The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-03
ONE CHAPTER IN A LIFE.
BY GRACE STEWART.

Copyright, 1904, bx Daily Story Fuo Company) A man rode hastily up to the olo iron rate that was almost hidden un' der inc clin ging ivy and 3essamine Inst beyond lowered the huge ostiine | of an old colonial. mansion. Tnrow' | ing the rains over a post ne stroos up the walk through ricn masses o' fragrant roses and bright-hued How CTS. At the high-arched veranda h' | came to an abrupt pause. | Standing in the shadow of the vines was a tall, graceful woman. Dark breeding eyes looked out from under | a wealth of auburn hair. Her move ments were quick and 1.-the as she came forward.
 l "Is the captain at homer the \ stranger asked.
 II NO. he is in. St. Louis." Her voice had the soft. slow drawl of the I South.
 He was visibly worried. and flicked l his boot impatiently with his riding | whip.
 "When will he be homer" His tone | was crisp and short.
 Three weeks. Couldn't you leave word. or is 1t anything l could at tend to?"
 Hardly: I am Allen Fletcher. and you can guess my business" | A shiver of apprehension seized her and in a frightened tone she ejacu- lated.
 Allen Fletcher!" | The habitual scowl on his face deepened as be noted the aversion In her voice. He was tall and athletic, with bold. piercing gray eyes and cynical mouth. He was not exactly young. yet certainly he was not old: but the handsome lineaments were plotted by dissipation and fierce. passionate nature. Lillith was painfully conscious that his searching eyes were scrutinizing g her closely, and she felt the indignant | blood mount to her cheeks.
 Tt is very warm. will you come in? she said. motioning to a large easy chair piled with crimson cush- ions She tried to make her tone cordial. but he read the anxiety and l dread in her eyes. | He accepted with alacrity.
 'The roads are fierce. You sure- ly never ride here."
 Seldom. You came the creek trail as we call it. It's awful" | Neither spoke for some time. ther Lillith broke the embarrassing silence by rising and reaching for her key basket.
 You will dine before you leave, ant ride back in the cool" she said. hel native hospitality overmastering hel dislike for her visitor.
 Thanks. if it will not trouble yo, too much, I will remain. I do not fee equal to the violent exertion of finding my way back in that heat"
 Alone in the dining room. all he forced composure gave way. For | la~ h before her eyes; she felt like falling as with a moan that seemed to burs from the depths of an overburdene, heart. she sank among the cushions ] of the couch.
 Four months before her father ha, l told her that all he had was mort gagged to Allen Fletcher. and at an. time he might insist on full paymen or foreclose. No doubt was in he mind but that was his errand her now. Something in his face inspire' her with involuntary distrust. | Aunt Dinah found her crushe, among the cushions and listened witt mortified countenance to Lillith' story. She stroked her hair softly.
 "Doan youse let on, honey: jes b nice to him an maybe he'll go wa, widout trubling we'uns Go wash dos tears off now honey, an I'll jes get hin | up a SnlptlOuS uiHHeT, an ueH ne feel bettah."
 Afternoon came and went, and tn gray shadows crept along the gal leries ere he rose to go. What a mis erable afternoon it had proved fo Lillith. She had asked him of he fathers affairs, preferring to knov the worst, and listened with terrific eyes and breaking heart when he toll that he held her fathers liberty a we'll as property in his power.
 Now as he rose to go she gay a breath of relief. Only to / be alone that was her inward cry. He hesitateL a moment: then h came close to her.
 "There is way, Miss Lillith, l. save your father" he whispered.
 She shrank away from him in hor TOT.
 Not that! Oh, God. not that! she moaned. her features writhing fl a spasm of terror.
 His voice was cold and ominousl quiet. T can instruct the officers t take him when he arrives from tn North"
 A moan of anguish came from he as she covered among the vines.