THE BACHELOR.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 304, 24 December 1898, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE BACHELOR.

Twelve o'clock, and another Christinas Day has just been born. Confound it, how the discordant noise of that band grates on my ears. Even if it is Christmas, people might have some consideration for the quiet and rest of others.

What a beautiful uight it is. Surely, the star of Bethlehem could not have shown with greater brilliancy and splendour than that star yonder, it scintillates like a diamond on a dark background. The whole city is awake. There is joy in every home. There, through the slats of the blind 1 can catch a glimpse of a Christmas party. There are children playing around, and' the husband and wife look with mingled pride and pleasure at the manifestation of the joy of their offspring. Ah! it seems to me that family life is the ideal of earthly happiness after all. I—T am alone. To be born alone, to die alone. Well, that's not so bad; but between this alpha and omega of existence to live a loveless, lonely life? Hum, I'm blamed if this isn't a fine cigar, and Joe gave it to me, too. Confound that band. . •Will it ever cease this horrible din? Why? in.Heaven's name didn't the landlady put some wreaths in my room ? Anything to suggest Christmap. I must see that she does it tomorrow. She's a good woman, though. She always keeps my room in such splendid condition. All the boys talk about its neat and refined appearance, and they call me happy. Happy! ha, I wonder if any one is happy in this world. I've got everything that money can buy, it is true. I'm successful in my business and something of a lion socially. But hang it all, there's something missing. A woman's presence, a woman's love. Ah! Ethel, in moments like these your sweet face always appears. I wonder is that tobacco smoke mocking me. Still, it's something more than my imagination That always produces this vision. I have known in life so many charming, beautiful women, but none that with you can compare. That charming grace, that aignity of carriage, that sweetness of disposition. Yes, it might have been. Had everything gone well, I too might be a happy husband and father to-night, with Ethel, my wife, standing by my side and looking upon the happiness of our children, as the people across the way are doing now. What a charming mother Ethel would be. I think 1 can see her like a guardian angel watching over her. children. Shaw, it was all my fault after all. I said I didn't love her. And now? I wonder if she would be mine. Oh, if she only knew. Hello! Who's that knocking? Mrs Bellow? What, you've been waiting for me nearly an hour? I promised to join your party downstairs? Oh, yes, I remember. Dear me, I must have, been dreaming. Very well, I'm coming.