The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-05-10

 pany's office to secure the package of bonds. That evening at dinner her husband announced that he would at tend the club directors meeting. He seemed much preoccupied, and she, thrilling with nervous tension, almost trembling asked the cause. |
 There is big deal on tomorrow. l think it will go rough for somebody. Yonly businessl' she sighed, half re- lief. half content. At g o'clock Jack Harper appeared. Irene greeted him almost feartuily'
 Did you get the bonds?" In his eagerness to learn he nearly forgot to kiss her hand
 Yes, yes" she whispered, feverish- ly. Here they are. An, darling, when you succeed to morrow, you take me with you forever! "Yes, my angelr' He hastily slipped the package into his pocket. But 1t is a desperate battle. There Is man on the other side of the game like a whole army. Now will win; this money makes it sure." An hour later he was taking his de- parture. He said he had much to do. At nine again tomorrow evening, my darling" He spoke as If forcing tender emotion into his voice. Then we will make the plans for our Utopia"
 But we will go at once?" Her tones were tremulous, pleading. Yes, at once-at once.'
 Irene returned to the drawing room, still thrilling with the last pressure of his hand. There was little sleep Tor her that night. The next day was the longest one of her life. Her fears, her hopes, the terrible tension Of the moments. What were they all doing on the Exchange? Would he win? Oh, the new life, This brave, auda- cious, handsome man was to be hers. Then she would think of her husband. But never could he love her-neVer did love her the way this man did. | She waited with ever increasing sus- pense for the day to pass. At nine he l would come again, and then. Per l haps Harlow would know the outcome of the deal He would be home at | five Would she dare ask him. | Shortly after five Harlow entered the | library where Irene was trying, with l i'll success, to suppress her battlins | emotions. There were hectic f1ushes upon her cheeks, moisture on her fut- l tering little hands.
 I Harlow. walked straight to her, lift ed her From the cushioned chair in his strong arms, and impressed l warm kiss on her quivering lips She | shuddered breathless as he held her | his face, love Night in his eyes. Sel- dom was he so lavish in his affec- ton.
 T have got some good news for you, my dear" he said, as he stroked her hair, after gently replacing her back against the cushions
 "Yes!' she gasped faintly.
 This has been the most fortunate day of my business life," he contin- ued, calmly, but there was a caress in his voice. "I have had on the largest speculative venture of my career. To- day I cleaned it up and have made one million dollars"
 Irene, rigid, not daring to lift her | eyes, murmured, "And-and who lost?'
 "The other end of the game was played by Jack Harper. He lost"
 sti1ed moan sounded from the chair.
 why, my child. are you ill?" anx- iously exclaimed the alarmed hus- band, bending over her.
 'No-no. I-I have a terrible head | ache Tell me more. I would know more of-of-your great success" She spoke as if dazed.
 But if you are ill?" he was very tender
 'No, am better now.'
 Perhaps 1t will cheer you up to know the story" He softly chafed her l nanQ. SS, l WAS tOO IndHy lOE And he was a hard customer, for, though Jack Is an interruptions dog, he has a good deal of prestige. I thought I had him in yesterday, but this morn ing he came on' with more funds and for a while I feared he would push me to the wall, but landed him. Poor devil, his career Is over. He started in on the wrong principle. A man has got to be square in some ways, even on the stock market. Jack came to ine after it was all over"
 Game to youw There was fright in her eyes, and a shiver ran through her slnuous frame.
 Yes, he came to me. Rather strange, wasn't 1t. fancy he thought I had no animosity toward him after all He said he came to me because he knew all the others would turn on him when he was down and out. He then told me he hadn't a cent in the world Funny thing about the whole deal, underneath Jacks purpose there was an affair of the heart"
 Did he tell you that?' Irene's voice sounded far away.
 Yes, I knew something about 1t be- fore There is a pretty girl in one of the choruses down town who succeed ed in making one of the worst Kind Of fools of Jack It seems he completely lost his head over her, according to l the boys on the street. Any way IL has developed that if there is any one honest phase in his makeup, it is his love for this little actress. It was because of ner he came to me. At nine o'clock tonight they sail for Australia. which will enable him to make new start in life with the pretty dancer for a wife. Rather a pretty story after all, my love"
 He stopped to kiss her on the lips, but she was still, very still.
 She had tainted.
 That night at nine o'clock there was no caller at the Tarbell mansion.