The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-11-05
Our Daily Sport Story

the friend of her childhood until he loomed up before her. Then she started, looked into his eyes and stepped away from the gate. His eyes were so blinded by the beauty of the face before him, his heart was throbbing with 1 the wonderful spell that he failed to notice her backward step And Lecta, she did not speak If she wanted tol the words would not come. She only stood there while the words fell softly and slowly from her old friends lipe If they touched her heart she gave sign of emotion. ''Lecta. I've come again. I waited until the the other went. I didn't want to bother you i while he was here. He the first city beau you ever had-ion't get angry with me Tor saying that. No doubt he told you of many things you never dreamed of. He said pretty thingg that girls love to hear. He belongs to world that is new to you and l. He coutd tell you about the poets and what they sinR' have heard you and him singing In the par Tor when drove to the factory with the mix It sounded nice. for your voices were well matched. While was heaving hay and work ing like a beaver I used to see you and him riding Gown the shady lane or gathering How CTS in tho woods While was nshing yoh and him leaned upon the rail of the old rustic bridge in the moonlight But didn't care. Lccta I knew it would soon be over and that you would be glad to see nc come again I kept away and never bothered you and him He has only known you for a few weeks; h. has only walked and talked with you for 2 short spell-and I have known you all my life. dear Lecta. dragged you on my sled to school and tramped paths for you through the snow many time. I've picked the first vio- let's for you when you were otck. I can see the sweet smile your face. Lecta. when you took them and thanked me. Lecta he has only known you for few weeks but have known you always"
 The plain young fellow. whose hsart so nllei with love. lifted his hat and &tood there in the moonlight the balmy breezes tossed his hair. There a glad look in his eyes he held out his hands, and his face was aglow with expectancy
 The girl started and again drew back from the gate. She opened her lips to speak. but the words died In a whisper that was like sigh. Then recovering her cbmposure she leaned forward and reached out the hand she had pressed to her bosom and faintly uttered ::
 We will always be good friends. dear-dear Eli"
 He took the little brown hand. and as he pressed it the touch of ring sent chill to his heart. He shivered. and his voice lost all it's old buoyancy as he said softly. sadly slowly:
 "I see-its all right, Lecta it's all right He knew you in the few short weeks better than l did during all my life. He walked a few times with you. he sung few songs with you in the par1or. he stood on the old bridge in the moonlight and said pretty things to you. He did not drag you from the mifldam when down for the last time, as did. would have died for you then. dear Lecta! l saved you-for your city beau. But I'm glad dear did. For you will be happy, you know It's all right. Lecta, all right. Yes. dear. friends forever"
 And the fair young girls eyes followed the tall form that passed away; and there were tears in her eyes-but her thoughts swere for the other far away from her.
 When Jim eame home he saw lfEht In his brothers room. He stepped to the sdqers and was about to lay his hand upon the lafcb when the sound of a sob fell upon his ears; #Hurnng z to his own room he said, in a soft RwAoae:
 She's broke the best heart that NFe&nbeat Women queer. They have straN& NAYS This is little Lecta's way. Poor old Hs&f'