The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-11-06
UNDER THE SPUR.
BY CHARLES osAGE.

BY CHAHLES OSAGE. Copyright. 1904. by Daily Story Pub. Col
 Eunice was tired of 1t all. The gay eties of the smart set. social triumphs travel amusements everything had turned to ashes in ,her dainty hand. So she told herself for the hundredth time as she sat in her beautiful boudoir and contemplated the evenings program--luncheon at the Van Tanks. the opera and later the reception at the Willington's. It would be the same old round, she knew-not a new emotion or . thrill of interest
 And there was Harold just alighting from his carriage at the door. handsome and deb onaire as ever-was she even tirtng of him She shuddered at the thought. But 1t was all so different from what she had antici- pated when she walked down the church aisle on his arm, amid the flowers and the gay plumage. Then she was eager to taste all these joys and feared only that they might, somehow. be snatched from her. And so soon they had become tasteless The love she bore Harold seemed to have so little to feed upon. They had so little in com mon. apparently. His inherited wealth made all effort of a money getting nature unnecessary, and his time was spent at the clubs. in athletics or Tn the social swim. She could not complain of neglect. he was devoted to her as on the wedding day. and they went out much together. But all of their interests were so inconseouential. It seemed to her like playing at life.
 Harold came into the room with his gen. ial well-bred smile. and his courtly saiu- tation.
 Do you ever think of doing anything se- rious-going into business. or-or-anything of that sort?" she asked. abruptly.
 What for?" he inquired. elevating his aristocrat!c eyebrows trifle.
 'I don't exactly know" she replied. slowly. laughing a serious little laugh. But it seems to me sometimes that a man would want some serious occupation-some- thing to occupy his mind-to call on his powers--to-to-oh! don't know what I do mean-to give life a flavor and some inn portance."
 Harold laughed heartily Guess you're getting restless" he said. wed better fig ure out trip abroad. How would China and Japan and the Philippines do this timer"
 "Oh. I'm tired of travel, and of society. and of luxury and of pretty much every thing" she replied. 'I sometimes wish we were not so horribly rich. Harold. and had to meet-er-problems- l wish everything was not so cut and dried and we were working and planning real things more I-I believe would be closer together. dear"
 The man laughed again. more heartily than before.
 Come. comer he said. crossing over and
 
 getting morbid. This will never do. Now run your hands through your hair, and over your eyes. like this, and say firmly to your self don't see 1t. don't think it. over and over until the phantoms go away" 4
 Both laughed at this sally, but the wo- man shook her head seriously.
 T suppose I'm goose. but that's the way feel. Come. it's time to dress for the Van Tank reception"
 So the subject passed. It was not re- ferred to again. but Eunice thought much on 1t in her quiet hours. She saw other men all about, making names for them selves and winning great victories in the arena of business and she compared them with Harold. with his splendid powers and equipment. She knew he would be a mas ter in any line he undertook, could a spur be applied Instead. he was floating through existence in a golden gondola. elegant re- fined. appreciative of all the best in life. but using his own powers not at all.
 Then came the crash. HaroIds entire fortune was swept away in a night Spec ulation and dishonesty on the part of a trusted friend of Harold's father. who all ways had handled the property. worked their sure course. One morning the world found the trustee dead. by his own hand. and a. brief note explained aIl,..l The en- tire Dennisonf estate had been swaflowed in his frantic endeavors to recover him self.
 Harold paled trifle when he read the paper at the breakfast table. Then he Iei- surely donned his hat and top-c coat. called for his trap and was driven down town. He came home late. elegant. and imperturable as ever. Eun!ce was in a fever of excite ment and apprehension. ,..
 Her theories had vanished into thin air the moment she read the news She real ized instantly that Harold was not equipped for struggle with the world. His whole life and training were against him. Dinner went off much as usual. although with just A suggestion of restraint. After it was over Harold followed his wife to her boudoir and seated himself.
 ''well. sweetheart. the Jig's up," he said evenly.
 "Ts-everything gone?" she asked.
 Every dollar" he replied.
 "What will do?" she asked.
 Its knotty problem" he replied. "Tve given the day to 1t. I find, on taking in- ventory that have not the qualities which are in demand in the marts of trade"
 T might teach music" she suggested lamely.