NOT A HAPPY CHRISTMAS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume V, Issue 52, 27 December 1890, Page 17

NOT A HAPPY CHRISTMAS.

MUST go to that dance,' cried Mabel Belton, -s *By hook or by crook, I mean to go.’ » ' * But if your uncle will not allow you to go ?’ t, queried Janie Henley, a tall fair girl, slowly arranging some lovely roses in a vase. It was very hot, and the two girls were trying to find some cool air on Mrs Henley's verandah. * I must go home now,’ said Mabel, * uncle will be looking out for me. Remember, you will see me on Christmas Eve.’

‘ Your uncle is so good,’ Janie said, bending over the little table on which her roses lay in sweet profusion ; * I do think you ought to do what he wishes. If I stay away, Mabel, will you give it up too ’’ * No, no, no !’ each no sounding fainter as Mabel ran down the steps, across the lawn, and, opening the garden gate leading into a paddock, again shouted, * No !’ Janie sighed. Why Mr Belton should object to his niece going to this particular dance she did not know, but she had an idea that the uncle wished to prevent her meeting a

certain young farmer who had lately been paying pretty Mabel a good deal of attention. Christmas Eve came, and Janie dressed herself for the dance. It was to be a masked affair, and would be very crowded.

‘Almost too hot for dancing,’said Mr Kirk, the young farmer, as he asked Miss Henley for a waltz. * Yes it is,’ she replied. *lt was a great pity we could not have had it in October, as we intended.’ ‘ Yery,’ he murmured, absently, his eyes wandering over the guests. *ls Miss Belton here ?’ * Of course I shall not tell you,’ Janie retorted, • and you do not know who I am.’ * Ah, but indeed I do. Your voice and figure would betray you anywhere ; they are uniquely beautiful. Janie also looked for wayward Mabel, and, much relieved, had iust decided that she had not come, when a voice close beside her said : . , • . « * Don’t utter my name in your aston’shment, but here 1 really am !’ • ...... Janie looked, and saw a rather stout, elderly lady, with a dark dress, little white lace shawl, grey curls, and a mask. She could not help laughing. ‘ Mabel, how dare you’ Where did you get that dreadful make-up?’ Mabel laughed heartily, and before she could speak Mr Kirk, coming to claim his partner, recognized her.

*By Jove !’ he said, *if you had kept quite grave, Mias Mabel, I should never have found you out. How many dances will you give me ?’ Mabel handed him her programme in silence, then whispered to Janie, * Uncle is here.’ * Is he?’ and Janie blushed under her mask.

Half an hour later Mr Belton asked Janie to dance with him. He also had had no difficulty in distinguishing the tall, graceful figure and the bell-like voice. ‘Tell me truthfully,' he said, as they paused a moment, ‘ is not my wilful niece here ?’ Very reluctantly Janie admitted that she was. * I found she had gone out. and I was sure she had come here,’ he said sternly. ‘ She shall repent this night’s work.’ • Do not be angry with her,’ pleaded Janie, ‘ she is so young.’ But Mr Belton was very angry. He explained that he had reasons for believing that young Kirk was a spendthrift and a scamp, and that he only wanted to marry Mabel to re[>air his broken fortunes. Mr Belton being well known as a wealthy bachelor. Later in the evening he asked Janie to marry him, and she consented.

The next day, when Mabel came in from church, he told her what he had done. Mabel's cheeks Hushed the colour of the blush rose in her dainty black lace hat. ‘ I also am going to be married, uncle,' she said. ‘ And pray, who is the gentleman ?' he asked quickly. ‘Mr Kirk’!’ with a defiant Hash in her eyes. ‘ He will not marry you when he hears of my engagement,’ said Mr Belton, quietly. All day Mabel waited for her lover, ami he came not. It was a miserable Christmas for her. Her uncle had, not unkindly, told her all he knew against Mr Kirk, and advised the girl to think no more of him. They both went to Mrs Henleys for the evening, and Mabel felt absolutely wretched when she saw how happy her uncle and Janie were.

The next morning Mr Kirk called. Mabel saw him alone. Mr Belton and Janie had gone for a long ride. The poor girl asked what it all meant. For a few minutes he sat with knitted brow, trying to solve the problem. At last he exclaimed : ‘ It's al) light, darling. It is not I that your uncle means. There is a Mr Richard Kirk who is all that he describes, and who has several times been mistaken for me, but I am glad to say he has left for Australia

‘ Then you do not mind my being no heiress ?’ she said, timidly. ‘I ? No, indeed. lam very glad. I have enough for us both to live upon, and my only objection to you has been that I was afiaid I might be accused of marrying your prospects rather than you.’ And before Christmas came round again a double wedding had delighted the neighbourhood.