The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-04-10

lant things myself, and felt ever so kind ly toward him. I thought that Aunt Mary had very tender expression of countenance. too, as he sent his kind words to dear grandmother After awhile the Colonel could get along with one crutch; then with a stick, which he did not abandon for a long time.
 ALL ROADS LEAD TO LOVE.
 During the latter part of April there was mystery that none of us could ex- plain. Notice was received from MT. Rice, the railroad agent, that a box of freight awaited us. Word was was sent to him that there was some mistake, as none had been ordered by our family: but he insisted that 1t came addressed to grandmother. and he wanted 1t taken out of his way. Besides" said the agent, 'it might be stolen at any time" Finally 1t was sent for and the address examined. Grandmother then ordered that 1t be stored away in a safe place, as someone might call for it. But Colonel Drumgoold and Aunt Mary begged that 1t be opened, the Colonel saying "If any one calls and claims it I shall make good their loss" It was opened and contained world (to us them of all manner of groceries and lots of things needful in a home. Every week box of similar char acter came, the contents being varied from time to time. No one could explain the mystery.
 Colonel Drumgoold seemed to like us, for he remained at Eastwood even after he could walk with merely his stick. I used to ramble with him often. Soon 1t dawned upon me that he was fond of talking of my Aunt Mary. He would gather wild violets for her as the warui days of April brought those little har- bingers of sunnier days to the surface. Then he and she began to stroll together over the Eastwood fields, and along by the river. Old Nanny noticed it, and I heard her say one day Well, sah, mark me, he done fell in lobe wid our Miss Mary"
 Old Nanny was right He loved Aunt Mary, with lofty and most honorable affection. Before he told Aunt Mary of his love- however. he asked an interview with grandmother He told her first and 6aNc Hci iliS hiotoiys iiio Sotidi NoiiiCt- tions and a number of names of promi- nent persons in the north to whom he begged her to write. This she did. and she found, while we thought that few nncestrics of people in the north could equal ours, that Colonel Drumgoold's could
 One deiciously fragrant and warm morning I stood at the table on the back piazza where old Nanny was rubbing xl, cftx a,i1 something to tell you; it will be a great surprise to you. I know" What 'tis?" Why, Aunt Mary loves Colonel Drum- goold, and She quickly interrupted me, saying. Flush, chile, taint no 'sprise to yo' or Nanny. I knowed it. Cause las week one day she call me and say, Nanny, here is two tulips I foun' in de gyarden an I don know what to do wid 'em; l speck l better throw 'em away. Den she say sorter quick like, No, I ain gwine throw 'em away. you take em to that horrid Yankee soldier and put 'em on his table. know den what she mean. Cawnt fool her ol Nanny what raise her. Ha. Ina! Toolups fur 'horrid Yankee soldier I know while he be Yankee. he wa'na horrid. an I know dat she know dat. Cawnt noodle winkum her oi Nanny. I done took 'em to he room an started out: he was dar m projec like I wan do some wuk In de room. an when I turn 'roun' I see him kiss de flowers. He surt'ly am gal lantsome an bin raise good. He know how to treat we all black people"
 June came with its warmth and How CTS. A poet has sung a sweet lyric be- ginning:
 What Is 90 rare as day in June? But unless that poet knew our Virginia June days he was at disadvantage. There are no skies as blue, no flowers as fragrant. no air so nimble and no scenes as beautiful as those of Virginia. So Colonel Drumgoold thought. and he said, T shall carry with me to the north low