Evening star., 1935-05-26
May Do. 1885

tnat tne great lnSplIdtiOn CAME 10 MIN, dilu i
began to grin.
So, born of springtime in the heart and
birds song. came the notion that was to turn
Hockey from nice young man who had
great gift of looking vacant into moulder of
Destiny But he knew nothing about all that
He went home, still grinning. He shut him
self in his study. The glow of inspiration
lasted. as he penned his letter. He warmed to.
and waxed enthusiastic. He rewrote it, and
put in finishing touches. Late at night Hockey
went out and posted his letter, still grinning.
With morning, sanity returned. He was
rather afraid of what he had done. After all
Laura had no sense of humor. She laughed
immoderately at her own jokes but never
saw other peoples Perhaps he had gone a
bit far.
Hockey went in to tiffin. anxious at heart |
Mrs. Cumberland was in an excellent temper
She radiated good humor. When the General.
forgetting as usual the roll that lurked in his
table napkin, catapulted it over the room
usually the opening for domestic hostilities -
Laura Cumberland said nothing Wrapt, she
did not seem to notice.
Hockey could not make it out. She had
had the letter. He knew that. for he saw theI
Dak-wall-ah come His spirits rose. Evidently
she was taking it all in good part. just as heI
meant. His hopes we're confirmed, for when|
tiffm was over. she drew him aside.
Hockey. have had such beautiful let
ter" she said, with wrapt and dreamy look
He looked blank. and said the world was|
full of beautiful letters. Meaningly he cleared
his throat. She ignored him.
But this is an exceptional one. The sort it
is not every woman's lot to get must show
it to YOU
She took him into her sitting room. She
picked up the familiar envelope and handed
it to him. Hockey pretended to read He knew
it by heart:
Dear Madam
know ought not to write this to you
but cannot help it. You are so beautiful.
All through the service this evening have
been looking at you and thinking how
beautiful you are and how wish | knew
you and could serve you. 1t made me happy
all the service just looking at you.
| am only choir boy but if you would
smile at me now and then what difference
it would make. shall always remember you
sitting there looking so beautiful in lilac
hat. Yours obediently.
Albert Balls
"Son of Sergeant Balls, suppose
Hockey cleared his throat "Yes but,
Mrs Cumberland -"
What are you laughing at see nothing to
laugh at in the sacred outpourings of boys
heart
II I'm not laughing Mrs. Cumberland.
But the fact is -
He'll how was he going to tell her! Why
couldn't the woman realize no boy in his
senses would have written that drivelo
She was off again.
Hockey" said Mrs. Cumberland. more
serious than he had ever seen her. This has
meant great deal to me. That boy should
be able to write that - we'll it's rather a
nice compliment isn't it1"
Hockey sweated profusely. and said it was.
but
"You must get hold of the boy, Hockey.
shall find a niche for him here
Hookey's jaw dropped.
II shall speak to the General tonight. To-
morrow you can 60 over and see the boys
people. There must be great deal in young
thing who could pen such a beautiful letter.
shall make it my business to bring it out"