The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-04-30
Our Daily Short Story


 fatherless child had so strong pro- won his spurs. Never poor. the family had found their affairs considerably tangled when the father died. In the midst of the general sentanglement George had returned from college and with the easy assurance of a master had taken the management of the es- tate from the hands of the lawyers and the rest of the family. and in few brief months had strengthened every thing out in most satisfactory man. ner. Tn doing so he had required an intimate knowledge of the stock mar ket. into which he plunged immediate ly. upon his release from his self-im- posed task of placing the affairs of the family upon a secure foundation. A few years had suficed for him to make an independent fortune. since when he had lapsed into the easy and luxurious life of the typical city. club-man. His married brothers and sisters he re- gafded with more or less indifference. his mother with deep respect and ven- eration. But Bertie he looked upon with the keen affection of parent or lover. And so while Burton was still at school George posted him at the ex- elusive clubs so he would be reached by the time he was ready to join. George Gray was a typical old batch of the old school and was thoroughly welded to his clubs. his comfort and his independence.
 It was when Burton was just turning into his twenties that George was star tied out of his easy going, complacent. . luxurious life by letter from his mother.
 "Oh. George" 1t ran, T fear all is lost. Bertie is infatuated with an actress-a low. vulgar. third-rate act ress-and threatens to marry her. And from the way he has talked to me fear that he will do 1t. He is so like his grandfather Gray-so high-headed and impatient of restraint or authori- ty. that fear he will do his worst. Think of 1t, George, Bertie-dainty, arlstocratic, artistic Bertie, tied to a something. I can do no more. Indeed, I fear I have done too much already. I fear I have set him in his determina- tion by my violent opposition. Try, | George. try, I have no other help to lean on in this great affiiction." George Gray read the letter entirely through < and then read 1t through agafn. HS lit a fragrant cigar and | leaned back in the great leather chair -HlS IdNOTIIe COTHeT dL HIS IdVOTttG club. He blew out a whiff of blue smoke. Then he bit the cigar savage | ly and said. . "Dam.9
 Then he pitched the cigar into the cuspidor and rang for a cab Yes, there was only one thing to do. | He must give up all his comforts and luxuries and hie himself to Littleford
 where Bertie was in college, and upset | this impossible marriage. He had thought it all out in a minute Bertje could not be defled or driven, and Heaven forbid that he should be per- mitted to blast his life in this way. He | was the only human being who knew Bertie well enough to manage him. Yes, he must give up his clubs and his | ease and immoIate himself upon the l spur of necessity.
 Or the following evening he arrived at Littleford Burton, was evidently not only surprised. but suspicious Just rundown to get, breath of country air and have a chat with Burton's constraint. And incidentally want to see her ladyship. Mother has been writing me that you have found your destiny and she don't seem to like it., Women are so internally set in these matters. Just as though every fellow hasn't got to settle these affairs for himself. So thought I'd come down and brace you up a bit" The suspicion banished from Bur tons face, the constralnt from his manner.
 You're brick, George" he exclaim- ed. You're the only one in the fam fly who understands a fellow By love, I don't propose to be dictated to in my love affairs. I've got an income If my own now that I'm of age, and can support a wife. And I propose to mar ry to suit myself"
 of course. of course" replied George gaily. stick to it. my boy. When can see the lady and present my felici- tations?"
 We'll have a little dinner to-mor- row at Maffouis. Make it 5:3O sharp. as she goes on at 8 and has to be at the theater at 7:30. She's in the Ly- -ceum stock, you know. Beastly place, and I'm going. to marry her as soon as the term is over and get her out Of 1t. She's got the talent to star 1t. but has had hard luck with those internal thieves of managers Anyway, I don't want her on the stage after we're mar ried"
 The young cub" said George saw agely to himself as he stFolled back to his hotel. What he needs is a good licking"
 Defiance blazed from the black eyes of Lorela Furman when she met George Gray. It was plain that she recognized an enemy. The man of the world sized his antagonist with pains taking care while he greeted her with the deference of a knight to his queen He beheld a vain, selfish woman some years Burton's senior. with some nat ural attractions. but more that were artincial; woman of native shrewd- ness and tact, certain native coquet- tlshness and charm of manner which she used with great cleverness: A wo- man of fiery temper and passionate temperament, but under seIf-controI Unusual to one of her mentality and education; ignorant of books and cul- ture,. but worldly-wise. He gave sigh of relief.
 am most happy to meet the lady who Is so soon to become one of us.' he said with warmth. "and doubly han py to find her so charming. But Ber- ties always did have good taste"
 The supper passed most pleasantly. despite the evident suspicion of the actress and the nervousness sof Burton. who found himself involuntariIA, watching for the bad grammar and lapses into slang which characterized the conversation of his inamorata. He never had heard her talk so badly. he thought. But George seemed charmed and wholly at ease, and his geniaIitv and wit soon placed everyone at ease.
 He ain't half bad" Lorela was fore ed tn admit after if