Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-12-22

muster.
Unfortunately he consulted the doe
tor who attended Mr. Ackermann ns
10 the probable duration of the old
mans Illness.
The doctor assured him that tho
trouble was chiefly hypochondria and
that he might live for years in the
same state or might possibly recover
ns suddenly ns he had collapsed At all
events the patient was in no immed!-
ate danger.
The inquiry would have done no
harm had 1t not been that the doctor
had talking wife, to whom he told
everything, 80 before long the whole
neighborhood was saying that Jack
Ralston had been asking how long old
man Ackermann could live. or course
the story came TO Miss Ackermnnn's
ears. to her intense Indignation and
still greater grief. Jack could not deny
1t In toto, and short OF positive denial
she would listen TO no explanation.
There was Il quarrel broken engage
ment, and Jack Ralston went west
leaving his sweetheart we'll nigh bro
ken hearted, with only duty to console
her. and sometimes duty IL the best
consolation one can have.
II he Ind been less impatient there
would have been no trouble DR.. Bland
did not understand the effect which n
broken heart sometimes produces upon
the body. Mr.. Ackcrmann died before
the winter was over. Jack Ralston
came home rs soon rs he heard the
news, but Miss Ackermann had gone to
the city with Il cousin OF her mother
and was obdurate. Her fllial affection
found satisfaction in refusing to for
give tho lover who had desired her fa
thers death. She would not even see
him, and so the affair ended.
! Well, 1t was too late now, and she
was fool to be dreaming of 1t. 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 md then hur-
rled home to make hasty toilet for
dinner.
There was only quiet family gnth-
ering. The fiance Of the oldest dnugh-
ter, n travelling salesman In the en-
ploy of wholesale house, was the
life OF the party. He was considered
very bright young man and good
talker He was Mt his best today and
kept them NIL amused with stories of
his travels. SO that Miss Alderman
had only to listen with n semblancc OF
| interest.
by the way, Miss Ackermann," he
said presently, ~ met IN old friend OF
yours on this last trip. Ralston was
the nnmc-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.
Tho two were together Mt my rooms In
the hotel and he saw Minis picture on
the bureau. / always carry II around
10 Keep me out of temptntion-guard-
Ian angel business. you. know. Min
and he saw 1t. You know people say
you two look alike, and the likeness
comes out strong In that photo 1t
struck him all OF heap. Excuse mo-
he said, but will you tell me whose
picture that Is? It looks very much
like some one 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 Alderman, from New Jer-
sey.' Well. 1t turned out to be the
very same. He asked lots of questions
about you, especially whether you were
married. gave You n good character,
and guess you'll be herring from him
before long. Ross says he is n bache.
lor."
Miss Alderman controlled herself
sufficiently to smile THANK you. we
were friends and neIghbors when
was n girl" she replied. and in mo-
ment more they were all laughing at
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 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 not4be denied.
She was still huddled, dlsconsolate
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 hurredly Strengthened her hair,
TRUSTING that in the dim light OF tho
fast falling twilight tho child would
notice nothing amiss sharp as she was.
Come in" she called as the knock
was repeated.
Here's gentleman to see you" the
child said, with the air OF person
who confers favor. "IIe says he is
an old friend 50 7 hnoucht i,in, r,oht