The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-03

haps you do not think so, and 1t may seem strange for me to say 1t myself; but, oh. come back to me; have noth ing more to do with that woman and will try to be so good. 'lIester.' sob escaped her as she inclosed this with the note she had taken from her breast.
 Then she took up a letter directed in a child's hand that had been lying on the table unnoticed til then and read:
 Dear Sister Hester--Mama does | not know that I am writing this: but | wanted so bad to let you know what people are saying about you and David. They say that David does not love you any more and that he loves some other woman who lives in a theatre. and leaves you all alone and takes her out driving and everything else. Mrs. Gunsmore was in telling mama al about 1t and she said 1t was a shame the way he treated you. and mama | told papa and papa says you must come home right away. He is very mad l with David; he says he Is a william | and ought to be shot Everybody in the city Is talking about 1t. Mrs Guns more says, and, oh. dear Hester tell me if 1t is true. You are such a darl- ing that I always tell them that 1t can't be-that David could not love any one but you. What a pity you didn't marry Colin Wood instead of David. Mama says Colin is the kind of man who loves but once.
 T am going to town next week. have got such a pretty new dress and a broad -brimmed white hat with three ostrich plumes. Will you take me to the circus and buy me a box of Kel ler's candy when I come? l send you lots of love and kisses.
 Your affectionate sister,
 Maggie Barker"
 With a sigh Hester took pen in hand again and answered.:
 My Dear Little Maggie-I am very glad to hear from you and to know that you are coming to tho city to see me. will take you for some nice drives.
 You ought not listen to such naughty stories as those which you say you hear about David. David mar ried me because he loved me. How then can the things you hear be true? You must never again write me such nonsense
 Now be dear. and give my love to mama, everybody else and especially yourself.
 Hester"
 A letter to Colin Wood was her next effort. It read:
 My Dear Colin-I have made up my mind to stay by my husband through good and through evil report A woman who deserts a man, no matter what the circumstances, is not a true wife. Besides, r do not believe that my husband is all that he has been represented to be. He has a cheerful disposition. and sometimes on account of his light~heartedness gives one q wrong impression of his character I am sorry I listened to what you said today. but am not angry with you, for l believe you are true friend to me, though prejudiced towards David. If things have gone wrong between us two 1t has been my fault. had lived very narrow life before I met him and therefore have not understood him as should. It Is I who am to blame Hester"
 Still another. This last one was written more slowly and carefully than the proceeding ones. and she hesitated before addressing the envelope. But at last 1t was signed and sealed and Hester sank back in her chair. It read:
 Madam have good reason to be-
 
 night and that my husband will be on the same train with you. Do not go. entreat Think of the disgrace that will follow-and he will not stay with you long, I am his wife, and at the bottom of hls heart he loves me mora than 1t is possible for him to care for any one else
 Hester Lyons"
 Well, I have done what could" said Colin Wood, as he thrust a note just received into his vest pocket. developments I only hope the blow, when 1t does fall, will not kill her. How proud she isl''
 What a silly thing this Hester must be! See. Davie, the letter 1t has writ ten me today. And the conceit of her Says you do not love me and care only for her"
 The speaker. a handsomely attired woman with magnificent eyes and ha'r and bright painted cheeks. put her arm over the shoulder of a dissipat ted look ing man who stood beside her and held before his eyes note. He read it ard laughed.
 Yes. she Is a little fool" he replied but" clasping with his thin fingers the shapely hand of the woman, which he raised to his lips. you don't be- lieve that about loving her the best, do you?"
 NO. but even if did shouldn't care"
 All right" said the man. sullenly. "IIl go."
 NO you won't. then. darIing-rm only teasing you"
 And he stayod-until nearly half past seven, when they both left to- gether.
 Are you alone. Hester?" Yes" Where Is David?" He has not come yet. I expect him any minute"
 He has not been home for several days has he?"
 No; but he will be here tonight" "Did he say he wouldT
 "No; but am sure that he will come home tonight"
 T could not find Mir Lyons at his club. but I've delivered the other let CTS, ma'am, one to Mdlle, Rosalie at the Lyceum theatre and the other to MT. Wood at his office"
 'What!" cried Hester, "and it's seven o'clock. Run. Tom. to the station. Your master Is leaving on the half-past sev- ter"
 The boy disappeared.
 Where ars you going, Hester?" asked Colin Wood
 T must follow the boy. I cannot walt" she replied ''To the station. Then I will go with you" "''" When they arrived there a boy was handing note tO man ,ybo ,4ooa