The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-02-20

old house was ablaze with lights from Rarret to cellar. Squire Garvin, what ever his faults, never did anything oy halves. The front doors were flung wide open, and the, red carpet rolled down the steps where the carriages de- uosited their burdens to i'll the al- ready crowded rooms.
 Annice had preferred home we'd dinR-"a private sale," as she told her father defantly-and while he glanced at the girl sharply from under his low ering brows, he dared not push the point too far. He had had his way, she would marry Ferrers, and the old Squire knew that it would not help matters to cross her altogether. What has become of that scamp ThorntonT' was the question that rendered the Squire uneasy. Since the night of the Assembly dance, where he was certain there hal been some kind of scene, he had heard nothing of Jack Thorn ton---and the Thornton clan were or the breed that does not brook interfer- ence. He scented danger. However, as time went on, and still there was no sign from Thornton, and Annice seemed submissive. he grew easier. He had succeeded in keeping Ferrers pretty we'll in the dark. Honest, big hearted Jim Ferrers, who would have died rather than pressed his, suit had he known the amount of coercion that was being exerted over his unwilling bride.
 The Squire had assured him that An- nice really cared for him, but that she was shy, and must be given time. Tt will all come right when once you are married, Jim. Her mother was just the same, yet a more devoted wife and hon yTaV lfftla W0- man"-and the Squire wiped away an imaginary tear that would have as" tonished poor, faded little Mrs. Garvin beyond words, could she have beheld it from her grave under the splendid marble shaft that was 8 part or the Souire's new responsibility
 Him Ferrers believed him. He was not very well versed in the ways or women. In all his careless, healtny young life he had given them nttie thouSht until he had chaneed to halt
 r,'nawav horse attached to Annlce 6arS,in'S nhaeton; then his troubles sor,rneneed. From the girl herself he ho5 little encouragement. scarce do1an words during the summer alter-
 ans when he would drive out 10 T TS,ndale: but he had fallen in love m his headlonR fashion, as ne w0ulo nave taken a hurdle, needing no encourage ment. The quiet assent hao saIlSneu trfrn---be could teach her to love him. nnce they were rid of all the trouble Sarna reople and her father. Jim conld Sot stand "Old Garvin," as he called hino ,n his most disgusted momentsi hmt nOld Garvin" chuckled and smiled to bimself over the success of his schemes.
 The twilight breezes futtered the white curtain at the windows or An rice oarvin's room. where the brides n,sids were grouped around her in ad- rnirInr chorus, but the bride stood naIe ara silent in the midst of their chatter. and the set lips did not break into n smile, even when they told her to taka a last look at her maiden self A lovely face, framed in the cloud Of tulle over the bronze brown halr' Far and pure the violet eyes beneath their long lashes, heavy with unshed tears
 Inst below the window rang out the Iorn note of the whip-poor-will. An nIee started-the tide of red flashing oyer cheek and brow. A second time she turned to the laughing girls. We haze still half an hour, and am going to ask you to leave me alone for that little time," and, wondering, they re- Iuctantly left her.
 An instant later she turned out the light end flung open the window. "IacI<P' she called in a hushed tone; ana in answer Jack Thornton drew himself. hand over hand, up the trellls as he Lad done many A time when they were children. and stood at her side within the room.
 horse neighed somewhere down be- low the orchard. and the clock on the u1antel chimed out the half hour. An nice raised her head aitd shuddered; then Thornton's arms closed around her again. will you risk It, Annice -sYaethearS? I have asked that ques- tion of myself every milestone of the twenty that have ridden tonight. Win vou come with me to poverty or God knows, but it is forever and for ever. until death do us part'-Answer CT me?'' and he lifted her face to his-"Is it a long goodbye. or life togetherY'
 An4jce lore the white veil from her head, trampling the orange flowers beneath her feet. Ten minutes later two horses spei through the niRht to- ward ,5retna Green, while outside the door of Annice Garvin's room the old Souire paced, watch in hand, with a stran ys rneasiness tagging at his heart.
 kno ,ked gently at the door. No an- gW ar, and when they forced it the first objeet that met his eyes was the white veil and the crushed bridal flowers For brief moment the Squire thought that Annice had gone mad: then the truth broke upon him. He staggered shouting incoherentlv--the coarse dark face became purple.
 Ferrers mounted the stairs two steps at a time. and as he entered the dis ordered room knew intultively the blow that had befaiIen him.
 He turned to the gasping. choking Soufra. 'fN~s-
 you were forcing her to marry me. and