The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1884-12-27

klndle dead emDerS on ruined AFFAIRS.
'iExcuse me for troubling you, Mrs. Jud-
son-please take seat" said Mr. Christ
ern, rising and drawing second easy chair
to the fire. ~ have not seen you, think,
for day or two. You have been quite
well, 1 hope"
"Quite well,'' she answered, and at his
words half smile crossed her lips, (poor,
tired lips, that had scarcely known full
smiles for twice a decadeD 1t was con-
siderably more than week since Mr. Christ
ern had seen her, though several times he
had passed her in the hall or on the stairs;
but so deeply immersed was he in his
thoughts that he had noticed her no more
than he did the umbrella stand. But she
knew that if he had perceived her he would
have spoken kindly, and in her life it was
a great deal to know that, even if he did
not see her.
She seated herself in obedience to his
invitation. All her life she had been doing
what somebody told her to-living at some
body's beck and call-so it had become
second nature for her to obey, whether in
small matters or great, only that in her ex-
istence there had been little enough of the
last save where pain was concerned.
II ventured to disturb you, maam, -
continued Mr.. Christern, with his old-fash-
ioned courtesy, "because | reeollected that
it was the end of the month"
sand the end of the year, she added,
rather to herself than to him, and she shiv-
cred as she spoke.
Mr. Christern was looking at her. and he
noticed, for the first time, what peculiar,
refined face she had He saw the pain,
too, past and present, and the shadow of
that which she knew well was to come.
Doubtless his reverie had left him in an
unusual mood He told himself this. But,
somehow, he noticed trifes as he seldom
did. She was sitting just where he used
to picture his dream-companion, and really
her eyes--but what folly There was
something more important to think Of, just
now, than his fancies. This pale, gentle
lady, was in trouble; he saw it, for when
now and then he reused himself really to
his sight, Ambrose Christern could see very
keenly.
He was wondering what he could say
how ask her to confde in him, without
thereby hurting her dignity and self-re-
speot, But before he had arrived at any
form of speech which seemed appropriate,
Mrs. Judson said:
II was going to ask to see you, Mr..
Christern" and her hands were linked
together in her lap in a way that showed
she had to make an effort to articulate with
composure-"I wanted to speak about the
rooms"
every comfortable" he said, as he
paused. "Ihave been here three months
now, Mrs. Judson. If you are satisfied we
will 90 on for the coming year"
"Why, that is just the thing" she said,
and her voice was a little breathless and
swift now. ~ am afraid there is an end. "
"Oh !" he said. "Well, well, have you
better offer"
at is only that shan't have any rooms
to let," she interrupted. 81 am obliged to
give up the house. | hope you won't think
1 have treated you i'll in not giving. you a
longer warning; but did not know, myself,
until to-day. l must leave next week"
Mr.. Christerndid not speak. She thought
he was disconnected by the suddenness-
change of apartments was a trouble to a
middle-aged bachelor, no doubt of that.
''If you would not think it liberty"
she went on, II believe 1 could spare you
any worry. An acquaintance of mine has
a very nice house in the next street, Her
parlor floor is to let. Molly and / could
see to removing your things. Indeed, 1
hope to find Molly place there, and l
should not be surprised if Mrs lavish
bought in this furniture; so you would not
feel so much as if you had changed houses,
after ALL
Mr.. Christern sat regarding her intently
from under his heavy brows. You may be
sure that the repressed trouble in her voice,
the attempt of cheerfulness- oh, none of
these things escaped him
When she ceased speaking he laid his
two hands on the arms of his chair, and
leaned little forward.
"And where are you going, Mrs. Jud
son ?" he asked.
II don't-I mean my plans are not quite
settled"
II thought not" he muttered, but SO low
that she did not hear.
'!If you would kindly look at Mrs. Tav-
ish's rooms think you would find them to
suit, she hurried on. But though he saw
that she wanted to divert the talk from her.
self, he resolved to persevere.
"And why are you giving up this house,
Mrs. Judson p he asked. She hesitated.
"Come, come," he persisted, 81 insist on
knowing. have a right to know A man
isn't to be put about and dragged away to
lavish, or other ish, without knowing
whyr"
His masterful manner had the effect upon
his listener which he had expected to pro-
duce
II am in debit can't pay my rent, J"
she stammered. "My landlord is going to
put me out and sell the furniture to secure
himself" Her fingers worked nervously
as she spoke.
ais that all ?''
''Well, sir, it's about enough" she an,
swered, looking up with wan smile. "But
hope you won't think have treated you
badly l thought to get on; but you have
been my only lodger for three months, and
now the failure of the Marcott Insurance
Company has cut me off from-but, indeed,
l beg your pardon for talking about i'll
-I-now have told you, sir, perhaps
She half rose. Mr.. Christern put out
his hand and very decidedly, yet gently,
forced her to sit down again.
"Where are you going2" he asked.
"Molly wants a little leave this evening,
and"
"Neyer mind Molly Where are you
going when you quit this house That's
my question. insist on an answer. The
truth, now, the exact truth.
II don't know, Mr. Christern-that is
the truth But some way will open
there always does-it looks little black
but"
aGo on. Why don't you finish p
Because l was afraid it would sound
Pharisaical-"