The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-12-10

really darkness. but dusky. restful siience\ that prepared the world for sieep-one could make out the familiar roois and towers--the dome of Sell kIrk, the brewery warehouse. the pin- nacies or the municipal hall--and trace the line of the main streets by the iamp-nt windows, or the reflected light thrown from walls and caves where the gas was flaring in shops below.
 Dad. your pipe has gone out Shall l get the matches?'' "No, thank you, Liz- It's very funny thing a pipe IS never quite the same where you can't properly see the smoke. But it's pleasant sitting out here in the cool. thingr'
 "Oh. mo-"
 rake care of your health, my dear neglectful of you. Liz--latterly" T am perfectly well, father. As strong as horse. There's nothing Iert of the silly Lizzie who made you anxloos. Don't give me a thought" Well. nay dear, I haven't given you Aany thoughts-latterly. I'm too deep in this--and I can only think of one thing at a time I was always like that. But you are not to stick too close to your desk-Mrs Price says you work too hard" "oh. that's absurd! It's the work that has done me good-cured me. and made me strong" That's right. Yes, do believe you are cured--ir your health And. Liz. the other thing-the fancy?s - what you called your dream is quite done with, eh? The time has come when you and I may talk of 1t and laugh?-
 NO. Laugh--but don't talk of it. Piease never speak of 1t again." l. or IL: l want to be quite sure. how we stand"
 Then, for the last time Father, is that bargain?" Yes. that's a bargain"
 Well what is it that you want to be sure about?"
 That l done no harm in having MT. Vincent here"
 NO harm" You said so, you know. or I wouldn't nave agreed to it. But I want to know IL turned out right--hasn't worried you. made you uncomfortable" No-not now. Only at first" But 1t did at first" sAnswer me, true, Liz"
 Sne had moved away to the low wall, and was looking over the dark roofs of the sleepy old town. Father-for the very last time It was all nonsense-but hated his be- i"e "eio' ohIy Just at first, father-ft was torment and punishment But it was soon overland deserved worse punishment than that for upsetting you. and making you burst out into l all this-'
 "No." said Crunden resolute1y. You had nothing to do with that. I've always told you so. All that wasn't wise-and businesslike in 1t was just my own spite and rancour--to read | a lesson to the lot of lem and clear | off old scores" - But leave that alona You don't mind him now?" IH ''No", said Lizzie. in a low voice. Meeting his eyes don't worry you now?"
 "No."
 You are just indifferent about him?" Absolutely" said Lizzie with firm- ness almost with defiance. Except as friend who has been useful to you.'t
 "Ah! That's all right. dear Just as judged by all the signs Right. But had to ask you-to make certain how we stood. Because now-I think I shall get rid of him." | 'Get rid of himr' | well, he wants to go." said Crun- den rather sadly 'and I suppose shall have to let him go. I don't see how I | could prevent its - H" | Lizzie, sitting on the low wall, with hands clasped in her lap. silently lis- tened as her father went on more and | more sadly.
 "I shall miss him, Liz. He has been useful to memo two ways about that | And counted on him for the clerking when I've shut the yard I must do that precious soon now. Ought to have done it before-but things have gone so slow. Cruelty slow. my dear. cruel