The Monticellonian., 1904-06-23
"She is eonsiderate. answay." he

erty. Sne was enllT6ly ultra In dress and appointments. It must have been a sudden temptation that she could not resist
 At the end of two months time he re- ceived an express package. He opened it and found s202, 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, III. 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.
 Gregory's heart beat exultantly. His instinct had been correct She was a lady and she had acted honorably. He liked the feeling that prompted the pay ment of the interest which he resolved to keep. as he knew it would in a meas ure assure her that she had made atone ment. He returned the ring as directed with a little note informing her that the restoration of the money was the least of his pleasures The first was in find ing that his first impressions were cor rect-that she was a woman good and true. his 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 ring. 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 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. 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 little apart from the others.
 May I ask you" she said. in low, strained voice. ito 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 "it is your duty to give our hostess sufficient reason why I should not be here, but may I ask you to spare me that dis closure? Twill have telegram summon me from here immediately"
 My dear Miss Whitney" he said, and the sympathy and difference in his voice gave her heart it's first hope, "I wouldn't be such cad as that, Even if you give me no explanation-and 1 do not ask one-of that little affair which resulted only in purely business transaction, shall be entirely convinced that you are an honorable woman. and l beg you to remain here and permit me to know you"
 Her eyes filled with tears, which she quickly forced back, and in a moment spoke:
 'I will tell you the whole truth. Ihave a modest income which add to by writ ing for magazines. The date of payment Co Iah hAr ;c counted upon. My little sister had se- we're illness early last summer When she was conyalescent the doctors em-' phatically ordered her to the seaside My ready money had been exhausted by the expenses attending her illness had already anticipated my allowance, and l knew not where to borrow, although I was sure that in two months time l would be in position to repay That day 1 saw you in the car had been downtown to pawn my ring and watch. 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 fewer people were about. l saw your
  how much money there was in the world and yet life 1 loved might be lost fer want of paltry sum. l was desper- ate. The temptation came to me when you sat beside me It was so easily done! l purposely left the ring in your pocket as security. I don't know how got off the car and walked down the street, I was so frightened. found your card. and by inquiry learned you were not poor. so felt easier. And-youkno the rest. D
 Tt almost kills me when recall what I did and what I am, but-under the same circumstances should do 1t again. The end justified the means. was fortunate in that you are the man you are"
 Miss Whitney" he said. earnestly. extending his hand, "it was. as I said. a purely business transaction, and ore most honorably met by you. never shall regret the act. am heartily glad of the occurrence that led to my knowing you"
 them supplies and materials to build a