The Forrest City times., 1891-09-04
MY PRETTY NEIGHBOR.


 across a narrow alley directly into two other back windows. The alley was about as alleys go; the same propor- tion of rag-pickers stopped over bar rels in back gateways as in other alleys.
 My windows were hung with ab- breviated something's that my landlady called curtains, and spoke of pathetic ally as having seen better days. But the two across the alley were quite pretentious. One of them. the one that caught the first rays of the re- luctant sun from over peaked roofs end obtrusive caves, had box built into it. where morning glories actually dared grow. and twist about the string she put for them. She was fair faced woman-girl. who took possession some two months after I had moved into my quarters.
 l suppose she was young in years I know I watched her with agood deal of interest curious to learn what manner of person it might be who had the temerity to sing Home. Sweet IVfhC, LII bullo~obots UoSh. 1t. too, with both of her windows wide open. Haunting little trills and inn promptu variations right into the open windows on my side of the alley.
 i liked Missy. I like the calm ten derness of the big dark eyes, the breadth of the young brow, the mod est maidenliness and the wholesome ness generally of her appearance. 1 found Blackstone 8 tride prosy, even when the windows over the way were closed and when evening brought the little lady-for lady she was every Inch of her-home from work. it was simply impossible to sit still and pom der legal quirks and founder through legal sloughs. There was so much pleasanter study opposite. done up in neat dress and big eyes and goldy- brown hair and all that. Up would go her windows. both of them. out would go the bird cage for breath Qf air. and the little mistress would tnravel tangled vines and coax them around the strings. She had been watching the callow knobs develop in to long twisty buds, and I had grown about as deeply interested myself watching her watch them.
 | One morning I saw the first bloom wide open, as I, of course. included the two windows in survey up and down the alley. Then I fingered to see what she would do when she saw it. Hadn't long to wait, either Pres ently her blind was raised and there was that milk white morning glory nodding bonnily to her.
 70, you darling" she cried. and held the pretty thing caressingly against her face. Actually, the fool ish child patted it and petted it. and laughed softly to it; and I, spy that was, felt my eyes as moist as if a gust of rain had blown in them, and queer choke in my throat, and by some in- congruity of associations thought ir- relevantly of my modest bank account, and at the same instant how winsome She would look under that misty white Stuff bride wears. 1 fancy I must Dave forgotten that hitherto I had played the role of unseen, for presently
 
 turned away into the room.
 About this time I discovered that Nhe mirror in my room reflected ob. jects across the alley in her room. 1 Instantly tilted the bold thing at an acute angle that might not trespass beyond the vine-hung window. But one morning. when the maid in dust ing had readjusted it. I saw reflected In 1t the girl in her room. walking to and fro with agitated steps, then sink Ing on her knees clasp her hands in a rory agony of prayer, the slim form shaken with sobs. Discharged. suppose, muttered. savage that 1 had thus besn unintentional witness of Hyief meapt only for Him who sees Always. put that offending mirror 3h the farthest corner of the room, xelted around rather stormily for Ewhiie then went down to the nearest florists and bought the biggest bunch Of roses l could find. ordering them sent to that poor little girl crying her heart out in that third story back room. Not as balm to her, oh. no; merely as an apology to myself for having seen the sorrow she thought none could see.
 ! Her blinds were drawn tight when l got back to my den and had to race down again and tell them not to send the flowers till next morning.
 No light in her room that night Having it all out by yourself in the dark. you poor little soul" thought in somber soliloquy, That's the way ,Aith women. They take grief to their slumbers with them, fret. and cry and brood over it. and it doesn't do a particle of good. A man, now, would just jam his hat over his eyes. take s cigar and have it out in tramp about town"
 Poor little woman! There were dark circles under her eyes next morn ing, and the five bright morning glories tapping against her window won but the wannest smiles. saw hel sit languidly down and count every penny in the small pocketbook Meager enough. know, from the de jected way her hands fell together ir her lap. Then she went to the dool in answer to knock. and came bacl with my roses held in both hands, ant cOunterparts of sudden gro wth in he cheeks. There was no card to tn, h0wers; but saw her glance shyl, across at my window as if she sus pected,
 Next day sent another and thu AL