Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1905-09-20

Was l really timid? l am not quite
sure; it is so long ago. My old
school-fel.ows, if any be living still,
would no doubt like you scott at the
idea, and tell you that | was dare
devil, afraid of nothing, and the ring
leader of all the mischief in my class
at the naval academy. All, the good
old time, my friend! the time of gold
en- Illusions. of eternal friendships,
The time when, inspired by pair of
blue, or back, or brown eyes, one
wrote verses, which happily history
has not preserved The days when
ones dreams were of flowing ringlets,
knots of ribbon and faded flowers.
The time when the evening air is
filled with mysterious sounds, and the
heart invokes the moon to witness its
joys and suit rings, and to listen to
its VOWS of fidelity. Poor old moon!
how many bitter tears hast thou seen
flow. how many vows hast thou heard (;
and thou believest in them still, un.
moved. as when tlou didst look down
upon the first pair of lovers in Eden,
But | am wandering from my story;
really objectionable in me, but my
heart will not grow old, although my
head is white, and my thoughts love
to linger in the sunny ways of my
youth And now for my story, love
story, as you have already guessed.
was just II years old, possessed
an empty head, many faults, ana lit
tie taste for study. One day in mid
winter, late for college, as usual,
was dashing along the streets at full
speed, when at turning, | came in
violent collision with a young girl.
coming in the opposite direction. She
was knocked down by the violence of
the blow, and as she fell, she struck
her head against the sharp edge of
the pavement. She lay there motion
less. and a tiny stream of blood trio
killed. from her forehead and Redeemed
patch of snow; | thought she was
killed, and stood still, paralyzed by
terror and unable to move.
'WTetched, careless fool! You have
killed heri" cried voice behind me-
a voice which trembled with emotion
and anger. 1t was her father it
seemed that she had just quilted him,
and turning to look after her he had
seen the ccident and hurried to her
assistance. He raised her tenderly in
his arms, but her eyes were closed
her head hung down helplessly, and
a stream of blood flowed from a gap
ing cut in her white forehead,
MY child! My darlingl she is
dead But bestir yourself. careless
wretch; don't stand gaping there" he
shouted, turning to me. There is a
drug store over the way; / will carry
her in there. Pick up her things
The things" were a little muff, a
roll of music, and a delicious little
velvet cap, which lay scattered on
the snow. He carried her pressed
closely to his breast, and l followed
as ii | were going to execution. There
was blood on the cap; it stained my
hand, AMI I felt indeed like a muir
derer. The apothecary, a little bald
old man with spectacles Q can see
him now, brought smelling salts and
various remedies. and after minute
or two the girl opened her eyes and
looked around her in surprise and be.
wilderment
What is the matter, father?"
Thank God she livesl 1t is moth.
ing, my darling, don't be frightened.
Have YOU any PAIN"
NO. what happened? Why are we
here?"
You have had bad fall; don't
move yet"
so" she said, presently. 4 have
had a fall"
During the scene had been stand
ing idiotically in the middle Of the
store looking on helplessly. not know.
ing whether to run away as fast as
my legs would car.y me, or to stop
where l was, and holding the muf
and cap in one hand and the ron Of
music in the other.
Fall. growled the father That
young gentleman knocked you down.
Nice manners the young men have
nowadays; the Mayor must make the
pavement wider, there is not room
enough for them. Don't let me detain
you. young mani"
But father, it was quite as much
my fault as his; did not look where
was going, and we ran against each
other. am not angry with you. sir,
| assure you"
The brave girl said it so simply.
trying TO smile, and With a friendly
look in her dark brown eyes. felt
as if | must choke; | would have
given worlds to be able to speak. to
beg her pardon, but | could not utter
a word.
Let us 60" said the father: 81
must see you home" and taking from
my hands the articles l still held, he
drew his daughters arm within his
own and left the place without pay.
ing any more attention to me.
How often trifle suffces to change
a character, to influence a life! From
that day l was a changed being; |
became as serious and diligent as |
had been previously careless and idle;
my sudden passion for study aston.
ished the professors. and my poor
mother congratulated herself that her
tender remonstrances. so long unheed.
ed, had at last borne fruit. Six
months later, entered the naval
academy, | had never seen her again