The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-11

Tt is fifteen years since we met. Gear" observed the matron.
 Fifteen long years," assented the spinster, signing.
 When I was here last" pursued Mrs. Trail, glancing round the comfort able room, your mother was alive, and your brother Frank had just inherited the property. And you, Ellen?"
 T have lived here alone ever since. said Miss Manners, with another sigh Then she waved her slim hand towards the window, through which could be seen the glimmer of a snowy country That is my world Gertrude. After the death of Frank and my mother, ten years ago, I never left the neighbor- hood. My last journey was to Edin- burgh when I was called suddenly bc Franks deathbed. But he passed away before arrived, poor boy.
 T remember" nodded the visitor sympathetically. You wrote and toio me. Then Mrs. Manners died a year later, leaving you alone.
 Miss Manners nodded in her turn. T am always alone" she said. pathetical- ly, and sighed for the third time.
 q wonder you don't marry" observed Mrs. Trail, abruptly.
 Ellen rose as though the remark of tended her, and moved slowly to the window. There is no chance of my marrying. Gertrude"
 while there is life there is hope, my dear.''
 There may not be the wish" retort- ed Ellen, averting her face.
 It was close upon o'clock. and the night was darkening over an Arctic landscape. ruddy sunset glowed be- of oIA ha snows were tinted with crimson. Ellen Manners could see through the leafiess park trees the bkick wall encircling her domain. Beyond, appeared the square church tower and the matched cottage roofs around it. The snow had ceased to fall, but the scene look ed desolate, cold, and. in the lurid sun set, most uncanny. With a shiver the mistress of the Hall turned to the fire, and, kneeling on the Persian rug. warmed her thin hands thoughtfully.
 The world would not have called this woman of forty beautiful Her face was pale and lined with sorrow, and her garments were of unrelieved black. She might have been in mourning from her funeral looks. yet Mrs. Trail knew that the late Mrs. Manners and her son had been dead for ten years. Even the fondest affection could scarcely pro- long mourning for such a time.
 Dear Ellen, do look more cheerful" said Mrs Trail, who was rosy, stout matron fond of the good things of this life. and especially of those appertain- ing to the table. Remember 1t is Christmas in two days, and we must force ourselves to be happy during so sacred a period. I always say that to MT. Trail when he grumbles about At hA h1h Ad Why not give a party?"
 ''No," said Miss Manners, hurriedly. q gave up entertaining when my dear mother passed away"
 Still treat to the village children, dear--a Christmas tree"
 Don't Gertrude!" She lifted her hand with a gesture of pain. The last Christmas tree we had at the Hall was just before my cousin Sir Harry died. Then-oh," she broke off. shall I ever forget the horror of that Christmas Evew
 "Ellenw cried the astonished Mrs. Trail, what do you mean?' Nothing. What should mean? Let us talk of other things. This little girl you have adopted-tell me about her.
 There is little to tell. my dear. MT. Trail and I, having no children of our own, adopted this ctild to cheer our hearts"
 "who is she?"
 50 far as I know the daughter of a man who writes fonAthe newspapers. I found him out through the rector of our London parish. A very nice man, but dreadfully poor He loved Dorothy that's her sweet name, dear-and not being able to keep her in comfort he allowed me to take her away. She a n her fafhar and sometimes sees him. She's a pretty child" ended Mrs. Trail complacently.
 What about the mother?"
 She has no mother. poor child. Her father is a widower.'
 What is his name?"
 There is no need to mention it," re- Joined the matron. jealousy. We want the child all to ourselves. She Is Dorothy Trail But there! my dear, have told you enough. What about yourself?"
 Miss Manners stared into the burning coals. T have nothing to tell you, Gertrude My life is lonely and dull. I am glad you have come to stay with me-"
 "Yet you have this lovely place and plenty of money. I understand you inherited the property when your brother died"
 "Yes. But wish Frank had lived, even though we had remained as poor as when I was at school with you. I was happy then. Gertrude. have never been happy since
 'Who is the man?" inquired the matron, shrewdly.
 Ellen flushed, and rose restlessly. ''Why should there be a man?
 My dear you were much too pretty a girl not to have attracted the love of a man. You have loved and have been deceived. Hence your dismal life and pessimistic views"
 You are a witch Gertrude" said Ellen. trying to laugh, but wincing
 "Ah. I though I was right. Tell me all about 1t, dear" and the good lady settled herself for an interesting gos- sip.
 But Miss Manners hesitated. You would only be bored"
 Ellen" said her school friend re- proachfully, nothing concerning you bores me. Come, dear" she added, coaxingly.
 The other woman returned to kneel on the rug and mediate. She y0as wondering how much or how little she should tell her friend. Finally she resolved to be confidential. Gertrude was a kindhearted little woman. if a tride frivolous. She would be svmna- thetic and silent And after all these weary years of lonely thought it was a relief to tell the sad story. On the impulse of the moment Ellen leant her arms on Mrs. Trails knees and burst into tears.
 "It all comes back to me" she sobhad