The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1876-01-07

cough increased so rapidly that he re-
NAMED at home the last week to save
himself for the concert, only going out
to practice.
CHAPTER III.
Christmas Eve-and Ernest Dent wait
ed in Aunt James parlor. AS the an
ticipated hour drew near, it must be
confessed, he harbored little anxiety
as to the first impression his betrothed
would make. His mother would love
her in the end, but she was naughty in
her manner-not altogether pleased with
his engagement; gay, rollicking sister
Kate would take her right into her affec
tionate heart.
So, busily thinking, he did not hear
Alice till, with her hand in his, she
stood directly in front of him, her eager
eyes seeking his verdict. ERNEST, for
your sake, wish my appearance were
more in accordance with your taste. /
tried very hard to have it different
Don't ask any questions. / cannot tell
you tonight why" then, as a faint
shadow fitted across his brow, "You are
not ashamed of me?-because, if you
are, /"
Nay, my darling, you know me bet
ter than to misjudge me L was only
thinking how for once it would delight
me to see you in some delicate color.
There, forgive me ; it was n passing
thought, and / am thoughtless !;
you are SO unselfsh, my own, true
girl I"
Yes, she did forgive him, but the look
ho1 hna,, ha nj
somewhat it hurt her as never before,
while the sting remained in her heart till
in front of st. Marks Church she stopped
and broke the silence neither could seem
to shake off: "Oh, Ernest, hsten-it
is Joey!"
"Oh, your Joe do you know We'll
mer says if he hves-what is it, are you
so cold 2-if he lives, he will make for
tune. He is exceedingly interested in
the boy; was going to fit him for
the concert, only some one got ahead
of him. l must get the child some
thing tomorrow, just because he belongs
to you."
After hearing that voice Alice was
strong, and the excitement together with
the frosty air, had given her a glowing
color by the time they reached Mrs.
Sherwood's.
"Dear Miss Alice" said Minnie Sher-
wood, who was in the formers Bible
class, Z" how sweetly You look2 Isn't Mr..
Dent very proud of your I'll ask him
when we get down stairs"
dow she was tried in all directions
that night.
Minnie's criticism was correct /;
the black merino clung in graceful folds
to the tall form-Alice always moved
quietly-fiuted rufiles partially covered
white neck that manya belle would have
coveted, and dropped over the wrists
around which were buttoned perfectly
fitting gloves. The full braids that her
own hands coiled so easily looked darker
still for their crown of heather blossoms,
and a tiny bunch Of the little bells re.
heved by single tea-rose supplied the
place of brooch.
Ernest was proud of her as he intro
duced her to her mother, and If any
hautiness on the part of the latter chilled
her future daughter Kate Dent
made up for it in cordiality. The even
ing was spent in pleasant company, al
belt cloud shadowed Alice's spirit, she
scarcely knew why. A comment of Mrs.
Dents had reached her hearing "Blsck
is genteel, at any rate ; we may as well
make the best of it." But then she
was worn with teaching and extra care,
and when she babe Ernest good night
it was the saddest parting she had ever
given. She slept, half resolved to re-
lease him from his engagement the fol
lowing day.
With the mornings dawn came a mes
sage "Joey is very i'll and wants you
to come"
Ayel she had foreseen it the night be-
fore, listening to the Professors words
elf he lives" Hastily scribbling to
Ernest line excusing her absence, she
was off as the early Christmas chimes
summoned the people to service.
"Joey is dying, is dyingl" was the
one echo they bore to her, and then she