The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1907-12-25

'''N
Unfortunately he consulted the doc
tor who attended Mr.. Ackermann as
to the probable duration Of the old
mans illness.
The doctor assured him that the
trouble was chiefly hy%pochondria and
that he might live for years in the
same state or might possibly recover
as suddenly as he had collapsed. At all
events the patient was in no immedi-
ate danger.
The inquiry would have done 10
harm had it not been hat the doctor
! had q talking wife, to whom he told
everything. so before long the whole
| neighborllood was saying that Jack
Ralston had been asking how long old
man Ackermann could live. OF course
| the story came to Miss A~ckcrmann's
ears, to her intense Indignation and
still greater grief. Jack could not deny
it in toto. and short of positive denial
she would listen to no explanation.
There was II quarrel, a broken engage
ment, and Jack RalstOn went west,
leaving his sweetheart wei nigh bro
ken hearted. with only duty to console
her, and sometimes duty is the best
consolation one can have.
II he had been less impatient there
would have been no trouble. DIR. Bland
did not understand the effect which n
broken heart sometimes produces upon
the body. Mr.. Alderman died before
the winter was owe Jack RalstOn
came home ms soon as he heard the
news. but Miss Alderman had gone to
the city with a cousin Of her mother
and was obdurate. Her f1lial affection
found satisfaction in refusing to for
give the lover who had desired her ia
theirs death. She would not even ser
him, and SO the affair ended.
Well. it was too late now, and she
was a fool to be dreaming of it. The
the organ reused her to the conscious
ness of things present and to come.
She took part with the congregation in
the rest Of the service and then hur-
ried home to make a hasty toilet for
dinner.
There was only a quiet family gath
ering. The fiance of the Oldest daugh-
ter, a travelling salesman in the en-
plOy of Il wholesale house, was the
life Of the party. He was considered
Il very bright young man and a good
talker. He was ut his best today and
kept them all amused with stories of
his travels. SO that Miss Ackermann
had only to listen with n semblance of
interest.
"By the way. Miss Ackermann," he
said presently, II met an old friend of
yours Oh this last trip. Ralston was
the name-J. w. Ralston. 1t was in
Idaho, Boise City. He Is doing well
In mines out there and is quite chum-
my with one of my best customers.
who has some money In his business.
The two We're together ut my rooms in
the hotel, and he saw Minis picture on
the bureau. | always carry it around
to keep me out of temptation-guard
ian angel business. you know. Min
and he saw it. You know people say
you two look alike, and the likeness
comes ont strong in that photo. 1t
struck him all of Il heap. Excuse me-
he said. but will You tell me whose
picture that is? 1t looks very much
like some II l knew ten years ago
"'Certainly.' said l.. That is my
best girl. She is thought very much
| like Il lady who lives in the same
; house. Miss Ackermann. from New .Icr
sey.' Well. it turned out to he the
l very same. He asked lots of questions
r about you, especially whether you We're
: married. l gave you II good character,
and l guess youll be hearing from him
l before long. Ross says he Is q bnche
lor.''
Miss Ackermann controlled herself
i sufficiently to smile. Thank you. we
{ were friends and nei2! .bors when
! was a girl" she replied. and in Il mo
!" ment more they were MI laughing ut q
comical anecdote which the drummer
was telling in his best style. 1t was
. no wonder he sold goods.
l When the dinner was over the host
l. ess excused herself Don upon the plea
Of domestic duties. leaving Miss Acker
II mann with the young people. st
knowing herself in the way. she lin
e gered but Il few minutes. Back in he
u room she gave way and vol refuge il
{ that last solace of her sex. n good cry
Her overwrought nerves demanded re
IL lief and would not be denied.
h was still huddlNi. a disconsolat,
Z heap. III the lounge when there came
4 tap at the door which she recognize,
rs that Of her little friend. She sa
= up and hurriesily Strengthened her hair
trusting that in the dim light of tn
fast falling twilight the child woul,
notice nothing amiss. sharp rs she was
Come in she called AS the knocl
was repeated.
"Here'S II gentleman to see YOU" tn
" child said. with the air of Il persol
! who conferS Il favor. He says he i
" an old friend. SO | brought him RICH
" up Miss Ackermann remembers,
Is that. it being Christmas day, the mai
u would he out and that consequent
, the little girl would answer the door
THANK YOU" she said. you ma