The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-28
Our Daily Short Story

' Tt isn't true.' declared Jack so em- phatically that the acquaintance con- cluded he had tread on dangerous ground, but he maintained his posi- tion.
 Yes 1t is! Her father told me so. They are to be married next week. | immediately upon wilton's return" Jack was in a perfect fever of sus- pense, and the Journey seemed inter- minable. He had written Frances the date of his return, but as he arrived | as night he could not expect to see her. Fortunately, he knew where to | find Banks.
 Well, old man. how's the house com ing?" he asked after mutual greetings had been exchanged. House was finished last week., re- piled Banks, avoiding Jacks eye. Has Frances seen it? Does she like it?"
 q gave her the keys when finished. but-er-see here, Jack! Isn't 1t all off between you twoT' 'No" thundered Jack, why do you ask?
 Why, confound 1t. old man, didn't you know she and Wilton are to be married next week?"
 They are not!" he declared with flashing eyes and sinking heart.
 T am afraid it's true. In fact, Jack, I know it's true"
 You'll have to prove 1t to me, or she will have to tell me 1t Is so before I believe It."
 She's getting all her things. My sister has seen them, and she said it was her rousseau. The night Is set and the florists and caterers order given. Even the guests are invited"
 show me your invitation" said Jack, his lips pale and trembling.
 'The invitations were verbal Only a few invited-informal affair. Will ton said he wanted 1t that way. He's not ostentatious. you know. Say. old fellow, don't take 1t too hard! Jack"
 But Jack had gone to his, rooms where he spent wretched night. In the morning he received a note from Frances asking him to meet her at the new house, as she had something to tell him."
 I'll go and hear it from her lips, and then I'll set fire to the house." he said grimly.
 He went by a circuitous route to avoid encounters. When he was in sight of the little home he had so eag- erly planned and builded, he couldn't bear to look at 1t. Slowly he walked up the steps and mechanically tried the door. It was opened from within. and Frances. flushed and radiant was in his arms.
 Jack, dear Jack! It's too good to be truev'
 "See here, Frances! Tell me at once what's all this hear about your being married next week to Wilton means,"
 'I am to be married next week. I hope! But not to Wilton. Look around, Jack. and see our home!' Wonderingly Jack looked about the little house artistically and complete ly furnished. Frances then led the way through the rooms from the rose wood piano in the reception room to the range in the kitchen. "Wil1 you explain, Frances?
 Yes" she laughed. AS soon as you
 said you were going away. a plan came to me. Papa has always preached fin- esse to me. so I thought I'd practice
 It. Mir. Wilton proposed and told him was engaged to you and was going to be cut off without a penny or a wed- ding. l suggested a plan to oppose papa and he helped me out. Was att tentive. and we gave papa the impress sion that MT. Wilton was the favored
 man. I set the day-hope you can get
 ready. Jack-and papa gave me a carte blanche order everywhere and a $3,OOO check for trousseau and wedding; $500
 answered for trousseau and the rest
 went into the furnishing. MT. wilton's present is the piano. and papa gave me a chest of silver which Is at the bank Last night I fessed up. There was an awful time, and he disowned me. Il told him I had a home waiting for me- Well. he sobered down this morning and to avoid a scandal the wedding is to | take place as arranged with a change | as to bridegroom. You are to see him | today. But. look. Jack, what's the | matter? You don't look so happy as supposed you would!" "Frances!" he groaned. 'I doubted you! I believed what Banks and they | all said, and l came up here to tear
 down the house. Will you forgive me- dear?"
 Actions speak louder than words
 and Frances answered the question to l his satisfaction.