The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-12-17

Copyright. 1905. by Samuel J. Tucker.
 Holmes stanton found No. sss NJ street to be a decent-Iooking tnree' story brick and stone house in res pectable, though by no means Iasn, fonable district. The snow swirieo ansrily around him as he stood wait ing, after having pushed the bell put. ton, but he was not thinking anou. the storm which had set in q iew hours before and was raging wlth pis' ter fury. So bad was the weather: n. deed, that for the past half hour eiole. Dane had been assuring herseif that he would not come. A dozen times sue had gone to the window and looked out saying to herself:
 q hope it will keep him away How foolish was to ever get myself into this kind of an affair. I'll never answer another personal as long as live
 On the stand in her modestly furnish ed room lay paper containing tho following advertisement:
 A young man. stranger in the cliy, would like to hear from some lady who is also unacduainted and lonely and who would be willing to take dinner with him on Christmas, giving in re intentions strictly. honorable. Address Lonesome" box 731.
 There had been an exchange of notes on the subject. and with the un- derstandfng that she was to have the privilege of declining the dinner If she desired to do so when the stranger presented himself, Miss Dane had giv- en Stanton her address.
 Her heart gave an unruly bound when the landlady called from below that there was some one to see Miss Dane, She stood for a moment, clutch ing the door-knob for support, and then with a thousand wild fancies in her mind, she went down stairs.
 As she entered the parlor. stanton drew a long glad breath of relief He had feared that he might ind her 10 be a fright and had himself been rath- CT busy regretting that he had follow ed up his absurd impulse.
 Fifteen minutes later, when they were in their carriage being driven away through the storm, the girl wondered why she had not taken ad- vantage of her privilege of renounc- ing the agreement. but 1t was rather late then to begin regretting her rash ness. The place to which Stanton took her, although a fashionable one, had few guests. that day. owing to the severity of the weather. Consequently they were able to have table to themselves in cosy corner where wood-fire blazed comfortably in a wide, homelike fireplace
 As she sat there removing her gloves and gazing into the flames Stanton experienced a feeling of sat- isfaction such as he had not dared to hope might come from his adventure She was young. she had the air of one tastefully dressed, and she was un- deniahIy worth looking at. He had given the waiter an order. and sat half leaning upon the table, studying her profile when she turned suddenly and their glances met.
 It may have been the warmth from the fire, or perhaps the frost outside had done 1t. At all events, her cheeks were beautifully reddened. and her iashes went down immediately
 T have neglected" he said, ito thank you for your kindness in not taking advantage of the clause in our agreement which gave you the privi- lege of declining. when you saw me, to keep the engagement. Let me do so now. I am both gratif1ed and flatter- ed"
 T couldn't have had the heart" she replied, "to send you away, after you had braved such storm as this"
 He was sorry he said that. and he fell to wondering, after she had turn cd again toward the fire, whether she would have accepted his hospitality if the day had been pleasant.
 The waiter returned with the oy- sters and, being person who appear ed to possess intelligence ana Lact uH- common to his class. he discreetly rettr- ed to the other side of the room after properly performing his office at the table.
 Tn order that you may be fully in- formed as to who am," said Stanton" have brought one of my business cards"
 He handed it over to her and she read: Addison. White. Davis & Stan ton, attorneys at law" together with their business address in another city.
 q have but recently been made member of the ffrnl." he explained, and am here on a secret mission which I expect will make 1t necessary for me to remain a month at least. perhaps two OF three. So you see why was forced to take unusual proceed ings to avoid spending Christmas alone:
 She handed the card back to him and he noticed that she was not eating.
 Come. Miss Dane," he said, T ex- pect you to do justice to the dinner I'm providing. That. I shall insist, Is part of the contract"
 She shook her head and looked at the cracking log.
 Its too late," he urged, "to go back on your agreement now. I don't ask you to tell me anything about your self If you are not inclined to do so. You will remember that my proposi- tion was to furnish the dinner in re- turn for the privilege of enjoying few hours of your companionship There was no stipulation concerning | exchange of condolences"
 T know" she answered. 'but shouldn't have come. Please don't or der anything else for me, and when you have finished I must insist on be- ing taken home at once"
 He put down his fork and leaned forward, regarding her anxiously One of her arms lay on the table. Her hand was small and white, and he was temp- ted to lay his own upon it. but re- trained.
 Do you wish" he asked, "to spoil what I thought moment ago was go- ing to be my mcrriest Christmas?'
 You have already helped to make this my most foolish Christmas she answered Please go on eating.'
 Another couple had entered and talk en 2 table not far from them.
 If you continue to treat me this way" stanton urged, people will think we have quarrelled. Come I shall not ask you a question about yourself. and if you insist on being taken home im- mediately after dinner will take you or send you there in the carriage. if you prefer not to have me go with you. Only eat with me. Let us break bread together. Let us for an hour be friends. Isn't this the day of universal good will?".
 She turned and looked frankly into his eyes A little smile began at length IAN. fnu hn Safd