. % Co.
by the tall, solemn-faced clock, which
licked so loudly in the wide front hall;
and pair of deer horns fastened on the
wall above it, / thought fit for the brow of
the "bad-man." / was an imaginative
child, afraid of ''bugaboos" in the dark;
and my dreams were often terrifying en-
counters with hobgoblins and the powers
of darkness. Many night while cousin
Abbie slept soundly l lay in my little
trundle, choking with fear, my head tucked
under the covering. only venturing out to
cstch breath, afraid something" would
jump from behind the curtains of her tall
bed and eat me up. Only once l ventured
TO ask if might sleep with her. She was
very kind, but never spoiled me bit; so all
] got was quiet refusal, and the inquiry if
lily DCn w DO ItS, Hid ALL,
said |.
Then, why do you wish to share mine,
Ivar
/ afterward found she always expected
a reason, either sensible or silly, for every
thing. Sometimes / feel afraid, all by
myself" confessed reluctantly, ashamed
to appear so cowardly.
Nonsense, child,n she replied sharply;
"what is there to be afraid of"
Ghosts, and-and things" / answered.
Things! What do you mean, Iva."
81 dunno" l said. putting my fingers
in my mouth and turning my toes
awkwardly inward. 1 wondered cousin
Abbie should attach so much i'm
portance TO my childish notions.
saw she was evidently disturbed more
than she wished me to discover; she spoke
lightly, but her face was white. and on it
o strange look of fear Calling the house,
keeper, she said 10 her: "Manda, who has
been tryiag To brighten Iva.n
Brighten Ivaf Indeed, ma'am, do not
know"
Nobody, cousin,n protested beginning
90 cry, for / liked Manda and thought
cousin Atbie was going TO scold her.
Don't cry. child. She seems timid, Manda,
and do not wish her made more so by
listening to foolish stories from any one.D
''Yes, ma tm,' replied Manda, and bidding
n respectful good night, she left the room.