The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-02
A LOVE LESSON
 IN MECHANICS
BY CHARLES s. REID.


 Copyright. 1904. by Daily Story Pub. | Co.)
 'Tantalus." exclaimed Duke Esmond, as Margery Majors whirled away from his side in the arms of Caruthers. his | rival.
 The orchestra was playing a quick waltz, and Margery' smiled back upon Duke a mischievous little smie as | she felt the influence of the music. "Confound em both." Duke contin- | ued ,as he leaned back in the little aciove where he and Marger had | been standing. T am no sooner on the point of urging my suit at some seemingly opportune moment, than something turns up to interrupt me; and she with evident satisfaction. plays into the hands of the fate that is against me-" From behind the curtains of the al- cove. which were partly drawn. Duke watched them as they glided here and | there among the walters. The glow Of Margery's cheek sand the sparkle enjoying the dance: for Caruthers was not only the handsomast man | but the best dancer and the mos, dashing fellow in the ball room. Ca | ruthers was wealthy. also. The dog! What advantage has he | not? exclaimed Duke. as the thought | Of all these qualifications of his rival came to his mind.
 But Caruthers Is a gambler. which | fact is pretty well known" Esmond made a mental entry of this negative qualification against his rival. Intellectually, Caruthers is. to sav tne most. but mediocre" Duke made another entry in his mental register against the possible worthiness of the handosemest man in the room.
 Caruther's moral standing is m, above question" Esmond scored an. other. a"' But what am I doing?" he sudden !y asked himself. Why I am mak- ing comparisons from the interested standpoint of a conceited ass am building qualifications of my own over the wreckage of those of my rival very uncharitable piece of business to be engaged in."
 He left the alcove and walked across the hall. A moment later ba had joined the dancers with a beautt- ful sylph-like creature looking up into ms face from the half-circle of his strong arm. And soon. pair of bright eyes were watching this nev, couple closely. and these eyes were looking over the shoulder of the hand somest man in the room.
 The evening passed. the dance was over. and the guests were taking their leave. For moment Duke held in his clasp a hand he would like fo have held always. It was for onlv a moment. scarcely long enough for him to have said good night; yet he had managed to lean forward anI whisper into a shell-like ear that nestled confidingly under a roll of soft brown hair: Never mind. I under stand. and shall get even with you yet"
 Margery laughed, as she withdrew her hand; and. lowing Esmond good night, joined the party which was just then going out.
 For two years Duke Esmond had loved her, but every advance of bis had been checked in such a manner that he did not feel repulsed, and vet he had decided that he must resort to strategy of some kind: but an hours thought before he slept brought to his mind no feasible plan.
 But I am a fool" said Duke to himself. Why do I not run over her little evasions and come to the pcint?"
 A few days later, on bright Monday morning. Duke guided his of a repair shop.
 T think I have a small puncture." he said to the proprietor.
 Yes, small one in this tire" agreed the workman, examining a front wheel; but 1t will be fifteen or twenty minutes before I can repair it."
 50 long as thatT'
 T am sorry, but am out of cement,