The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-07-09
THE ADVERTISERS .x = W
 .s .s DAILY SHORT STORMY
tcopy right 1sse. by Daily Story Publishing Co,

plans and prospects have changed since we made those childish air cas- ties. I ask you for a release. I wish it; not only for your sake, but for my own"
 She was about to make a laughing protest when something in his face re- strained her.
 T don't quite understand, Peyton.' D she faltered.
 Well. if you must know" harshly, "a man can sometimes best get on alone. This position offers splendid op- portunities. and I know that you. Mil dred. of all women, would be the last one to handicap me-"
 She put up her arms as though to ward off a blow. Had his sudden prosperity. after the long waiting, been too much for the overwrought nervts? She could rot believe 1t, and yet
 Let 1t be as you wish. Payton," she said. after a long silence. T only de- sire your good. But you must be care full, dear. The work and strain of your new responsibilities will be even harder for you than the dull monot- ony of your old occupation. Remem- Der you are not strong"
 He was about to speak, then changed
 
 riedly.
 "Good-by. Mildred. It's no use pro- longing the interview. 1 have some things to look after. and-and wish you well.'
 She waited quietly until the door closed between them. then walking un- steadily to the fireplace and gazed down into the coals. How long she stood there she did not know. but suddenly she felt that she must go outside; the impulse seemed irresit- ible.
 A moment. and he was on the piaz- "a; another and she was tendeely raising the head of a prostrate figure upon her lap.
 "Oh. Peyton. Peyton" she whis- pered. what is 1t? What does it all mean?"
 The head turned slightly. and the face tried to recover its harsh impress sion. but the weakness was too great.
 II was dizzy - fell. It is - nothing. Don't worry. Mildred"
 But what does it mean?" she in- sisted. You must tell me, Peyton. Understand. You must"
 Again the face tried to hide itself under a mask. but there was no strength to respond to its will. The oSCih Apo WCIC UOW IIlODllc anu ITGHl- bled under her solicitude.
 T was obliged to be brutal-in order to do you the kindness of-of separat- ing you from me. Mildred. l could not have moved you any other way" He paused as though that were all, but she motioned for him to go on. T was warned of it two years ago." he re- sumed at length. as though under pro- test, but-but would not accept the decision as final until it was confirmed in the city yesterday. Of course it cuts me off from my new work, and the doc tor said must not even return to the clerkship. What could I do?"
 You might have told ma Peyton," she said, gently. We have oeen Sn- gagged seventeen years. have no people, and yours have all made places for themselves. There are only us two. Surely I had right to know"
 But your right would have been your hardship. Mildred" he responded. II tried to save you from it,"
 By a resolute effort he rose to his feet. and then leaning on her shoulder moved slowly to a rustic seat near by.
 T am all right now" he said, as he sank down wearily. T have had these turns before-I shall be as strong as CNCi OA dh
 What did the doctors say?" she asked.
 Only what this attack indicates For a moment thought this was to be the end. but I was mistaken. It may come tomorrow-next week-ten years. It will depend somewhat on my care and watchfulness @hmyself"
 And on my care and watchfulness also." she said, saStly.
 A look of consternation whitened his face.
 No. mo- Mildred" he interposed hastily. T haven't even the prospect of being able to support myself. Don't let the blasting of your life rest on my conscience
 Not the blasting. Peyton; say the glory. What would my life be with out you?'
 But the livelihood?"
 She placed one of her arms across his shoulders.
 You remember our plans, Peyton. You were to build the house and was to furnish it. My father left me some money. and have been teaching school good many years. have nearly four thousand dollars. We will give up our plans of building and go to some pleasant place in the eouth. where you can be out of doors as much as you like. If we live econom- ically that will be enough. You can write whenever you feel like it, and I will read to you and copy your work. There are many happy years before us, Peyton. You lean back against the tree while I run into the house for something to refresh you. And don't indulge in any more fancies. dear"
 He watched her as she ran lightly up the steps and into the house; and over his haggard. careworn face came look of absolute radiant happiness.