The Baltimore County union, the Towson news., 1909-11-06
A Memory.
written for The Union-News.)

October was we'll on the ebb and
was fast slipping into its twin month
of November. A ceaseless rain had
been falling for several hours, which
kept up a continual patter on the
window panes. But there was rift
in the clouds and only an occasional
dash occurred at intervals, which
made tiny rivulets as they trickled
down the sash and disappeared over
the heavy stone sill. The cutters at
the curbs, which had run flush for
severalhours, showed their clean stone
tagging, and the brilliant colored
leaves in the park-like plot in the
heart of the city we're sodden and
drenched in the tangled grass, and
had not been raked together by the
keeper of the park. Groups of harder
flowers were making a show of color
here and there and laughing at the
leaden skies, making brave pretense
of perpetual summer.
Across the street at second-storY
window a white face, which spoke of
weeks of suffering and confinement,
was pressed against the pane in an
endeavor to catch break in the low,
swiftly flying clouds which had begun
to tarnish the east with a golden glow.
How the Man envied the glow of
health in the ruddy cheeks and the
quick, elastic step of the passersby !
This little spot of greenness, hidden
away in the heart of the city like some
gladstone oasis in a parched desert,
furnished the Man with many hours
enjoyment as he watched the busy
throng pass beneath the grateful shade
Of maple and linden. The little chill
dren were an inspiration as they
played about this bit of countryside
far removed from its kindred of open
field and wooded hillside. He caught
new vision of life as their childish
laughter rose above the noise of toll
and traffic in the busy street and
foated into his room. 1t was CRATE
full and pleasant to his ears and lulled
his impatience with soothing effect.
Far down the street numbering OBJ
ject, drawn by two husky-looking
chaps, was seen approaching over the
uneven cobblestones and ruts in the
street bed, careening like vessel in
a strong wind. The two men came
to halt directly beneath the Mans
window handle was put in motion,
and as Annie Laurie foated out
upon the clear October air the sweet
melody thrilled the Man and tear
trickled down his cheek and splashed
against his wan hands. The old
familiar strain carried him back to
his early haunts inthe country village,
years before he began the battle for
wealth and fame in the city's crowded
throng, 1t was to him the memory
of summertime, musical with bird
songs, golden with sunshine, and fra
grant with the breath of bloom and
flowers he saw a long lane, the
fences of which were festooned with
fragrant honeysuckle and wild rose,
crossed by shallow brook of crystal
water. AS the street musician
switched off into a rollicking air it
brought the Man back from his day
dreaming. The tune set the feet of
the street urchins in motion and an
impromptu quadrille was formed and
carried through with the precision of
skilled dancers. The Mans tears
were replaced by smiles. After the
hat had gathered in a supply of pen
MES the two men and their lumber
ing instrument disappeared down the
street to repeat their repertoire to a
new audience. Up the street at a
brisk pace came husky young chap
to his days labor. Evidently he had
stored away in his makeup consider
able musical talent. He was whist
ling You'll Remember Me-" The
notes were low and sweet, like those
made by skilful performer on low
pitched fife as he draws, with his fin
gertips, silvery notes from out their
little cavernous depths. The Man
pressed his face against the pane and
gave sigh as the whistler passed up
the street and beyond his range of
vision. So engrossed had hN been
with the enhancing strain that he had
not noticed the nurse who had en-
tered noiselessly and held out to him
his medicine on silver tray.