The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-04-16
THE ADVERTISERS
 DAILY SHORT STORY
s.'Happiness isn't everything.

| | "I thought it was--to you" "Comfort-peace, is all that's worth while. Happiness would get to be a bore like women who arc too obviously l pretty
 She winced but the remark was natur- l ally not one she might appropriate. Tt isn't jealousy that causes me 10 speak to you this sS,, way, she ,1or5 pesan. her T tell you 1t is not" It was futile to waste words. and yet she must show him how little she cared, l VIII miss you-I can't help missing your-youf Friendship Five years is long time you know I have almost given you those five years If 1t had not been for Sod might have-weli. amounted to scmething.'
 know" His tone was courteous. even kind. q often asked you if you would be happier if stayed away. You never seemed anxious to say the word He tIouehtfully, and then added with some afruptness "I often wondered why you Cever married.
 The woman gasped. 'You-wondered- why--I-never-married
 gro re sure. you always told me that you never meant to marry"
 ''I meant 1t. butt He seemed not to hear her. Then you Insisted on our never speaking of love or that sort of thing"
 "It was not necessary for you to speak things"
 And now that I am going to settle down into mediocre comfort you are the first one I come to--naturally. It's fair. He spoke in an even voice as though desiring to calm her.
 The monotonous meditation had the opposite effect. She was the incarnation of repressed fury. Leaning across the liable as she was. her words poured forth like a torrent. Tt was for me to say during all those years whether we should separate. Mine was the responsibility. You had none. Your wealth. education, station. freed you. You were not to blame for the suffering you sowed. You were put in the world only to pray Tor your comfort, your peace. You came to me holding out bait for my ambition. You had influence: was talented. That talent tickled your thirst for something new in life. and so you proceeded to ap- propriate 1t your own. You never spoke of love, oh. no. You only lived and breathed 1t in my presepce-and l. poor fool lived in paradise uhtil-until-I tell you forbid this marriage.
 The words ended in futile, foolish laugh. She put her hands to her face; touched her front hair. laughing more softly all the time until the mirthess tones seemed to trail themselves in her next words: How perfectly frightened you look. Can't you take joke-l'm jok- ing-can't you see it was joke? am laughing-laughing because it is so very. very funny that you cannot take joke.
 
 The clock struck eight. Just then a tap came at the door. Hastily she lighted gas jet and threw open the door.
 "I told you l would come again, and here I am." said eheery masculine voice at the threshold.
 And I told yoI not to come except on business, but I am glad to see you." she replied
 Why shouldn't I come. to sec youT'
 "Wl1y should you?'
 I as often as I can. Don't you want me to call often?' He' spoke over his shoul- der as he reached for match to rekin- dle the fire. "I would rather talk to you than to a girl my own age, anyway, and then-well. why not-there isn't much in this old world at best" He had dropped the kindling and lay one hand on her shoulder. Their eyes met and she turned hurriedly away from him.
 And if we drift on like this-you know I am very much alone-some day I might miss you. and then-'' she finished ab- ruptly with a laugh.
 "Ah. wouldn't I be lucky if you missed me! It would be too good" he talked on, still standing directly under the gas jet. In the strong light she noticed the wave in his hair just where his hat came down. and that his mouth was particu- Iarly sensitive and boyish. His hand rested on her shoulder again. His eyes were almost on level with her own. They were very bright and full of youth FLOW urea S1e was. two strong arms were about her now. Some one away off some where seemed to be crying, Rest rest!' Why should I not call. dear?' he was whispering, with his lips upon hers Presently he was wing good night. Good bye" she answered. You mean it?'
 Yes"
 ''I am sorry" he replied. "I don't see why 1 can't come" As the door closed Irma stooped and tenderly gathered the old gray cat in her arms, murmuring as she choked back the old unreasonable sob. Just one more yesterday for us, my friend: that is all J it means"