The Mineral argus. [volume] (Maiden, Mont.) 1883-1886, 1884-12-25

The trio walked down the hall to the
back parlor, and upon opening the door
truly dazzling sight met their gaze.
In the centre of the elegantly furnished
apartment was the Christmas tree,
literally loaded with gifts for the chill
dren and entire household. To nearly
every branch and twig was affixed a
tiny wax candle, while between the top
most branch and the ceiling an electric
light threw down its rays, rendering an
effect as of early dawn, Just at sunrise,
and the candles-one might have i'm
agined-had been left burning till day.
light. At either end of the room.
however, gas-lights proclaimed it night
instead of day. As the door opened
two beautiful children, boy and girl,
aged eight and five years, left their
governess and came running from near
the tree to meet papa" and mama
by whom they were fondly caressed
Soft strains of music foated in through
the half open door OF the drawing room,
and the children waited in eager antici-
patton the arrival of Santa Claus Ito be
persenated by the butler) who was to
distribute the gifts.
Again Loring referred to his watch
and cast II significant glance at Mr..
Lanier.
"Well, little wife" said Lanier 1--WE
have to keep our appointment down
town, so we must say good bye, or au
revoir, | prefer" And the husband
kissed and embraced his wife with I'M
usual tenderness for a brief separation
it seemed to her.
The children were fondled and kissed
and Lanier then shook hands with the
governess, in apparent playfulness or
good humor, for the pleasant occasion,
and then IN company with Loring
walked from the room; but almost
directly he returned, took another look
at the bright scene, and again Joined
his friend with whom he left the house.
Christmas evening was over--the
children and all in the house on Bea-
con Hill had retired, except Mrs. Ian
Ter who waited the expected arrival of
her husband. Suddenly there was a
gentle ring of the door bell. Mrs. Lam
ier started, for she had fallen nearly
asleep.
"Who can have called at this hours
she asked of herself aloud, "It must
be Clifford; he forgot his key, probably"
and Mrs. Lanier entered the hall and
opened the door.
why, Mr.. Loring Where is Cliff
ford?"
He is safe, / believe, Mrs. Lanier,
and, if you will allow me to enter at
this unreasonable hour, l will give you
a message from him."
"A message from my husband
Walk in, Of course; but what has hap
pened? Do not, | beg you, keep me in
They were by this time seated in the
library, and for reply to Mrs. Lanier's
last question Loring handed her her
husbands note. As she perused it
deathly palor overspread her face, but
ere she had finished reading she had
partially recovered herself
Now give me the promised expla-
nation or the circumstances in detail,
please" she said
A careful observer might have detec-
ted a strange light in Loring's eyes as
he began stating the facts already given
the reader Mrs. Lanier listened more
calmly than he had expected, and at
the conclusion of his statement re-
quested his advice as to the best course
for her to pursue. Loring. without
counseled that she immedi-
ately seek some quiet residence in
suburban city, as the expense of man
aging the large house that had for three
years been their home, would be too
large for her to meet. The soundness
Of the advice was apparent to Mrs.
Lanier, and it was at once debided that
she should start out on the very next
day, under Loring's escort, to search
for new home.