The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-08-21

when they chide him about it he onl, laughs and speaks of the blessings of a clear conscience on which no guilty fact rests"
 Well. that's the first chapter of the story. What is the rest?"
 I'm blest if I know. There ism, my more. except that he's going to get colonelcy. or something of tha, sort"
 How disappointing! I thought you had a nice little romance to match the moonlight. Why didn't you make him fiirt with one of the Filipino beauties or one of the officers daughters or at- tempt suicide because he mad left his sweetheart behind him?"
 Because the Filipino beauties are not beautiful. the officers daughters are precious few and suicide is not healthy-and moreover. Burlington is not Romeo signing his soul away in love. but a full blooded American serving his country the best he knows how
 paragon"
 He is." he answered with convic- ton.
 The next day there was picnic on the mountain peak and a jolly day they had. Miss Clinton and Walker were thrown much together and when he thoughtlessly said he wished "Old Darlington should see this.' she rallied him on his friend and asked if he did not think the Philippines was a very useful acquisition to the United States"
 Tn what respect?"
 "t do not know much about such matters" she replied, but I should say colony for bachelors. as a place of refuge or punishment or whatever you may call it for people who do not like romance or matrimony.."
 She said it very solemnly and Wal ker did not know exactly how to take 1t. and of course he got it wrong, and half hour later when he and his aunt were sitting on a big hickory log out of hearing of the others. he began to say something about the fair Aline.
 I've misjudged her." he declared. T thought she was the usual girl"
 What more could a man like you ask?'' This with acerbity.
 Well, now, you know what I mean. She's got brains and a whole lot of fun in her .and she can hold her own"
 "Aline is certainly enjoying herself" said Mrs. Thornton.
 Aunt Thornton"- he always called her that-"do you think that if I ever marry her I will make her unhappy. :"
 Mrs. Thornton turned suddenly to- wads him. elevated her aristocratic eyebrows and let the blank astonish- ment in her face break into a smile
 ''No. John. I am very sure that you will never make Aline Clinton un- happy"
 Walker came to the point of pro- posal hundred times a day-in his thoughts. but actually he never went further than good fellowship-when with Miss Clinton. He was loyal to Burlington in spite of Miss CIinton's clever turns and the more she laughed the warmer grew his enconiums. One day he came towards her with the daily paper and said:
 Well. Burlington has his promotion and leave of absence. and in fact he is well on his way home now. I wish to heaven could get him to come up here, for I want you to know that there Is such man and that he is all I've told you about him."
 "I should be very glad to see MT. Barington." she said
 The summer waxed and began to wane. Mountain life reached the point when people sought interest in train arrivals and departures. The morning express was puffing up the heavy grade. At the upper corner of the sta tion, just away from the little crowd and out of sight of almost every one, stood Aline Clinton. her cheeks almost as pink as the dress she wore. At the other end of the platform John Walker was strolling in little walks, smoking bis after breakfast cigar.
 The train stopped. Walkers cigar fell from his lips and he leaped for ward. crying Burlington. Oh, Barring ton." and he caught his arm only to near Burlington exclaim. "All right, old fellow. hold these things a minute and I'll be with you," and he saw him run to the upper corner and trow his arms-actually throw his arms-and kiss-actually kiss-Aline Clinton.
 As the train pulled away the greet ing was still fervidly proceeding, but after awhile the lone guardian of the baggage was called to memory and Burlington started to introduce him to the young lady who had promised to be his bride just before he sailed for the Philippines.
 Walker went later in the day to his aunt for consolation. but the results were not what he expected.
 "Yes." she replied, q did tell you that you would never make Aline un- happy. and I am quite sure that you won't. And. John. dear. I've changed my mind about you getting married. Don't do 1t. Your uncle tells me that the government will have to keep a lot of troops on the island for years to come, and while the engaged officers are away unselflSh men uka vou u,ilI be needed at home to relieve the soli- tud of the fiances."
 Its fate" said John gloomily-but in day or so he frightened up and he performed his part as best man a few weeks later with distinguished success. Frank II. Sweet