The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1888-12-21

Uleuudle WAS CODO&-
gaming, the town stores hadfeStoOned fronts
of evergreen. and extra illumination
showed windows piled high with rare and
beautiful souvenirs for the gift-giving sea-
son Of the year.
1t was nine o'clock Christmas Eve, and
all was. indeed, we'll. The spell of merri-
ment and happiness unalloyed seemed to
have settled down over the lordly mansion,
aglow with brilliant lights. just beyond the
crest Of the hill. and upon the humble
wood-cutter's hut nearer town. alike A
stranger. passing from house to house,
and peering in. would have decided that
here was the ideal oasis of contentment
Joy and virtue amid the lark desert Of life.
Unde the snow-thatched roofs. however.
that royal evening of excitement and glad
ness, pictures were weaving, soon to join in
a coherent series of scenes upon a broad
stage OF action. In a cosy room in the sin
gle hotel the place afforded, seated at a
table containing wines, cigars, and other
c~oncomitants to a social chat. were seated
two young men, one dark-featured and
with a keen, restless eye that bespoke
thirty years Of reckless experience in the
dark ways of life, the other his junior by
half a decade, and having a somewhat
tired and dissipated expression on his face.
The elder Of the two was known as Bruce
Herbert. and was a comparative stranger
in Glendale. His companion was Ellis
Markham, the son of the occupant of the
lordly mansion on the hill, who was reput-
ed to be the closest and wealthiest resident
of the village.
It's no use, Herbert" the latter was saw
ing. 1 tell you I'm in a box. and ever the
quite liberal cash present my fond but
stingy old governor has given me for the
holidays won enable me to bridge over my
difficulties. I'm in a terrible strait"
Sorry. Can't it be helped?" murmured
Markham's companion. his clear. cold eye
in startling contrast to the fiery. irritated
face Of the other.
No. have half a mind to cut out and
let the explosion come. Ican't stay to face
it; disgrace. INTERPRETATION"
AS bad as that?"
Yes"
You'd better make a confldant of me,
Markham" insinuated Herbert, with a
crafty smile Of mystery. I've been your
friend"
I know you have"
And you've stood by me-"
Il have. indeed I have!" replied the
younger man with e%ffusion. No sour grapes
for me! and when l found out that it was
impossible for me ever to win the love or
fortune of my fathers charming ward,
Eunice Davenal. why. I not only abandoned
the field to you. but. honestly, I've been
working like a Trojan to win governor and
girl to see your value as a match"
Good for you'll" murmured Herbert, with
frightening eyes.
L told the governor who you were
nephew Of the great New York banker,
m Herbert. of your immense bank ac-
count. and all that; and, as he is anxious to
have Eunice marry. and as she won't have
me, ! tell you that you are the most eligible
person in view; stand an elegant chance to
win the prize"
Oh! he's anxious to marry her of. is he?"
muttered Herbert. c~ontemplatively stroking
his silky mustache.
Yes. You see. according to her fathers
will, the day she marries the estate is set
tied. and my father receives a large sum as
a bequest, only the use of which he now en-
Joys, and Eunice assumes control of her
" fortune. It's a princely one. WAY up
in the tens Of thousands. There is another
provision, however"
Whats that?"
If Eunice marries without my fathers
consent she forfeits the fortune. But she
Won 90 that. She knows you are in love
With her. I think she likes you"
$ h doesn't show it much!" remarked
Herbert, with dubious shrug of the Shout
ders.
"Oh! all women are coy. You win the
governors good graces at the party tonight.
II he favors you. it's a settled fact"
Think SOP"
4 know It'll" assured Markham. confident