The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-05-11
THE DOG UNDER THE
 TABLE.
HY b. H. LANcAsTER.

II BY F. H. LANCASTER.
 Copyright. 1904, by Daily Story Pub. | Col K
 What is it you think that you can tnever forgive?' From her position on the hearth-rug the business woman spoke patiently to the girl in the deep chair. She was a strong, slight wo- man. and wore strong glasses, with heavy golden rims to them. The cork grip for constant use betrayed the fact that the business woman looked on life with near-sighted eyes. The girl before her looked on life with lovely eyes--though, just at present. they were rather marred by weeping. The girl sobbed. and the woman repeated her patient query: What Is 1t you can never forgive?"
 "oh, Molly, Molly! He was positive ly brutal.''
 'It is not like Jack to be brutal. He must be"-she stopped and looked at her watch. T shouldn't decide hastily about 1t. Madge, If were you. Jack is a pretty good sort, It Is not safe to expect perpetual top-notch from any, body. Good-by." But out on the street she completed the sentence prudence had checked in the parlor. He must
 
 badly bothered" She walked slowly past his uptown ofice. then turned and walked resolutely back to 1t. The ele- vator sat her down before a ground glass door. The boy in the front office took her card, went few steps. hesi- tated, and came back to her. 'aThe or- ders were sharp, Miss. He was not to be interrupted on any account" The eyes behind the strong glasses grew grave.
 T will take in my own card" she said to the boy; tried the handle of the door and, as 1t yielded. walked quietly into the private office of Mir. John Holden. A voice, harsh with indigna- ton, greeted her roughly:
 Didn't tell you, sir. that was not to be interruptedY
 Molly came around to the front of his high desk, leaned one shoulder against the upper corner, and fell to fiicking. at the dust with the brim of her soft hat. a7 tefa1-e
 'MoIlyi" s... Ass -.
 "Yes--I heard you were mixed in your matter"--she stopped his start with a gesture-'Tts all right. I've plugged up the leak" Then, signifi- cantly, "Cotton?"
 Yes" He hesitated, looked at her, and took the plunge.
 I've been dancing to forbidden mu- sic; now I'm going to pay the forbid den fiddler" He spoke with grim self disgust Molly went on fiicking laziIy st the dust. .
 How deep do you go?"
 Down to ruin" .ta7
 Sure? Let's have the figures before we pass on to the dramatic" She paused. and added, There are others"
 John Holden bent his head.
 Don't I know it!''
 How near can you come to it?" Molly persisted.
 By straining my credit until it cracks. within five thousand"
 He could not see the fierce relief that leaped into those anguish stricken eyes behind the glasses. A black hat dropped softly to his desk. a leisurely hand went to her pocket, her tone was cooly matter r-of-fact:
 That three thousand I came into Is still in the bank. Can't we mortgage the old house on Royal for two?" She opened her check book and reached a pen from his desk.
 What are you going to do? What old house? Your home? Wait, Molly, Molly! You must be mad to think of such a thing"
 I'm not mad, most noble Festus."
 Don't you know I wouldn't do that -I couldn't do thatT'
 She filled in the check while he ex- postulated.