The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-03-08
4 MEETING OF FOUR.
BY ELLIOT WALKER.

 Copyright. 1905. by Daily Story Pub
 fishing Co.)
 This is the house, David; yes, num- Der 396. Tell the driver to stop"
 Shall stay here or go in with you. Helena? You said it was only an er- rand. We haven't much time, you know"
 "oh. I want you. of course. I-I may have to see him alone. and it's cold in the cab."
 That's right enough. You are shiv- ering, My dear. Yes, I'll wait in the hall for you"
 He helped her out tenderly, his arm pressing her graceful figure. Together they ascended the steps. The door opened almost as their ring echoed.
 A tall man confronted them. He wore a smoking jacket, held a pipe In his left hand. and stared curiously.
 Behind him in the cosy hall, a cheer full fire glowed and flickered, outlining his form, leaving his face in shadow.
 Evidently, he had been disturbed in his reading, as an open, down-turned book lay in a great easy chair near the fireplace.
 MT. Farland?' asked the woman, catching her breath in the frosty air.
 Yes" Anthony Farland shrugged as if the draught struck to his marrow. I'm Mrs. Afford. I wrote you the other day. About an old account I wished to settler"
 Come in! Come in! Yes. surely you are the lady recently returned from abroad who had overlooked that mill liners bill placed with me for collec- tion.
 "It was exasperating. The firm knew I was good for it."
 They failed, you know, madam" said the lawyer. apologetically. Tt is the usual course."
 T suppose so but I'm charged with things I did not purchase. However, I'll leave the whole amount with you. l wish you to see them and examine their books" Her voice was growing sharp.
 Certainly. you are undoubtedly right, Mrs-Mrs. Afford. Everything is tangled up. But do come inside by the fire."
 'The lady started. How forgetfuIw she exclaimed. My Husband, MT. Farland."
 Cold night" observed David, shak- ing the others hand. "Yes, that blaze looks good. Settle up your business, my dear. We must reach the station before midnight. This is a pretty late call, MT. Farland."
 'I sit up till all hours" said the other, carelessly. My wife is asleep every night before fairly begin to read"
 Now, then, Mrs. Afford" he added, "can you point out those items you be- lieve erroneous. The bills and books are in my library, just across from the parlor We can work more quickly there, or shall I bring them? If It's B question of time-''
 "Oh. We'll go where they are. It will be much easier. Will you come, David?"
 I'll stay right by this fire" announce ed Afford, laughing. If not through with your transaction in ten minutes, I'll be after you. I'll occupy MT. Far lands place if he doesn't mind"
 His host glanced at him. his dark eyes queerly hostile, his reply courte- ous. Mind? Of course not, sir. Make yourself thoroughly at home. This way, madam"
 They passed from Affords sir 1t. He grunted contentedly, remov g his overcoat, and presently seating him. self with his feet stretched to the comforting warmth.
 "Women are queer" he smiled. "A fuss about nothing. Why didn't she let me pay up her old bill But no; she thinks she has been cheated and Is bound to get her rights"
 He did not hear the soft closing of a door. The wood cracked, the wind howled without. On the mantel a French clock struck one musical note. It was half past eleven.
 Behind the closed door of Anthony Farland's library were dreadful whis- pers and still more dreadful sobs.
 "Dead" groaned the man. Our boy our little boy-and you, Helena. in colofs-married. Oh! I cannot under stand"
 He died Tn London. At a school. I was penniless. This man loves met has loved me for a year. He Is good and kind. A reticent man. but worthy and-and rich. There seemed no other way. Anthony. At that dark hour he came and helped me, cheered me. brought me out of it. I am his wife. This is our wedding journey"
 Farland growled something, deep in his throat.
 Alas! for your tempers. Anthony" murmured Helena. her gasps lesson- ing. Those petty quarrels, the di- vorce, the endless separation. I hoped yes. I hoped-but I heard of your marriage. Then I changed my name. David knew me only as a Mrs. Far rington, a widow. He never questions me. nor do I him. for at times he is moody. although usually so bright and hearty"
 Farland paced across the room, turned up the wick of the aim study lamp. came slowly back and faced the love of his youth
 Eight years had flown since their eyes had met; angry eyes. then. full of mutual scorn. mans insistent com mands, a woman's disdainful Obstin-