The Press., 1907-12-25
consolation one can hsva

the winter was over. Jack Ralston
 came home as soon as he heard the news, but Miss Ackermann had gone to the city with a cousin of her mother and was obdurate. Her flial affection found satisfaction in refusing to for give the lover who had desired her fla ther's death. She would not even see him, and so the affair ended.
 We'll, 1t was too late now, and she was fool to be dreaming of it; The sermon was ended, and the music of 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. travelling salesman in the em- ploy of wholesale house, was the life of the party. He was considered 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 semblance of interest
 By the way, Miss Ackermann," he said presently, "I met an old friend of yours on this last trip. Ralston 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 Min's picture on the bureau. I always carry 1t 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 out strong in that photo It struck him all of heap. Excuse me- he said, but will you tell me whose picture that is2 It looks very much like some one I knew ten years ago.
 "'Certainly.' said l. That is my best girl She is thought very much like q lady who lives in the same house, Miss Ackermann, from New ter sey.' Well, it turned out to be the very same. He asked lots of questions about you, especially whether you were %@ANAAAON' ! 6dFC SOOu and l 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 neighbors when was a girl" she replied, and in a mo- ment more they were all laughing at comical anecdote which the drummer was telling in his best style. It 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 in the way, she lin gered but few minutes. Back in her room she gave way and took refuge in that last solace of her sex, good cry. Her overwrought nerves demanded re lief and would not be denied.
 She was still huddled, disconsolate' heap, on the lounge when there came q 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
 Heres 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 I 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 go" Then she found herself face to ldce WILn DrOnzeu ana Dear0e0 man | whose eyes only were familiar.
 "Well, Annie," he said in a voice she | knew so well, "here I am once more"
 She held out both hands with an | eager gesture. "Oh, Jack, Jack" she | cried
 A moment more and she was sob | ping on his shoulder while his arms | held her as though they would nevet ] let go.
 From the Yuletide Cynic.
 Thank heaven, it isn't only the aris- | tOcrat who can have family tree at | Christmas.
 Be Christmas white or Christmas green,
 It's all the same to you
 If Christmas finds you all serene
 And doesn't make you blue.
 It doesn't take magician to trans form small boy into a turkey gob- | bier.
 When Santa Claus comes down the | chimney he chases many a man up the | spout.
 It's the vanity of the sex that | prompts the female turkey to wonder how she is going to be dressed for the | Christmas dinner