The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1905-04-07
AN INVALID'S
DIARY


N
w to while away the time. 1t seems
so grimly preposterous that man of my
age (I am 32) and my activity should be
held prisoner in this fashion when life,
it's ambitions and seductionS beckon.
Absurd.
why there are interests and obliga-
tions OF immense Importance calling
and urging me to quick action. There
are opportunities lying close at hand.
and future to be built up securely and
solidly on foundations l have laid by
years of hard work and severe applica-
ton.
And now, when the road is open and
the goal within view am to be bound
and fettered and held back by paltry
attack of sickness? Nonsense! an in
valid? How preposterous! l will not
hear Of it.
~. is consoling to know that in few
weeks time / will begin TO get back my
strength and vigor. as soon es this fever
ebates.
How queerly the mind wanders
sometimes, between sleeping and wax
ing, back to past scenes and to events
seemingly buried in oblivion. With
what distinctness old issues are re-
vealed. and new light is thrown over
actions interpreted so differently in by
gone days.
THE still tranquility of these long
hours, as l sit looking idly out from the
window, the monotonous murmur of the
wind in the dark pine and cedar trees,
.Cta inc al hxyf ho CT ho
light falling snow muf1ling the sound of
passing vehicles, the footsteps of men
and women hurrying home. the whirr of
automobiles as they rush down the hill
combine to sooth the agitation of mind
and heart, and aid strangely in more
reflective readjustment of the values of
life.
Dreaming here sometimes ask my
self if the fierce strife and eager pursuit
after wealth and what the world calls
pleasure were worth the cost paid? In
the hurry and hot pursuit was not con-
tentment and happiness full and replete
passed heedlessly by?
Gold and relentless the snow falls,
mantling the streets. the roofs Of the
houses and the shru5bery on the lawns
in austere solemnity, and not more chill
than it's remorseless beauty is the dread
clutching at my heart, that false gods led
me far astray into arid places.
Il must hasten to retrace those idle
steps There is much to do So much
to attain, and not overmuch time for the
work.
81 am better this morning and strong
er
"The carnival has opened brilliantly
see by the papers. The old city is
thronged with strangers. The theaters
crowded The parades and balls are to
be more gorgeous than ever.
Zone year ago took an active part in
those winter gayeties.
Il remember Dacre Hazleton. Fen
wick and I went out to the races the day
I came in from the country. told Fen
wick to back The Imp. made cool
five thousand on The Imp. Fen was dis
gusted.
cat Monaus ball that night had
sudden glimpse of Estella. How fair
and lovely she was-I was taken by sur
prise. | had dined at the club and had
come late to the ball. How could know
she was TO be there? For misunder-
standing lay like cloud between us.
Il worked my way slowly through the
crowd "Estella, child. you are SO di-
yinely beautiful. Don't be hard-heart-
ed She turned with smile. see it's
radiance still. She was claimed and led
OFF for dance Tomorrow she said
to me, then lost her among the mask
ers.
Tomorrow and tomorrow. think