The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-01-13

was only. joking. little silly, she said lightly. Mrs. Darlington did not speak al once Then after a silence she said Its all right--only | do not even l care to Joke about a subject like | that. Testing, too. has its Iimita- tions. Mrs. Darlington laid aside the book she had been reading. as her friend came into the room.
 Mrs. Selwyn took the chair oppo- site and regarded her for a moment with peculiar expression in her fer ret like eyes. My dear" sne began compassionately. I'm so glad found you alone. There's something" she broke off. at sudden loss for words The other questioned her with lift ed brows. her lips settling swiftly into uncompromfsing lines.
 You are such a quixotic little l thing that I hardly know where to begin" she continued rapidly. T fear you are going to be angry with me now, but afterwards--you will thank
 me-" She hesitated a second, then op-
 ened her hand gingerly, disclosing a crumpled sheet of paper. T found | this,"l she went on. "as was going through the hall this morning. I've thought the matter over thoroughly with the conclusion that it was my
 duty to show 1t to you. It happens to be a letter from some-woman. to your husband. In here, she calls him all sorts of endearing names. and there something about a child-her child and"
 Let me have the letter please"
 Mrs. Darlington held our her hand, cool and slim and steady as "a white Ilily.
 The other woman glanced at her sharply, keen sense of apprehension sweeping through her. She watched her friend in fascinated silence as | she leaned forward in her chair and deliberately laid the paper across the ! bed of pink and purple coals that glowed in the grate, holding 1t there with the poker till 1t had sifted to ashes
 "Katherinew she broke out wrath fully. you are little fool and your husband is an unmitigated rascal" Mrs. Darlington looked at her with
 certain cold fixity. "Whatever I may
 be-" she answered slowly. my hus-
 band is still--my husband, and I must
 request you, for the last time to re-
 member that fact when speaking to
 me"' She got up and walking over i to a window. pulled down the shade
 When she returned to the fire, Mrs
 Selwyn had gone.
 | After a little, the door opened and
 closed and ner husband came quickly | into the room. Mrs. Carripgton noted
 at once that he was laboring under
 some strong excitement.
 Could you get few things into
 my suit case right away dear?" ht
 began. I've just had a telegram and
 must go South at once"
 Tt isn't anything--ser4ous, is it?'
 "It is this he answered gravely 'smy sister-one of whom you have
 never heard spoken-is dying. Years
 ago, she slipped down. The rest oi
 them let her go; I couldn't. For the
 past few weeks she has been in a wretched conditions; the worst has | come now. She leaves a little child
 for whom I must make provision
 never meant to tell you this. Rather | inc; couldn't, bring myself to drae
 it into your life. But a while ago.
 stood in the doorway and"
 | You heard-?"
 And saw everything. I met hel as she came out--and I have asked
 her to leave the place. Now, dear
 can you get me ready right away?' | Yes and myself too. I am goine
 with you Billy if you will let me-
 whether you will let me or not. 4
 womans hand is needed there"