The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-11-02
Our Daily $bcrt Story

away and left me to get along the best She paused, but he said nothing After a little she went on, almost sadly: T was left alone in the world, and I had no friends. and it was all so dark. Then you came into my life, and you, were so kind and oonsiderate and helpful. You helped me to find way to live, and Never mind all that, Ann." he in- ! terrupted. Tt is nothing. If have | your love that repays me a thousand l times over for all I have done for you. | And know you do love me, Ann. You | do not say so, but know 1t Is true." l She hesitated for a moment: then she :; said, steadily:
 'Yes, 1t is true, John. do love you. 1 I love you with all my heart and soul. It may be wrong. but If 1t is cannot | nature not to love you after all you have done for me-" The man behind the bushes chuckIed softly. "That ought to be worth good bit | of money to me- he told himself. Johns face lighted up with a great | happiness, and impulsively he held out l his arms to her. But she did not come | to them.
 NO, John. not that" she said. You | forget that I am awife." His arms dropped ana the light of | happiness In his face gave place to an | expression of disappointment. "I forget everything" he answered, save our love for each other. I thank | God that you do love me, and that you have told me so. It will be comfort l to me in the years to come" He paused for moment, then added, almost vehenently:
 But why can't you be reasonable, l Ann. and make us both happy2 You have suffered enough. You owe it to yourself to get some good out of life"
 T know" she replied. wearily.
 Then why not d1 1t? I will devote want fer anything. You shall never r suffer for, one moment if I can help it."
 She slowly shook her head, and more slowly answered.:
 "No. John: 1t can never be-"
 He drew long sigh.
 Then nothing l can do,'' he said, twill change your"
 Nothing she answered, unless you can prove that I am free"
 II cannot dc that" he replied. Then we must part. It will be best for both. Perhaps in time you may get"
 And you?"
 T shall always be what am now"
 All your life you will suffer fer the sake of one who"
 No; for the sake of my conscience"
 He looked at her a long time in SlleHce, then ne Sa1u, SLOWLY anu Sauly.
 Tt is hard to give up, Ann. but I suppose l must. To deny love is almost as cruel as death. Good-by."
 He extended his hand and she placed hers in 1t. He looked at her inquiring- ly,s and she understood. Flushing scarlet she lifted her face and in a moment he had kissed her. The man behind the bushes chuckled again.
 That ought to be worth a thousand dollars" he thought. He loves her and he'll pay 1t to save her good name" John turned away and walked out of the park. As he passed the clump of bushes the man hiding there caught 8 time he had seen it. The wretch sank back with little smothered cry, and his hand went to his heart.
 My Godi" he thought; 1t is him the best friend I ever had! The man who almost sacrificed his own life to save mine"
 Ann watched John until he passed out of sight, then she sank down to the ground and poured her grief out in tears.
 "Oh, my dear lovew she moaned," py again. Never, never, in this world
 It was sadly pathetic, and it touched the man behind the bushes.
 After awhile she arose and stood looking about her. It was far into the night, and all around there was silence. Presently, in a low voice, she cried:
 Tt is cruelty hard that l should have to make this great sacrifice for one who does not care when have suffered so much for him already. But must