The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-14
HER LOVE TEST
BY KATHRYN B. HENDERSON. ICepyrfeht, 1904. by Daily Story Pub


 It was a bright, sunny October after noon that pretty Martha Linton pre- scented herself in the cosy sewing room of her dear friend. Jennie Brooks. Their greeting was cordial and affec- tionate. Both had gone to the altar the same week, four years previous. and each had confidentialIy informed the other their husbands were model men not less than d score of times dur ing that period. ei
 T was just thinking of you, my dear" said Mrs. Brooks. Lay aside your wrap and take your favorite chair by the window. How pleasant it is to-day, Really, if didn't have so much on hand would put on my things and go down town on a pretense of Shopping"
 She rushed ahead, in her old school girl fashion, meanwhile deftly cutting out and arranging q dainty little apron which promised to be coquettish in design.
 You ought to be happy, Jennie" said young Mrs. Linton. Henry re- marked to me last evening that he believed that John was the best heart ed man of his acquaintance"
 A pleased smile ran over the rosy face of Jennie Brooks.
 T think we are to be envied of our 9hubbys. don't you?"
 The only reply was an affectionate
 Ion the part of Martha. But have you heard of the curious treA anent Mrs. Banks gives her hus- band. rsfied on Jennie.
 NO haven't My dear, what"
 swhy, she says MT. Banks tilted her sister before he married Mrs. Banks. and that the sister really died of a broken heart. Of course. his wife didn't know the truth until her sister told it all on her death bed. and from that day to this Mrs. Banks has neved ceased trying to make MT. Banks life perfectly miserable. Every one says she pays no more attention to house. hold affairs than if she were boarding. For my part. I don't see how MT. Banks can put up with such conduct.">
 ''0hi he is perfectly devoted to her. He is just as attentive and solicitous as he can be. What a perfect mani"
 Half an hour was spent in mutual expressions of coincidence concerning MT Banks unfortunate lot, and in crftieising the various retaIiatine measures his wife was infiicting. 2
 AS Martha Linton wended her way homeward her brain was busy with the tale she had heard. The novelty of such scheme and the savor of TO. nance 1t held lent it a peculiar inter- est. She had an idea. Things were growing a little tame-why not test Henry's love this way?
 The mellow, hasy. beautiful october days wore apace and Henry Linton congratulated himself on possessing the most delightful of wives. He was a happy man at home and was proud of her. Business was flattering in its outlook. all the future seemed fair. and what more could he wish.
 Henry. I want a sealskin wrap this winter" said his wife at breakfast
 A good-humored smile spread over his features as he listened. Then he raised his eyebrows in exaggerated surprise.
 You needn't look SO mortified, Hem ry.i' she said. little annoyed at his Expressive face.
 T am not horrified--I am simply shocked" he said with assumed gray ity.
 'Tndeed!' sarcastically.
 Henry Linton went to business somewhat irritated at the unwonted display of his wife'se disagreeableness. but his displeasure wore away before he reached his office
 Before he went home he went to a. leading fur establishment and selected handsome seal garment. He ordered 1t laid aside and to be delivered at his office before Thanksgiving day.
 My bohny darling shall have her wrap before cold weather sets in" was his thought as he went out of the store. He felt happy that he was able to gratify her wish. A year previous such expense was not to be considered. What a surprise it would be.
 He found the evening a little dull. Martha was busy with her fancy work. Without being actually uncivil. she was wholly engrossed with her own af- fairs. The evening was an illustra- ton of what followed during the week The days drifted on and Thanksgiving