Year: 1878

LQan the announcement O1 HIS Sdl0 arrival. There were none of the pro- testations, the tender assurances that she expected and so thirsted to hear, and she read it with feeling of disappoint ment that was akin to pain.

 It don't sound one bit like Philip" she said to herself after the third perusal.

 Then her heart began to reproach her for this momentary doubt, and to make excuses for him. He was tired from his long journey, too busy to tell her more than of his safe arrival his next letter would make up for all that this lacked.

 In her reply, Bertha poured out all the tenderness of her young and loving heart, playfully alluding to the brevity and unsatisfactory character of his let ter, and for which she expected him to make due amends.

 Two, three, four weeks passed, and no answer came and at last, unable to bear any longer the torturing suspense and cruel doubts that assailed her, Bertha wrote again, stating how long it was since she had heard from him, and that she was troubled, fearing that some misfortune had befallen him.

 There was no response to this; and indignation and wounded pride began to mingle with the grief and disappoint- ment, which robbed her cheek of it's bloom and her eye of its brightness as the weary weeks passed.

 One day Bertha was sitting alone in her own room when her Cousin Jane came in, as she was very apt to do of late, more often than was agreeable, in fact, as she liked best to be alone.

 After little talk, the former said

 "I had letter yesterday from Sue Carleton, who went out to San Francisco and married there, and she mentioned 8 certain somebody"

 Bertha's face flushed and then paled.

 "Let me see the letter, Jane Without word, Jane gave it to her.

 It was, mainly a glowing description of large party the writer had attended, and where, as was alleged, she had seen "Philip Irving, accompanied by dark eyed beauty, with whom he seemed greatly smitten."

 Bertha returned it as silently as it had been given.

 If was in your place l wouldn't wear the willow any longer for man like that

 Bertha started as if she had been stung.

 "Who says wear the willow ?''

 Everybody. You haven't been to a pleasure-party all summer. I don't suppose you'll go to the hop next Thurs day, which would not miss for good deal. There's plenty that would be glad of your company that are as good as Phil Irving any day."

 Your brother, Benjamin, for in- stance"

 Jane colored and tossed her head.

 "Well, yes. Ben thinks good deal more of you than somebody I could name, and has Deen better friend to you."

 Bertha went to the hop on Thursday, though if she had consulted her owp feelings she would have remained at home. She went n company with Jane and her own brother, which was not exactly the programme that had been laid out, but she went home with Ben Jamin, which he considered the next best thing.

 It is three weeks before Christmas, the Cbristmas-day that Bertha had looked forward to with so many glad anticipa- tlons, and again two lovers-if lovers they can be called-are standing beneath the lndens, whose sere and yellow leaves are lying at their feet.

 It IS Bertha and Benjamin Ripley.

 "I do not love you, Benjamin" said the former, looking past her companion into the moonlight, as if she saw another face than his "not in the way you love me. don't think shall ever love any. one in that way again. But if you think you can be content with the calm, friend, ly regard which is all that have to give I will be your wife. Not Christmas day though, cannot marry you on that day.

 " When will you then ?" pleaded the eager man at her side. ''Think how long I have waited"

 "Any day after; it does not matter when."

 Bertha yielded passively to the warn embrace to which she was folded, shiv ering little as she felt the ardent pres. sure of the lip that touched her own.

 An how unlike another betrotha1 which seemed so far away from her now

 It is the day before that time-honore6 festival, which annually brings together so many separated families, and the cars are full of happy people, "going home for Christmas.

 Among those who stopped at Glen vile was bronzed and bearded man who looked as if he had come long way

 It is Philip Irving, who must hay, been a great favorite with his townspeo pie, to judge by the numerous hand shakings he received on his way to hi fathers house.

 News in village flies quickly, an, Bertha was not long in learning of he recreant lover's return.

 "He has come, as he said he would, was her inward reflection, as she sough the solitude of her own room.

 The only pleasant thing among tn 5 bitter recollections that surged over he 3 was the thought that he would learn o her engagement to her cousin, and no