Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1902-06-04

ElNfC1AA Cullu upOu u rus
MftSAANSI3 tic bench, with q
EsNAS N9 lap full OF flowers
MIL. HIVE and a busy ser.
EA1 H ious face; a boy
VA lBR on the wall above,
ARi VIII morosely watch
ing her-they are what the June
sun shone down upon, long ago.
The child's eager fingers had
deity put the flowers together,
and one hand dragged the pink
ribbon from her hair. With an
effort Of generosity she selected a
sprig Of heliOtrope from the rest.
You may have that, Tom" she
said, tossing it upon the wall.
The ribbon tied about the stems,
and the arrangement held out for a
moments anxious inspection, she
sprang to her feet, and running
down the path and up the steps Of
the veranda, pushed open the
green-shuttered door Of the hall.
AT the farther end her father
was taking leave Of a two days
guest-a young man in a scarlet
uniform and much gold lace,
whose horse and servant stood at
the steps. The little girl went
forward swiftly and held out the
flowers to the visitor, looking shy
" up into his face.
The young soldier took them
calamity. "This is indeed an
honor" he said, with q quick
smile-"a pOsey from the fairest
lady in all this province! Mistress
Betty may be sure they shall be
among my treasured possessions
that / shall keep them always"
The child drew back, and ran to
the big window to watch the de-
parture, straining her eyes to
catch the last glimpse of the red
coat as it disappeared through
the trees, a spot Of excitement
burning on each cheek. He had
been pleased-a real soldier, who
had fought the Indians-he was
going to keep her flowers forever!
ola, child, you have worked
yourself into a very fever!" the
voice Of her gOverness exclaimed.
ttGO out for q walk with your
cousin, do, and cool your cheeks.
And be sure you don't turn back
until you reach the gate"
Betty got her hat Obediently.
Tom was crOss-he didn't like her
hero; but nothing could mar the
beauty Of the day for that proud,
happy little heart.
The grass was checkered with
shade and sunshine all down the
avenue. Near the end, the blue
bay, with its dots Of white sails,
came in view. They had reached
the great stone gate pOsts-and
between them lay her flower, in
the dustl
The boy picked up the sOiled
ribbon. "Never mind Betty" he
said, though his eyes were full of
anger. "He's not worth crying
for!
The little teeth shut down
sharply on the red lip. I'm not
crying" she said.
Eight peaceful years had passed,
and then another wherein there
was no peace-fOr the colonies
we're shaking themselves free of
leading strings.
But in the little water Tapped
city there were no signs of the
strife. The June sun was shining
down again, serenely, on the gar
den, and the flowers were giving
out their lavish mingling Of Oders
on the still air.
In the morning room, through
the open windows Of which the
garded sounds and scents were
drifting, a white-capped spinster,
the governess of yOre, was pour
ing out a continuous flow OF tea
for herself, and grievances to the
morOse young officer before the
fireplace.
81 never go away" she pro-
tested iniuredly. ''but something
happens. The whole town has
greeted me with questions about
Betty's new beau, and ] with
never q word to answer! Bette
tells me nothing, but only laughs.
She has gone of now to make the
black and white cOckades that the
commander-in-chief has ordered
in compliment to our French allies,
and be has followed her. Your
uncle, I suppose, is satisfied. For
own part / believe he is a
Tory-his refusing o commission
Is certainly suspicion; Though, toni
~ aure. his manners are charm