The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1907-12-20

RED home to make a hasty toilet f.:
dinner.
There was only a quiet family gath
ering. The fiance of the oldest daugh-
ter, a travelling salesman in the EN-,
ploy Of a wholesale house, was the
! life Of the party. He was considered
a very bright young man and a good
talker. He was at his best today and
| kept them all amused with stories of
his travels. SO that Miss Ackermann
had only to listen with a semblance of
interest.
by the way, Miss Ackermann,' he
! said presently, 81 met an old friend of
yours on this last trip. Ralstou was
the name-J. w. Ralston. 1t was in
Idaho, Boise City. He is doing we'll
in mines out there and is quite chum-
my with one of my best customers.
who has some money in his business.
The two were together at my rooms in
the hotel, and he saw Minis picture on
the bureau. | always carry it around
to keep me out of temptation-guarL
ian angel business, you know, Min
and he saw it. You know people say
you two look alike, and the likeness
out 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 one l knew ten years ago
"'Certainly.' said l.. That is my
best girl. She is thought very much
like a lady who lives in the same
house, Miss Ackermann, from New Jcr
sey. Well, it turned out to be the
| very same. He asked lots Of questions
about you. especially whether you were
married. I gave YOU a good character.
and | guess you'll be hearing from him
before long. Ross says he is a bache-
lor.'
Miss Ackermann controlled herself
sufficiently to smile. "Thank you, we
were friends and n~eighbors when |
was a girl she replied. and in a mo-
mcnt more they were all laughing at Il
comical anecdote which the drummer
was telling in his best style. 1t was
no wonder he sold goods.
When the dinner was over the host
ess excused herself soon upon the plea
of domestic duties, leaving Miss Acker-
mann with the young people. SO.
knowing herself i'll the way, she lin
gered but a few minutes. Back in her
room she gave way and took refuge in
that last solace of her SEX. a good cry.
Her overweight nerves demanded re
lief and would not be denied.
She was still huddled, a disconsolate
heap, on the lounge when there came
a tap at the door which she recognized
as that Of her little friend. She sat
up and hurriedly Strengthened her hair,
trusting that in the dim light of the
fast falling twilight the child would
notice nothing amiss. sharp as she was.
Come in" she called as the knock
was repeated.
Here's a gentleman to see YOU" the
child said. with the air of a person
who cOnfers a favor. He says he is
an old friend, so l brought him right
up Miss Ackermann remembered
that, it being Christmas day. the maid
would be out and that consequently
the little girl would answer the door.
Thank you" she said. you may
60" Then she found herself face to
face with a bronZed and bearded man
! whose eyes only We're familiar.
well, Annie he said in a voice she
knew so well. here | am once more"
She held u both hands with an
eager gesture. ooh, Jack, Jack" she
cried.
A moment more and she was sob
bling on his shoulder while his arms
held her as though they would never
let go.