Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1906-08-29

just eight years ago, when was full
Of child-girlhood's arrogance. ~
Perhaps then-oh here comes some
one to break my solitude! Cannot they
leave me alone with my birthday
thoughts?
p. m.-Although | never believed
that this birthday entry would divide
itself into two halves, like some of the
others, nevertheless. it has done 80.
began my diary on the river-I
conclude 1t in the bedroom (such a
tiny bungalow bedroom, where my dim
ner frock is laid out ready.
The some one" who came through
the trees to break the solitude OF my
birthday thoughts was-Dolf!
The boy-lover, bronzed and grown
into a strong, almost stern-looking,
man.
Il thought would bring your pres
ent myself this year, Della" were his
first words, as he stepped into the
punt and dropped a packet into my
lap.
In a strange, inexplicable way l
wasn't surprised to see him; 1t almost
seemed as though the water and the
wind and the birds had prepared me
for his coming.
"I-I-thought you had f-f-forgotten
me this year," l stammered, tearing
the string and paper on the packet.
Il told you eight years ago that l
should never, never forget you," he
answered quietly, as raised the lid Of
a small cardboard box, and
There was my birthday gift!
Another gold heart-just like the one
he had given me when l was IT!
Il have come home to give you my
heart over again. viii you take it this
time, Delia?"
Then l realized that there are some
men who never forget"-and thank
God for them!
But, Dolf, have changed so much
Jet me move into the sunlight here,
so that you can really see my face;
and remember, l powder-now! /.
No, no, you must hear me! have
loved some one very much, and-and
he gave me up. (Jilted me, Dolf!)
You will be only taking the leavings of
another man; you can't want me-
Dolf, you can't want mel"
With a tender smile on his face,
Dolf took both my hands in his.
Eyes, dear, can want you, and do
want you," he answered; "I'have want
ed you all these years-lonely, blazing
years, Della; and In my own way I've
been praying all the time that some
day we might be together"
A sudden feeling Of resentment
rushed over me (perhaps his prayers
had been responsible for my being
loved-and left!); but then as saw
the great honesty Of his eyes, nothing
but thankfulness and humility re-
NAMED in my heart.
IF you really mean it, Dolf, II
am ready; but it is risk for a man to
pick up broken threads after eight
years." said.
ut is no risk, because, with me, the
threads have never been dropped"
Then he bent down and kissed my
Now the second gold heart Il lost
the first one years agoD is hanging
round my neck, and everyone knows
we are going to be married.
We have been up to the houseboat,
and Erica has kissed and cried over US
both, and mamma is so happy, too.
Everyone seems happy, and-surely
1t can't be true-,but is 1t that / am
happy as well?
1t would be wonderful If it we're SO,
but q sit opposite the glass as l write)
1t almost looks like it.
caught myself smiling without
knowing it, and the smile has taken
away that long line; I'll put ON my
white frock and-and-why, tonight
l believe can bear to wear roses!
All! there is Dolf; he is calling to
me from the garden below.
when are you coming down, you
vain little grill"
'LSttle girl, -girl-girl!"
Not CLEVER woman"-but just vain
little grill"
At last have come back to my heri-
tage. am 25-but some one has
called me girl"
1t is very dear to be loved, and my