The southern sentinel. (Winnfield, La.) 1883-1910, 1904-05-26
THE DREAMER.
BIZ JOHN w1cK11FrE GRAY.

/
Now and then 1t grew to q piercing
shrek, as it whirled snow under the
caves and in the corners OF the big bay
window. 1t laid an icy grasp on the
frames and shook them angrily, en-
viously, because 1t could not enter and
| destroy the scene of comfort within.
She was a jewel of landlady who
would keep the fire burning for him SO
long, Herbert unused. TO keep tns
chill out" Mrs Williams had told him
once. and his words of thanks did not
fully convey his gratitude for hef
mothering him.
He lighted his redolent briarwood
pipe, pulled the big leathern chair be-
fore the fender. leaned back in its
depths and the luxurious folds OF his
lounging robe His feet perched on
the fender, for the fifth time since the
Office closed that afternoon, he pulled
out dainty little blue linen envelope.
He Dead his own name and address
two or three times before he took out
the sheets within.
Round and firm, and-just like Mil
dred," he unused.
He spread out the sheets on his knee
and read:
Dear Herbert-We are having .
glorious time trying to forget the snow
and ice up north. The weather Is per-
feet, except for an occasional misty
day, and outdoor amusements are the
rule with everybody.
81 am glad to know that business
will soon permit you to take vaca-
ton. Are you thinking of coming
south? l know you must be. though.
for there's hardly anywhere else to go.
now that everything up there is ice
and snow-bound.
What do you think Of joining our
party here at Palm Beach? We will
remain here another week, when We
have planned an altogether original
tour Of either Jamaica or San Domingo
on bicycles. All of US brought our
wheels from home, and these suggested
the trip. We have discarded the auto
mobile idea because two or three ma
chimes would be required for the nine
Of US. two in the crowd are Indifferent
chauffeurs. and because we are not
certain about the roads down there.
Bicycles win 60 anywhere and we havs
determined to use them, see the coun-
try thoroughly and get q healthy trop-
lcal tan.
wire me II You can come. And II
you can, be sure to bring your bicycle
It will be indispensable to \ thorough
ly good time.
MARY begs to be remembered to
you. AS ever. Mildred Halcomb."
Then:
"P. S.-Don't forget the bicycle"
The warm freight was having its
effect after coming In from the cold
outer air. He was drowsy. An invol-
untary yawn showed two fine rows Of
teeth - he placed the letter on the
table.
He and Mildred had been chums
since childhood. They always cor
when one or the other was
away. And In the past few months
be had come to realize that he could
not live without her. There had been
no vows. but since ~ children they
had roamed the parks together ON |
heir bright. new bicycles. they had |
been conscious OF . mutual exhilara-
lion and joyousness in one another's |
presence. Yes. bicycles. and the init
nate companionship they bring.
,eemed strangely interviewer In their
ives.
Wen 60 wheeling. wheeling. wheeling
Down the misunderstanding pike:
Hearts Affecting, feeling. feeling,
All the JOY that's In . bike"
He had heard the doEgerel parody Of I
J popular song somewhere, and the
ines continued to repeat themselves in I
lrowsy fashion:
Wen 90 wheeling. wheeling. wheel"
His pipe fell from nerveless fingerA
)ne foot slipped from the fender.
He and Mildred were resting on the
cd beneath towering palm tree. Net
ar on several people Of their party
vere laughing and talking together.
lie saw the surf come rolling In not 20
ards away. dwindling from mighty
waves to smooth. even flow q they
cached the higher beach. Beside
hem were their bicycles. Cries Of
TRANCE birds were heard, and . bright
'lumaged fellow nsw over their heads
nd fluttered away inland
How beautiful Mildred was! She was
noking straight into his eyes. And In
he big gray orbs he saw her soul
Inning there. It was shining for him. II
II for him! He knew it. and that was
noqgh.
You are mine." he was saying. IAN
hese years / have loved you, and
Taited for you. And now We muss
art no more. Your life shall be my
Re, and mine shall be yours II
Out Of the distance he heard tho
hime Of bells. One-two-three-four
five six And still it rang.
The sleeper awoke with start. Tia
lock claimed his attention frst. for II
- striking "a. He rose quickly, and
8 he did 80 Z telegraph blank on tho
lble caught his eye.
Better write It now ana send The
mt thine IN 6nsynrruav,~v ~ - Ax--rx