The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-03-03
\ FLAW IN THE MAKING.
BY JANE CRAWFORD.

o
 fcopyright. 1905. By Daily Story Pub Co.)
 John Lawrence was sitting in hi' private ofiice, engaged in pleasant review of his career. His success IT business had been meteoric and now af thirty he was half owner of bust ness that yielded most satisfying profits.
 Socially his flight had been stead, and secure. He was a leading member of two most exclusive clubs. In many homes of wealth and fashion he was q welcome guest. For all this he claimed the credit. He was a self-made man he said, and his wonderful power of doing things seemed to insure him against any risk of failure in anything he undertook. Now the climax of all his ambitions was within reach. He had selected a wife. Helen Morton youg. beautiful and as secure in the knowledge Of a long line of ancestors as was Lawrence of his Investments had promised him his answer today. Of course, that answer would be "yes. Her delay was only a whim. At one o'clock he was to meet her. take her to luncheon, then for a drive. then
 "A lady to see you, sfr." the office boy announced.
 .'Mother!' The wc-d and tone wer. sadly out of harmony.
 He almost pushed the bent little old-fashioned figure before him into his ofice and closed the door. Per- haps wandering through the labyrin- thine corridors had dazed the little woman; possibly she had been too san guine of the joyous surprise her un- expected visit would afford her pros porous. self-made son.
 Aren't you glad to see me, John nie?" Her lips quivered and she sank Into the leather chair near the door.
 Yes. yes. of course, Mother" inn patiently. but don't for heavens sake, call me Johnnie. There, there." notic- ing the brimming eyes. he patted her hands. She smiled and forgot that he had not kissed her.
 T have very important engage ment. I have to--to-see a man." He had not often felt the necessity for 1t. and the lie didn't come easy.
 T don't want 70 bother. dear" try ing to keep the disappointment out of ner voice, but I did want to see you. and the Thompsons came up. and I'll go back, to night" hastily. He didn't speak. I'll just stay here quiet like, tin you come back" she went on brightly.
 Richard" he said to the boy who
 
 my mother, and I want--"
 How do you do maam." interrup- led Richard, saluting the little woman, who acknowledged the politenes with an old-fasnioned courtesy.
 T want you to take my mother to the Auditorium" continued Lawrence, have luncheon and stay there until I come. I have to see man on busi- ness, and I may be late" and with ont more ceremony the little country woman and the office boy were soon in q cab bowling along over the iave- nent to the big hostelry on the Lake front.
 Not here," said Richard as the cab drew up before the door.
 The gentleman said here" rejoined the cabby.
 sRut he menat the Annex, he al- ways goes there, drive on." ordered Richard. So the two were soon seat. ed in the handsome cafe with it's daxzling display of mirrors, crystal and snowy linen.
 Shall I order?" suggested Richard. noticing his companions bewildered persual of the menu. Richard always felt that. given the opportunity and the price, he could order 0 bit of Au- dftorfum luncheon, and slyly rubbing his hand over the pocket in which was carefully folded Lawrence's crisp ten dollar bill. he set to. The result was