The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-09-17

that we have commenced by telling one another our ages-usually the last con- fidence that people make-pray favour me with few more particulars"
 It is very kind of you to take an interest in me, ma'am." said Hester who had coloured with surprise: "what would you care to know?'
 Whatever you care to tell me-" was the brisk reply.
 Ably assisted by the crafty questions and hints of this clever old woman, Hester gradually emerged from the cloud of diffidence which enwrapped her, and soon Mrs Tudor was in posses sion of a short, rough sketch of this quaint girls life.
 Her quick intuitive brain filled in many gaps; a halting sentence. blush, afforded her ample clues, and in a surprisingly short space of time the questioner's mental eyes beheld the dull, isolated villages; the Grange. with its two sour tyrants; the kindly but preoccupied parson.
 Also the stern parent of Miss Forde. with his own unfettered youth and overbearing age; the secrecy. the aloof- ness. the money-love. He had evident ly flung off the creed of Calvin-but the manner remained. Calvinism was bred in the bone. and no doubt he was gloomy. dogged. and mystical The storing up of riches was his passion, and he had robbed this poor girl beside her Of at least eight years of her youth, TOT he Belonged to the middle ages, and undoubtedly held the doctrine that the subsequently, the daughter--had no Individual life, must obey blindly, and live in subjection. even when elderly and grey-hairedi The modern gospel of the divine right of self development had never reached his ears.
 It was cruel to leave this ignorant, unworidly, dreamy creature to face the wild. pitiless world, with the mind of a child and the purse of millionaire: and oh. what an easy prey for some proving fortune-hunter!
 Even now, was she not tho prey of a designing little husband hunter, Mrs. Britten? This observant and discrim- mating old lady was already con- templating a rescue; at least. she re- solved to undertake an interesting social experiment.
 T sec" she said. settling herself comfortably in her chair; you and your father were all in all to one an- other; when he was pretty well, you helped him around the garden, read the papers, played chess, had family prayers, and went to bed at ten-that was all in the days work"
 Hester nodded her head.
 And when he was i'll. you attended him entirely; yes, you were a good daughter; and when your father died. he left you large fortune?'
 The girl started and look ed neryous ly at her companion as she faltered-
 "Oh. how did you guess that?"
 certainly should never have guess ed" rejoined the old lady, with sig nificance; but I was told of 1t by a little bird of passage who flew through here en route to Spain."
 Tt Is true" admitted Hester with a. sigh; T am rich, and I really don't know what to do with all my money.
 Then why not take a lesson from your friend, Mrs, Rritten? She gets enjoyment out Of her fortune"
 Hester looked down nxedly at the book in her lap. She could not explain that it was her purse which supplied that lady's wants, and that all her ex- penses, even her very postage stamps, were entered in the bill. No one out of the Bureau was aware that Mrs. Britten's weekly "compte" was invari- ably settled by the demoiselle her friend.
 '"Tell me-" resumed the old lady, where did you pick up Mrs. Britten. your gay little chaperon?"
 "She. is related to our lawyers wife; the doctor ordered me abroad, and Mir. Levin kindly arranged everything"
 "Oh, I see." After a moments re- flection, she added: Well. my dear. you have interested me greatly, and hope we shall be good friends. Let us seal our acquaintance with a cup of tea" As she spoke she rang the bell.
 Thank you, shall be only too glad But I cannot imagine why you should take an interest in me, Mrs. Tudor" and she gazed at the old lady with grave interrogative eyes.
 Well, then, will tell you: I am an idle woman: enjoy other peoples lives it keps me going. I have no near kindred, I like your looks, and I shall be anxious to see what you will make of your life. You have great possi- bilities for good or evil!'
 You mean the money?" said the girl in a low voice.
 "only partly-I mean the coming years"
 think the best years of my life are already spent"
 Do not say that, and do not think it; would you have your past days to live over again? Come, now, answer me honestly?"
 Hester sighed and gazed into the fire for a long time before she replied
 q hope I am not heartless to say it, but, no, those long, ,dreary, colourless years are passed-let them be dead and buried"
 Now will you trust yourself to me for a little worldly pleasure? Will you come to the theatre this evening and see Les Cloches de Corneville'?"
 Hester gave a gasp The theatre! she repeated.
 ''Yes; you know, you must begin some time; so come along and take a nlunse with me! I will not lead you into mischief or harm. You really should see a little of life before you decide that everything amusing and pleasant is-wick ed!'
 That is quite true,' responded Hest CT thoughtfully.
 "Possibly your Calvinistic grand father had been a rake in his youth, sown a fine crop of wild oats, and sub senuently repented, and compelled his unfortunate descendants to repent In sackcloth and ashes! Well, now 1t IS aIl settled-we will go to the theatre; I will order tickets and the carriage. Yes. you can pour out the tea! am old fashioned; give me two Jumps or sugar" theatre" protested her new friend; what am I to do for dress? have only. my black evening gown"
 (COntInued TOmOrrOw)