La Junta tribune., 1907-12-14

muster.
Unfortunately be consulted the doc
tor who attended Mr.. AekerInsnn as
10 the probable duration az the Old
mans Illness.
The doctor assured him that the
trouble was chiefly hyporbondris and
that he might live for year, In the
same state or might possibly recover
as suddenly ss he bad collapsed. At al
events ih. patient was In no immedl.
ate danger.
The inquiry would have done no
harm had II not been that the doctor
had a talking wife, 10 whom be told
everything. 30 t-fore long the whole
neIzhtsorhood Was saying that Jack
RalstoG had been asking how long old
man Alderman could I've. OF course
the story came 10 Miss AckerTnann's
ears. to Ier Intense Indignation and
still greater grief Jack could not deny
II In toto. and short Of positive denial
she would listen to no explanation.
There WIS a quarrel broken engage
meut and Jack Rniston went west,
leaving his sweetheart well nigh bro
ken hearted. with only duty 10 console
her. and sometimes duty Is the lest
con-ola ton one can have.
II he had been less impatient there
would have b-tn no trouble. DR.. Bland
did not understand the effect which
broken heart sometimes produces upon
the body. Mr.. Ac.ermann died before
the winter was over Jack Ealstou
cnme home as soon as he heard the
news. hut Miss Ackermann had gone 10
the city with cousin Of her mother
and was otsuraic. Her hllaI affection
found satisfaction In refusing TO for.
give The lover who had desired her IA
thcr's death. She would not even see
him. and 80 The affair ended.
Well. 1t was too late now. and she
was n fool to lie dreaming Of II. The
sermon MAS ended. and the music az
the organ reused her TO the conscious
ness OF things present and TO come,
She took part with the congregation In
the rest Or the service and then hur-
ried home to make n hasty toilet for
dinner.
There was only quiet family gath
-ring. The hance Of the oldest daugh-
ter. a travelling salesman In the en-
ploy OF wholesale house, was the
life of the party. He was considered
very bright young man and good
talkcr He WIS at his best today aud
kept them All amused with stories OF
his travels. 80 that Miss Ackcrmanu
had only 10 listen with n semblance OF
interest.
by the way. Miss Ackermann." he
said presensly, 81 met an old friend OF
yours on this last trip. Ralston was
the name. w Ralston. II was In
Idaho. Boise city. He Is doing well
In mines out there and IL quite chum-
my with one Of my best customers.
who has some money In his business.
The two were together at my rooms N
the hotel. and he saw Minis picture on
the bureau. | always carry n around
10 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. 1t
struck him all OF a heap. Excuse me-
he said. but VIII you tell me whose
picture that Is! II looks very much
like some one I knew ten years ago
Certainly said /. That Is my
best girl. She Is thought very much
like lady who lives In the same
house. Miss Acscrmann. from New Jer-
sey.' Well. 1t turned out TO he the
very same. He asked lots OF questions
about you especially whether you we're
married. l gave you good character,
and l guess you'll be hearing from him
before long. Ross says he Is bache-
lor"
Miss Ackermann controlled herself
sufficiently to smile. Thank you. we
were friends and neighbors when
was girl she replied. and in q mo
ment more they were all laughing mt
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
css 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 n few minutes. Back in her
room she gave way and took refuge in
that last solace Of her sex, a good cry.
Her overwrought 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
ms 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 n gentleman to see YOU" the
child said, with the air OF person
who confers a favor. He snys he IL
an old friend. NO brought him right
up" Miss Ackermann remembered
that II being ChrixtmaS day the maid