The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-11-04
,HLLRLSE
tContissIea.)

One afternoon. in me garden. she told MT. Jack of her almost unbearable distress. There had been no games today, although the visits of MT. Jack had become rare of late, and, now that | they had him, they should have the most of him. But they were without heart for play; they all three sat dis Iconsoyately in the summer house, and, while the two young men smoked their pipes. Lizzie looked out at the roofs l and chimneys, and thought.
 It was as though Dicks disgrace was something visible, palpable, far-reach- ing, all-embracing. It had spread out over her and smiling Jack; it had stretched forth like a dull veil all over the town of Medford. The sunlight seemed weak and cheerless. as if shining through mist; the flag on the | top of the White Hart Hotel had lost its gaiety and bright color; the zinc dome of Selkirk's big drapery estab lishment looked ugly and ominous; i the brick tower of the brewery, rising above the slate roofs near the river, was dim and vague and terrible. Be- | hind her the dry leaves from the wall nut trees fell or stirred on the path. with a faint cracking sound. It was the saddest and most silent autumn day that she had ever known. Presently Mrs. Crunden coming a | little way down the garden from the house. called to Dick. She wanted to speak to him, 1t, appeared, confidential | ly. Dick went to his mothers call, and sullenly, with hands in pockets, walked by her side to the house. Then Lizzie told Jack of her pain. l She sat on Jacks knee, and, with her arms round his neck, sobbed out all | the trouble.
 ...And. and I don't want to go to school shall die if am sent away"
 ''oh. mo-" said Jack You'll like 1t after a bit"
 go because Mrs. Price says it makes mother unhappy And, oh. am so un- happy. o Jaek-can't you help us?" What can T do?" said Jack. "I'd do anything in the world for my little sweetheart"
 You do really love us?" sobbed Liz zie. That's not make-believe, is it?" "Of course it isn't"
 MT. Jack stroked her soft hair; with his silk handkerchief dried her wet eyes; with kind consoling words en- deavored to bring her ease of mind. She was in fact easier for his sym pathy; and. ere Dick joined them again, a smile of hope flickered about her trembling lips and through the final instalment of . her tears.
 T would do anything" said Jack fervently. flor you and poor old Dick" Would you?" said Lizzie.
 Yes. my little sweetheart"
 ''Then, will you marry me when I'm grown-up? I'd like to know we were going to be married when I am grown up." This proposal made Jack laugh, but he immediately promised to do what was asked.
 "All right. If you grow up quick enough I will" e3s
 4nR k .Ya, was prevented by the return of Dick. His was a most ungrateful and epbar- rassing task. Father was expected to be home for tea. and Mrs. .Crunden had reason to apprehend that if father found MT. Jack here, he would be up- set-that, forgetting the laws of politeness and the deference which habitually he paid to high social posi- tion. he might even invite the illus trious visitor to cease honoring the house with visits. Father was firm ly persuaded that the friendship of this young prince had large share in unsettling Dick and rendering him averse to honest toll
 'So T." said Dick, flushing indignant ly and with gloomy scorn for his parent, lam commissioned to ask you to go. There's manners for you. They may we'll call him Hedgehog Crunden,'"
 MT. Jack. picking up his straw hat and putting away his pipe and pouch. father. He quite understood Mir. Crun- den's feelings; he was not in the least offended.
 'Your Guv'nor," he said, thinks put you off your work. That's why he bars me. -. But yon might tell him. old chap, that I have given you the best advise could" and he got up and stretched himself. q have, havn't I? Though I'm such a lazy beggar myself, I know works a good thing. admire it, if don't do it." and he smiled at Dick and slapped him on the shoulder. Take my tip, old boy; make it up with your Guv'nor, and drop you know what" And smilingly. but very kindly, he bade adieu to Dicks little sister.
 Goodbye, Miss Lizzie" and he kiss ed her. We shan't meet again now because we are both wanted at school.s
 And that was the end of his last visit.
 Then came tragedy.
 It was only few nights afterwards. Dick was out at supper time. Father waited supper for Dick; would not let them start the meal till half an hour had slowly dragged by. Then the si- lent meal began in heavy gloom. Mann mas face was white and sad; her eyes were ever on the door; Mrs. Price had slipped out by the kitchen entrance, was trotting down the road to look for i Dick.
 Today Dick had returned to the Yard, had been given his other chance. Tonight, as mamma knew, his father had wished to speak kindly to him. to put heart into him, to implore him to stick to it, shove his back into it, and make them all proud of him. At the friendly evening meal, in the pleas ant candlelight, there was to be re- conciliation, drawing together of bonds, oblivion for past offence, affec- tionate trust in future peace. That was the program; and Dick had missed his cue had failed to appear when the curtain had risen upon the homely lit- tie scene.
 The delayed supper was done. Very little food was chokingly sufficient to- night. Mrs. Price. following Jane into the room, by secret signals made known to mamma that her quest had been fruitless. In flat tones she asked her usual question:
 Shall we clear away the things?"F
 "No," said MT. Crunden. Leave his place. Leave the food, but make the table tidy. He ought to be sharp-set by now" And Mrs. Crunden had wan smile of gratitude for fathers en- during kindness.
 Then at last Dick came Iurching in Dick and not Dick-thick of speech glassy of eye, wanting no supper.
 There was a most dreadful scene instead of the planned reconciliation between father and son. Lizzie was hurried away, taken up to bed by Mrs. L