The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-07-04

my life-absolutely-and now you will he obliged to see that other things are somewhat pressing.
 "As to the child, will, of courns, send you suncient for both yourself and her as long as you live. When. ever you ind yourself in need of any thing extra, you have only to notify me.
 'Regarding when I shall be able to see you. that is indefinite. You will not. naturally. attempt to follow ma until advise you concerning plans for the future.
 Most dsvotsdiy yours. "Jim."
 When he had finished, he refolded the letter mechanically and laid 1t on his desk. Then he turned back again to the woman.
 what do you thinkr' he asked her. You mean" T mean. should you judge from the
 tenor of this letter. that he intends coming back to you and doing the right thing"
 T am-afraid not" And you have chosen the alterna- tive of the law, I suppose That is the idea had in mind" Tt looks a little serious for you. certainly. However. I'll do what I can"
 The woman looked up suddenly. and Carleton noted that she had grown pallid; the next instant. she put out her hand as though grasping at some- thing for support. Then she fainted. The lawyer lifted her gently to a couch and began at once to apply
 what restoratives he had on hand. Presently a bit of the color came back to her face and lips. and she opened
 her eyes Carleton sat down beside her and began to chafe her hands in a sort of nervous perfunctory way.
 "Jim is just young fellow. after all." he said later. "But-"
 Yes, know; that does not ex- tenuate what he has done in the least; 1t merely explains it-that is all.' There was a moments silence: then he got up suddenly and took one or two impatient turns ur and down the room, afterwards. stopping in front of her and looking down into her face with an indefnable expression. When my mother was dying" he said slowly. T gave her my promise to stand between Jim and the world as long as I 1ived-as best l could. Jim was a little fellow in dresses then. with big blue eyes and curls. 1 was el6hteen-dno Hldue tHo No" Honeot- ly and in all faith. When the boy grew up and" he paused. looked away-then went on. a little absently: -"and loved the same girl"
 The woman had closed her eyes and her breathing seemed all at once sharp and irregular. Carleton continued, unnoticing: T effaced myself com- pletely. Until I found out to the con- trary. I was under the impression that he had married her."
 She was sitting up now. and cu- rious look had come into the deep. halfblack gray eyes. "You-you knew. Richard. that l too was de- ceived until-until-" T knew. yes" Tt was too late to turn back then"
 T don't think so, but, we'll let that part pass. You were barely more than child yourself. I think I-under- stand"
 A constrained pause followed. When the woman rose unsteadily and moved over to an open window to let the air blow in her face. After a moment. Carleton followed and stood by her side. You will let me set things right for you in my own way. LeonoraT T don't"
 NO, OI course you QOu 6ce-yeI. But tell me first: do you still love- him?'
 T am afraid I never loved him in
 the real way. After he abandoned me, did not care for him in the least.
 But 1t was m yonly appeal-for the child"
 Carleton reached up suddenly and laid his hand on her arm. T want to
 tell you something. little girl. Jim t, ,,y{II never do anything honorable where your child is concerned. just on the eve of marrying some girl in his own set here" The woman did not stir; her lashes fiickered, momentarily and the lines hardened a bit about her mouth. When she spoke. her voice was perfectly calm. T am past being surprised" she said quietly. even if such news could surprise me-"
 "A month from today, I sail for Australia. to be gone five-perhaps ten years-perhaps lifetime. Will you go with me. Leonora."
 No: I could never do that. Dick.
 My life is spoiled. and I must make
 the best use of it. It is very noble of you to offer this. but l cannot accept the sacrifice"
 Tt is no sacrifice" you WouAu say so. But I can see that you are pro- posing to do what you think is-' T am proposing to do what I want to do" But you are. nevertheless, bound down in all your inclinations. by the memory of a promise" Tn a way you are right. l could not live to see my mothers sons child -nameless. But" "Well?"
 There is another reason. You know what that is." "J-"
 Tt is the same which prompted me to give you up to him-then. It is the
 same which has kept me bachelor all these years. It Is the same which makes me overlook whatever has passed. and in doing so. know that you were blameless from the first One can make mistakes, and still re- main, from the heart. innocent" But Richard. l am afraid" And I am afraid of nothing. You came to me for help" T did"
 For which I. of course. have right to demand some return" 'I expected"
 Whatever you expected. there is but one thing I shall accept-yourself.
 You will go with me. Leonora?"
 For the reason"
 LIE NKI