The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-14
Our Daily $bcrt Story


 Martha's studious derneanor. At first Linton resented her lack of affection. He spoke of 1t frequently. Then pride being aroused. he deterni- l ined to meet indifference with indif- ference. He concluded his intended gift would not meet with appreciation if offered while matters were SO un- pleasant. and he ordered 1t for Christ. mas.
 Thanksgiving day came and was al- most forgotten. and the monotony of Henry Linton's home ga1led him. Sev- eral times he sought by cheerfulness and playful affection to bring about the old sweet way again. but his ef- forts were dismal failures. Humiliated and wounded. he grew angry. With the subsiding of i'll na- ture came a feeling of qareiessness. Then neglect crept in. If his wife cared nothing for him he was not bound to lavish his affection on her. If it pleased her to withdraw from his love and extend nothing but tame friendliness, all well and good. One morning as he sat in the crowd ed train his attention was attracted by a yelled face. A pair of bright eyes twinkled rougishly at him. When he reached his office he discovered his
 
 didn't Martha tell me how I looked at breakfast" he thought, as he re- flected how oddly he must have ap- peared. No wonder the fair stranger was amused. It was only another evi- dence of the indifference his wife man. ifested toward him1 The incident vexed him. The next morning he again chanced to sit near the lady who had smiled at him. She looked up. their eyes met. A glance, of recognition told she re. nernbefed him. He scfutinized her | carefully and came to the conclusion that she was attractive. That day he noticed a friend was acquainted with her. Inquiry followed. She is Mrs. Jackson. Her husband died during their honeymoon, and she is now employed as secretary of Iron. Steel & O., the contractors. She Is one of the gay widows, Linton, so be- ware.' was the result of his question: ing.
 As the days went on Henry Linton learned to watch for the jaunty hat and pretty face as he stood on the platform waiting TOT the train. Soon | d smile. distant yet not unfriendiy. was the result. A little courtesy of- fered in tostling crowd in helping her from the car steps was the begin | ming of what proved a pleasant ao- | quaintance.
 You seem a little depressed this morning" she said one day, as they oc- cupied seats together. T wonder if l somebody was cross this morning at breakfast?'
 You have divined the truth" he rec piled. Not really cross, but indiffer. ent.'
 I'm sorry" she said, arehly. There was no change in Martha Lin tons course. She was not always III | tempered. but she managed to make herself utterly apathetic without ap- bearing to make 1t intentional Two l months had passed in this way. Do you know. Clara" said Linton. after greeting his train friend, that I believe life isn't worth living with l the heart starving for love and affec. | tion.''
 They had long since addressed each l other by their christian names, and were now on the footing of familiar friendship.
 You echo my sentiments exactly" was her reply. There is no use in going through life unhappy on that score"
 Are you perfectly happy?" We'll am this morning." she re- piled, looking into his eyes. He pressed her hand unobserved by others, and the pressure was returned. All day Henry Linton was preoccu- pied. His thoughts continually revert ed to the mornings incident. Alone in his private office, he paced the floor. He reviewed his married life from the hour he vowed faith and fidelity at the altar to the miserable present Where in had he failed as a lover, as aus band. The thought occurred to him that perhaps Martha's heart had gone out to another. Such things had hap pened. and were happening every day. He would have an understanding with his wife. If she did not love him in the old way she would be at liberty to go. Did he love her? Yes, his heart told him, but this continual apathy was slowly driving all love from his life. Then, there was Clara. She was al- ways pleasant and ready with a smile. | She was pretty, too-and ever ready with kindest sympathy. What a tend
 CT love she could bestow! That night Martha was invited out to tea, and Linton's intended interview
 was postponed indefinitely. He spent quiet evening with his papers. ana | retired early.
 As he stood waiting for the train the | next morning he was aware that he was impatient for its coming. Clara Jackson would soon appear. for she 1 lived near and always came just as l the train rumbled up to the station. It lacked five minutes before she would smile into his eyes. Did he love her? he asked himself. He assured himself that he did not--but then, he cared for her in a way. Hers was a delightful friendship, and then she was sympa- thetic. Why could not this friendship ripen into a passionate attachment the train of thought was interrupted by the sight of the approaching train. A musical voice at his side remarked ::
 "A penny for your thouBhtsF
 "Good morning, Mrs. Jackson re- piled Linton. "Perhaps they are worth more than you offer"
 A vivid flush dyed her face.
 For a Title while neither shokA.