The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-08-01
Ieart Of
a Child


Il quiet country road. was on my
way to the postoiiice hall 4 mile dis.
tant. lie was going home from school,
! inferred from his box and the time
of day.
Now. l have no boys. and love
boys, and | did not like to tell the
truth about it and answer directly, so
l fenced. why, are you out looking
for boys, laddie?" ! smilingly ques-
toned in return.
His blue eyes looked up into mine
with the sweetest. shyest look from
under the longest of curved lashes,
and his little round freckled nose was
tipped sideways in the friendliest
way, while his lips began to draw
down in proper shape to make a bust.
ness reply. Yes. ma'am, ! have some
tickets to sell. They're 10 cents. and
you can see the ball game"
"Oh," said l. "Are you going?"
"Eo, guess not. It's way down
town, an the big boys are going to
play, some from our own school"
oh, see. And IL you sell five. per-
haps you could have a ticket for your.
SELF" said l.
"Oh, yes, teacher said II any one
sold five he could have a ticket free.
But don't guess I'll sell five-I don't
know anybody at has five boys"
l became more interested. l didn't
want to miss that ball game, and l
wanted him to see 1t. So l thought I
would try to get a boy. do you
know Of any boy l could get to take
me to that ball gaine?" said l, with
all the intensity could put into my
manner.
We'll, no maam, l don't know any
just now-'less Jim could go-he
works for Mr.. Ward next house to
u.s." he said with such sweet concern,
hoping to sell a ticket.
but you see, don't know jim. I'd
rather take some one know, and We
could both see the game. Now, |
don't suppose you could take me.
could you, if | bought the tickets and
paid the street car fare and all? You
sec, I don't like to 80 alone, and |
don't know any boys bat you"
Downcast eyes iringcd with black
lashes gave proper modcsty TO the
eagcncss Of his reply YES. ma am,
think | could DO it. If you'd like to
see The game"
50 The time and place OF meeting
WAS arranged, the Two tickets paid
for, and went on my way To the post
Office. | was really happily excited.
That boy had awakened Il feeling OF
youth in me that had been stranger
for some years. | wanted to see the
ball game 4 wanted Il child's COM
panionship-I was impatient for the
appointed day.
My escort arrived early on Satur.
day, just as | finished my lunch, ring
ing the bell with a timid hand.
spied him through the window and
went to the door myself. did not
want any one to come between our
new and growing confidence. That
shy lifting OF the eyes greeted me, and
l at once brought out Felix. my little
terrier, who Is friesdly and a good
entertainer. left the two on the
porch while got my hat, gloves and
my pink tickets.
When l returned. Felix had new
friend. Il like your dog said my
boy" q had never asked his name.)
"You don't want to sell him. do you?"
he asked in a truly business tone.
NO." said I, hes my burglar
alarm"
ooh, course" said he.
We boarded a car, and | was more
delightfully."- entertained during that
half hour than l had been for many
a day.
PA said for me to be sure and
thank you for my ride and the ticket.
and guess better do it now.
might forget. you know, il have a
perfectly splendid time"
"Your papa is gentleman. and
you give him my best wishes for
many happy returns of the day"
He looked earnestly at me. Il
guess / can't remember all that"
Then tell him you dii not forget"
/ said, and he WIS satisfied
The excitement Of passing the
charmed ticket man and walking ~
that long road 10 IL benches with
his little warm hyul ia u.ine vas dr-
lightIul. Ny pulses bet With A,s. riy
eyes saw with his Is ,r Ter. asit
time With lis.
And then the -e law we dill
hout and wave CIR ~aEerC, .c.s.
and stand Up 10 set Tie / ,,t yi.w, /
was as merry as ~ lor q c,c't. I
didn't want Tic game 10 oe:4e % an
end-but alas. it did We vent Lome
tired. but happy.
'"Good-by." lie said. al ny pa.e.
"Good-by, laddie," said I. como IN
and see Felix next saturday"
All right" he cal,cl. as his ieet
kicked up the dast IL the read.
was alone with ny thoughts.
And whose shall receive che such
little child receive i me"