The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-05-25
Our Daily Sport Story

From wants to get a certain amount of money, you see," she explained carelessly. "and when he does, he'll ask me to marry him."
 T see," said Barlow, rather stif1y, looking across the water to the orange trees.
 Hes such dear, stupid. faithful creature" she said affectionately. You know the kind, Mir. Barlow" He eyed her narrowly. Why had she never spoken of this man before? He felt hurt, i1l-treated Up the beach the crowds were cheering Justify as the last race was finished In semi darkness. He smiled grimiy. She should never know he was hurt, anyway.
 "It is strange where twilight carries ones thoughts" he said evenly. "Twi- light always carries me to Margaret, no matter where she is. Just now she is in Venice. but this magic twilight takes me to her."
 'Yes? said the girl with languid interest.
 'T should be there with her now said he. If 1t wasn't for the fact that my affairs here won't let me get away for more than a fortnight at a time. We'd be poking about the galleries together and invading those strange little shops. picking up odd bits of tapestry and old brasses. I spent one happy. happy winter in Venice when she and her mother were there." He paused. "It's to be In June as soon as she returns" he said quietly.
 The girl sat silently for a time, watching the saffron sea change slowly to a dull gray in the dying light. Then she arose and laughed lightly. Come, we must go back. It's get | ting very late," she said. He arose and silently they walked together down the pier. The last red glow was fading in the west Myriad little stars were peeping out of the purple back above them.
 T think" said the girl, that ours will be in October"
 Barlow said nothing. He strode along in moody silence, his hands thrust deep into his pockets.
 ''Of course you're fond of Tom?" He's the dearest boy that ever lived" she said with enthusiasm.
 Halfway down the pier Barlow stopped short. He touched a match to the cigar between his teeth and blew out a cloud of white smoke. He watched it drift away on the still air. Then he came a step nearer the girl.
 Hang Tom!" he growled irrelevantly The girl drew away, a bit frightened at his vengeance.
 "what?" she gasped.
 Hang Tom!' he repeated.
 She stood staring at him in speech less amazement.
 'I don't want you to marry Tom, he burst out, nor anyone else, for tha' matter-but me. I've loved you from the first minute l laid eyes on you and-and-oh. forgive me for making such an ass of myself!'
 Her hands were clutching the guard rail of the pier. He thought sh' shIvered slightly.
 we must go back, at once" There was quiet force in his voice.
 "Oh, I'm sorry-awfully sorry" sh' said contritely. T didn't know labout-about-"
 About Margaret?" He laughed harshly. Neither did I. There ism any Margaret. There never was There never will be. She was ar imagination to cover the wound youl Tom tore in my heart. I thought could hide my wounded pride and and, yes. my love. behind her. Kindly notice how well the expedient hal served" he ended with bitter irony.
 Silently they finished their wall down the pier. Silently they crossed the orange grove and mounted thu hotel steps. The orchestra at on' end of the piazza was playing a liveI! march. To Barlow it sounded like dirge. He was sick at heart and dis lguested with himself.