Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1895-07-26


he was never a man who concealed his
irritation when he entered his own
house. Poor Minnie Fleming was very
much troubled to see her husband in
the state Of evaporation that now en-.
comprised him. She asked him, tim
idly, to conf1de his woes to her, and
perhaps she might be able to help him
out--a suggestion which Jim received
with lofty scorn.
us it money trouble, Jim?" she
asked.
"All troubles are money troubles, Y
replied her husband. There is no
other trouble in this world except lack
of money"
Have you payment to make2" she
asked.
"Yes."
"How much?'
"Now, what the deuce good would 1t
do you to know? Have you banking
count?"
II have small one," said his wife,
trembling as she spoke, for she felt
that her secret was in jeopardy.
Jim looked up at her quickly.
"a small onelo he said. Cant you
tell me plainly how much money you
have, If you have any?"
"You don't tell me plainly" she an.
swered with more spirit than she had
yet shown, chow much it is that you
need"
very well, replied Jim, grufay. y
need five hundred pounds sterling.
Have you got it2'
mo, l have not. How soon do you
want it?'
II want it now. That is, l want IL
tomorrow or the next day 1T the
latest"
"Then," said his wife with dignity
~ will see If can get it for you to.
morrow or the next day."
After Fleming had left for London
on the following morning his wife put
on her best apparel and was In the city
soon after her husband. She never
called upon her agent before. All her
negotiations had been carried on by
letter. She walked three times past
the Office before she had the courage to
60 up the stairs. The demand she was
about to make was SO enormous, and
she felt there was such little chance
of success, that had it not been for the
sake of her husband she would not
have ventured.
II have brought you here" she said,
her hands trembling as she undid the
string, for she seemed to have vogue
idea that If she showed him the writ
ing she might have less difficulty to
get along with him. II have brought
with me the complete manuscript OF
the latest novel have written. 1 think
1t is better than the last"
1T is sure to be good, said the agent
encouragingly.
"But-but-" stammered Mrs Elem
ing, 81 wanted to know if you would
advance me five hundred pounds sterl
ing.
The agent looked grave.
do you mean that we are to ash
that much for the novel?'
"Oh, no, no." said Mrs. Fleming ca
gerly. But promise to write you an
other one as soon as possible. | neei
the five hundred pounds sterling for {
particular purpose, and must have i
to-day, if it is to do any good"
"Well," said the agent, 1--WE some
times advance money to authors, anc
If could be sure of having all YOU
work for the future | think nigh
stretch point in this case and let 20,
have the money"
| Meanwhile the agent, as soon as sh,
left the room, called the clerk and said
write to James Fleming, of Pot
Shots that we regret that we are no
able to sell him Hilda Markham's story
for five hundred pounds. The author
tell him, has called upon us and re
fused to sell for less than six hundred
pounds, although, of course, you may
inform him that If he had taken oul
offer when first made, we would have
had to pocket the loss"
As soon as the letter was signed {
messenger was sent with 1t to Fleming
The receipt of it nearly drove tina
good man wild. He had the announce
ment of the story in type and wanted
to publish 1t in the. pext number. HI
had such little faith in his wife being
able to get the money that he hat
actually forgotten she had promised t.
do so, and he went home that nigh
in even worse temper than the nigh
| before.
His wife said alphabetically to hin
| when he came in:
IL have gotten that five hundred
pounds, but would it make any differ
ence to you if | did not give You thu
check for it until tomorrow"
what are you talking aboutp'' HI
cried, angrily. IF you have the none.
tonight why should | wait till to-mor
row?'
II have it in the form of check,
she answered, land the check wish t.
place in the bank"
''I'll warrant the check is not goot
for anything" said Fleming. Let mt
see it,"
81 would rather not do that" sail
his wife. II will give you the checl
/ if you will not ask any questions"
Good heavens!" cried jim II will
ask no questions If you really have tn
money. Let me see the check
He looked at it for a moment il
| amazement, and then at his wife. For
getting his promise, he said;
''How in Heavens name do you com
to have check from Greig g. Co.?
is to Greig & Co. that have to pay fiv
| hundred pounds sterling; or rather IL