CHAPTER III.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 30, 29 December 1883, Page 5

CHAPTER 111.

"ROSS." Ros.s Elliott had been almost a brother to " little Gerty " as she Avas generally called, having been adopted into the Arnott family when only seven years old, and treated with equal tenderness and care as "baby Gerald " himself. Mrs Elliott had been Mrs Arnott'p friend and constant companion daring several years of her early life. They had married mutual friends and still remained in close intercoursce until the time of little Lilian's birth, when Ross had been suddenly left an orphan, and Mrs Arnott had taken him to her home. His father had " gone away," that was all that was known about him, though Mrs Arnott sometimes spoke of her dear friend's having been a broken hearted woman, and never would mention the name of " Percy Elliott. The baby, Lilian, soon followed its mother to a better home, and Ross knew no parents, no relatives, no home but the Arnott's, and grew up a noble, loving youth. There had been a little property lelt when Mrs Elliott died, so the proceeds of it were devoted to Ross'f college expenses, and according to his earnest desire, he had entered the ministry. Only a few months previous to the opening of our story, Ross Elliott had been appointed to the curacy of t^eir own parish church, and it had been a bright, happy day foi Mrs Arnott, when she saw her adopted son stand forth asa" herald of the glad tidings,'' proclaiming the Divine message of "'Peace on earth, goodwill to men." The good lady had cherished a secret hope that she might ere long be able to claim Ross as her son by a closer tie than that of adoption. She had long noted the growing attachment between him and Gertrude, and the silent, prayerful desire of her heart was that these two might be united by earth's tenderest, sweetest tie. Thus matters stood when "Cousin Helen," the orphan daughter of Mrs Arnott's only sister, hnd written a plaintive little letter to Gertrude, telling her of her weari-' ness of the constant round of concerts and soirees, &c, in the city, and of her longing for a rest from duty, and a country holiday. Helen Tracey, endowed with Nature's most delightful gift, a beautiful voice, had loug been a pupil of the talented Herr Carl Schmidt, and by the exercise of her talent had been enabled to provide for the two younger sisters, who were left dependent upon her for support. Beautiful and accomplished, she was much sought after and admired, and no social gathering or evening concert was considered complete without the lovely young singer. Her health, indeed, demanded a respite from all exertion, and at Gertrude's earnest request a loving invitation was sent to her cousin for the Christmas holidays. She came, with her two little sisters, and almost directly it became evident that Ross Elliott was infatuated by her beauty and talent. Through the illness of the organist, there was a vacancy in the little church of which Ross was curate, and what more natural than that Helen should offer her services during her stay at "The Willows"? People wondered who that " splendid young creature " could be, whose rich, highly-cultivated voice filled the little church with its sweet, swelling melody, and whose skilful touch wakened the silent chords of the old organ, as though " some unseen minstrel struck its magic notes,'' and often after service Helen would linger at the instrument, unmindful of all else save the powerful charm of the art she so passionately loved. Ross and Gertrude would wait and listen, till, presently, all unconscious of her own power, the clear, sweet voice would buist forth into glorious song, and the skilful fingers linger lovingly over the sacred symphonics — sometimes till the twilight fell. Tt was Helen who had suggested a choi*al j service — a fete never before achieved by the modest choir of St. Agnes's Church. It was Helen who had inspired all the young folks of the neighbourhood with a desire to excel in the rendering of the Christmas carols that were to be sung at midnight from house to house. And indeed, it was Helen whom the school children adored, the ladies' committee applauded, and the family at the Willowß faiily idolised. And presently Mrs Arnott awoke to the fact that Gertrude had slipped into the background entirely now, and with an almost unconscious pang of regret she noticed that Ross appeared quite absorbed in the companionship of their gifted young relative, and that the two were almost constant companions.