The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-02-17
Our Daily Sbort Story


 Alice seemed to nave forgotten everything. too. for she did not im- mediateiy try to free herself from his grasp and he felt her hand tighten on nls arm Then she straightened up quietly and said in a calm tone: Mir. Morris. you must be tired: have i'm posed upon you; it Is growing late. and Mrs. Morris may be anxious about you
 Even n-- - David remembered, he shive- iaft her: but there seemed Co uN kaowledged bond between them wn.-n made that other acknowledged bo1d fn his life grow more unbearabis.
 David seldom saw his wife except Rt meals- and had no Idea how she spent her time. Tn the evenings when he was at hime she retired early. Then he would lay his book aside and plan. but all to no avail. Tired and discouraged. at last he would tiptoe past his wife's room and in his own would seek what comfort sleep could give
 But today David Morris felt that this could not continue much longer.
 Had he not paid his debt of grati- tude? He had kept his wife in com fort. and he would continue to, but need he sacrifice all his life's hap piness in doing so? knd-he believes 1t did mean something to Alice also. He would write to his wife. he would explain everything. he would ask her to set him free. No! He would be a man and talk to her.
 David had been walking toward his office. but he halted suddenly and consulted his watch and time able: he never used the midday trains. There WAS plenty of time to catch the next suburban and he took it back to Straton.
 He went nervously into the house and entered the sitting room. His wifo was there, in tears. Why, Jennie, what is the mattorr" David paused aRhast An idea slowly shaped in his consciousness; his wife had feelings. too. He had been so ab- sorbed in his own affairs that ne had not thought of that possibility.
 T am surprised. David. to see you home at this hour. What is the mat ter?" Jennie dried her tears hastily. and an awkward silence fell between them.
 David had had his line of attack aN laid out. hut before he began to speak. his wife said. David. you have taken me very much by surprise, but this gives me an opportunity which had not expected and had not the courage to make for myself. to tell you-something. have been very unhappy lately"-she reached for her handkedchief-"and-and I have not known how to tell you" David's face was a study. He did not know what to think. What Is it?" he said.
 "I have tried always to do what was right. David. I have kept youI house well and you have always been kind to me. and thoughtful. but we didn't-and we never pretended to- The tears came and the handkerchio ] covered her eyes.
 David looked at his wife with mixed feelings: her incoherence and delay in coming to the point annoyed him, yet he pitied her In her genuine grief. and then he thought of Alice. Was this anything that could make 1t more difficult for him to be free?
 Perhaps Jennie felt some of his per- plexity. for she composed herself and spoke hastily.
 'T will tell you as quickly as pos sible, David. have always loved my husband-Mr. Pearson, mean and for three months have known he Is still alive"
 "Why-why-" began David; then the whole situation cleared before him He was free! His first thought wap 1 of Alice. Then he looked at Jennie her slight figure shaken by sobs, and all his manliness awoke.
 My dear" he spoke gently, puttir { his arm around her shoulder "thia mas been sad for you and makes your position a hard one, but I will helr you out of it. Tell me all about it."
 Jennie told him how word had come from the Klondkye. MT Pear son had ben lost it Is true. but had not died. He had suffered priva tion and Illness; for over n year after be. ing separated from his friends he had been unable to communicate with any one, and then the letters sent to ner old name and address had not reached her. After four years of struggle Mir. Pearson had acquired some valu- fable property and money, and now was is Seattle. Three months age Jennie had met a mutual friend from the west who had told her the story Then she had not known what to do; she wished to go back to heI real husband but what could she say to him, what could she say to David and what would people say!
 David had ben thinking rapidly.
 Jennie, you shall have no trouble I will stand by you in every way We will leave here together. No one shall know that you go to Mir Pear son. or that I go-elsewhere"
 Jennie looked up quickly. She had lcaught a new tone. "Of course, knew you would feel no regret. she said simply. with note of interroga- tion in her voice.
 No, Jennie. not that; I am just your friend and glad to sec you happy, an l may find happiness. too"
 Jennie asked no more, but some times women understand.