The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-05-06
Our Daily $bcf't Story

lated as to her motive in robbins him. Although 1t had been so smoothly worked. he was confident that she was not professional. It could not Dc pow erty. She was entirely ultra" in dress and eppointments It must have been resist.
 At the end of two months time he re- ceived an express package. He opened It and found $1oz, also a note, typewrit- ten, informing him that peculiar cir cumstances had led to the regretted act of borrowing the money which was re- turned with interest, and the request that the ring be forwarded to Miss L. Y Morgan, general delivery. Springfield, ID. The note ended with the request that he make no effort to discover her identity or reason for her act. Her greatest desire was to never see him again. s9f "
 Gregory's heart beat exultantly. His instinct had been correct She was lady and she had acted honorably. He liked the feeling that prompted the pay- msnt Of the interest which he resolved to keep, as 1he knew tt would in a meas ure assure her that she had made atone
 nent. He returned the ring as directed. with little note informing her that the restoration of the money was the least of his pleasures. The first was in find inx that his first Impressions were cor rect-that she was . woman good and true. ssis next in being able to return her ring. which she must have missed.
 He regretted very much her wishes, which he of course would respect, that he make no effort to learn her Identity, but he hoped chance would some day effect . meeting. He received a brief acknowledgement of the receipt of the riDg. The months went by. and Stephen Gregory treasured her face in his mem- ory. He knew the name she gave was
 fictitious and he also felt assured that Springfield was only temporary abid- ing place.
 At Christmas, however. he was invited to a house party in Minneapolis. He was the last of the guests to arrive, and when he was presented to Miss Whit ney," and the beautiful face of which he had been dreaming was raised, a thrill of pleasure ran through his veins. She turned deadly pale. but her manner was composed and controlled. The hostess moved on and left them alone. as they stood a little apart from the others.
 May ask you" she said. In low, strained voice. .'to say nothing until can have few moments conversation with you in private"
 Certainly" he replied. ''I will make an early opportunity to do so."
 An hour later they were alone in the music room. She was still very pale, and there was hunted look in her eyes which made his heart yearn toward her.
 ''Of course" she said wearily. '1t is your duty to give our hostess sufficient reason why I should not be here. but may ask you to spare me that dis closure? I will have telegram summon ms from her immediately"
 My dear Miss whitney" he said, and the sympathy and deferencs in his voice gave her heart its first hope, "I wouldn't be such a cad as that! Even if you give me no explanation-and l do not ask one--of that little affair which resulted only in a purely business transaction. shall be entirely convinced that you are an honorable woman. and beg you to remain here and permit mo to know yoa.''
 Her eyes filled with tears. which she quickly forced back. and iI moment spoke:
 I will tell you the whole truth. have | a modest income which add to by writ | ing for magazines. The date of payment | fer such labor is uncertain and not to
 bo counted upon. My little sister had a severe illness early last summer. When she was convaisscent the doctors em- I phaticalIy ordered her to the seaside. My ready money had been exhausted
 by the expenses attending her illness. i had already anticipated my allowance, and knew not where to borrow although was sure that in two months | time I would be in a position to repay. That day I saw you in the car had been downtown to pawn my ring and watch. l had never done such a thing before, and I hung about the pawnshops until lost my nerve. and resolved to wait
 and make an early morning trip, when l fewer people were about. l saw your roll of bills and 1t made me sick to think | how much money there was in the world | and yet a life loved might be lost for want of a paltry sum. was desper- ate. The temptation came to me when YOU sat beside me. It was so easily dcne! purposely left the ring in your
 pocket as security. I don't know how got off the car and walked down the l street. I was so frightened. I found your card. and by inquiry learned you were not poor, so felt easier. And-you know 1 the rest"
 ! .sIt almost kills me when I recall what
 did and what I am, but-under the
 same circumstances-I should do II again. The end justified the means. l was fortunate in that you are the man you are.''
 Miss whitney" he said, earnestly. extending his hand. it was, as saio'
 nurely business transaction, and one
 most honorabiy met by you. l never shau regret the act. am heartily glad ! of the occurrence that led to my knowing
 you"