The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-02-22

"Am I as bad as all thatf Tell me honestly, Aunt Fanny, now while am in the humor to hear it. what do do that Is terrible7"
 Honestly, Nan, you do nothing ter rible at all. I'll tell you where all the trouble Is, Nan; you are sensitive, and you have an Idea that you must behave as some of the other girls do-that you must hold your hands and your head just 50. If you would be yourself, and forget all about etiquette and manners, you'd satisfy everybody. especially your self" t
 Why, that Is what worries me now; I do forget all about these things, and then, all of sudden, realize that I am act ing like a child, and . very noisy child at that" 84as
 "well, when you get as old as an,' sighed Miss Fanny, Hyou won't mind little things like that. Margaret is com ing now, I'll leave you with her. Try to find out why she is unhappy. Pulaski Is nearly worried to death about 1t. and so am l."
 Margaret Gather came in as sedateiy as an old woman. She was very fond of Nan. and greeted her accordingly. Whatever her trouble was. 1t had made no attack on her health. She had a fine
 
 there was a little frown between her eyebrows that gave her a troubled look.
 If you'll tell me something nice and pleasant" she said to Nan, "Fll be un- der many obligations to you. Tell me something funny, or if you don't know anything funny. tell me something hor- rfble-anything for a change. I saw Ce- phas downtown; that child has been try Ing for days to tell me of his adventures, and I have been dying to hear them. But keep out of his way: I am SO per- verse that I refuse to give myself that much pleasure. Oh, if you only know how mean I am. you wouldn't sit there smiling. I hear that the dear boys are having a good deal of trouble. We'll, it serves them right; they had no business to be boys. They should have been girls; then they would have been perfectly happy all the time. Don't you think so, sweet child7" r>
 Nan regarded her friend with astonish- ment. Why, what Is the matter with you, Margaret? You know that girls can be as unhappy as boys; yes, and thous- and times more so."
 "Oh, I'll never believe 1t! neverr cried Margaret. Why, do you mean to tell me that any girl can be unhappy? Do you mean to insinuate that you intend to offer yourself as the horrible exam pie? Ffe on you, Nan! You're in love and you mistake that state for unhappi- ness. Why, that is the height of bliss. Look at me! I'm in love. and see how happy I am!'
 T know one thing" said Nan, and her voice was low and subdued, If you go on like that. you'll frighten me away. Do you want to make your best friend miserabie3"
 Why, certainly replied Margaret. What are friends for? I should dislike very much to have a friend that couldn't make miserable. But if you think you are going to ,un away, come up to my room and we'll lock ourselves in, and then know you can't get away"
 Now what Is the matter7" Nan in- sisted. when they had gone upstairs, and were safe in Margaret's room. She had seized her friend in her arms and her tone was imploring.
 ''I don't think I can tell you, Nan: you would consider me fool and I want to keep your good opinion. But I can tell you a part of my troubles. He wants me to marry Francis Bethunel'
 'Ill never believe that" said Nan, de- cisiveiy. Did he say that he wanted you to marry Francis Bethuner The "he" in this case was Pulaski Tomlin.
 Well, he didn't insist on it; he's too kind for that. But Francis has been coming here very often, until our friends in blue gave him a much-needed rest, and I suppose I must have been going around looking somewhat gloomy; you know how I am-I can't be gay; and then he asked me what the trouble was, and finally said that Francis would make me a good husband. Why, could have killed my Nn.t .f. -f As. I occupying the position I doi' Such heat and fury Nan had never seen her friend display before. Why, Mar garetW she cried. you don't know what you are saying. Why, if he or Aunt Fanny could hear you, they would be per- fectly miserable. don't see how you can feel that way"
 NO, you don't. and hope you never will!' exclaimed Margaret. Nobody knows how I feel. If I could, l would tell you-but I can't. can'ti"
 Margaret" said Nan in a most seri- ous tone. "has he or Aunt Fanny ever treated you unkindly?' Nan was pre- pairing to hear the worst. |.
 "Unkindly!" cried Margaret, bursting into tears; "oh, I wish they would I wish they would treat me as I deserve to be treated. Oh, if he would treat me
 
 feelings, l would bless him."
 Come home with mo. Margaret" cried Nan. Maybe the change would do you good"
 T thank you, Nan. You are as good as you can be: you are almost as good as the people here: but I can't go. I can't leave this house for any length of time until leave 1t for good. I'd be wild to get back; my misery fascinates me; hate 1t and hug it."
 'I am sure that don't understand you at all," said Nan. in a tone of despair.
 No. and you never will" Margaret af- firmed. gro understand, you would have to feel as do. and I hope you may be spared that experience all the days of your life.''
 After awhile Nan decided that Marga- ret would be more comfortable if she were alone, and so she bade her friend good bye and went downstairs, where she found Miss Fanny awaiting her some- what impatiently.
 Well, what is the trouble, child2" she asked.
 Nan shook her head. ''I don't know,