The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-07-31
THE LAST RESORT.
BY FRANCES GILLESPIE. 1905. by Daily Story Pub
 fishing Company)

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 Miss Cartwright stood looking down the rose bordered walk toward the whites road. She hummed a little tune and tapped her white clad foot In accompaniment.
 For the first time since her mothers death. three years ago. she had taken off her plain black dress, and today she was all in filmy white in honor of Billy's coming. She was thinking of Billy as she stood there, of his fresh, boyish enthusiasm. his invigorating personality and his love for her which never seemed to change. although she had told him every Sunday for weeks that he was not the kind of a man she could marry.
 And after this dash of cold water, Billy would look very thoughtful for fully thirty minutes
 They had known each other for al- most five years. Billy had met her abroad when she had been travelling with her mother. and the tender, fra gile little mother had been completely won by Billy's smile.
 As for Billy, T never knew what my mother was like" he said to her once, but she must have been just like you"
 They had been so much to each other, this mother and daughter, and since the mothers death Billy had never missed spending his Sundays in the little town where Mrs. Cartwright had died and where her daughter lived. He realized how lonely the girl must be, and although she would not admit 1t herself, the impressive stiffness of the big house was very trying at times.
 
 in June and Miss Cartwright. as she stood in the door was glad. in a vague sort of way. to be alive.
 Dear Billy" she unused tenderly to herself, II wonder why he doesn't marry some sweet dimpled little girl and leave me to enjoy my spinster- hood In peace" But the smile died out of her eyes at the thought. It was useless to deny that Sunday was the brightest day in the week to her, and the last few Sundays especially had become very delightful memories.
 Could she ever forget the time they had broken the Sabbath by fishing in the big lake behind the house, her wild excitement when she had first felt a tug at her line; how they had worked to land the big fish, and how dirty and wet and happy they both had been! She had told him that day. as she had TOT many Wtths pdEl, tIdl SHc Bdu HO intention of marrying him and he had responded, as was customary, that he would not mention the subject again.
 Finally Miss Courtwright opened the screen door and moved with slow grace out on the porch. A tall young man in white hannels was coming up the walk.
 Why, Billy. you're late" exclaimed his hostess, gayly. But better late than never. Shall we sit here or go down by the lake?'
 The lake for me-" answered Billy. Then earnestly. T want to talk to you, Edith. I have something to tell you"
 This was his usual beginning. Miss Cartwright sighed in mock resigna- ton.
 Again" she queried gently, "I thought you were never to speak of that subject"
 Biliy's face flushed slightly at her words. T am not going to speak of that subject" he said, slowly. as they sat down on the rocks by the water. 'ever again" He was watching her face intently as he spoke. "I have met a girl at last who will take your place in my heart and l am going to love her always and try and mako her happy l wanted to be first to tell you this. we have always been such close ITlelus' HONNi ahi"SAhNu l COulu want any one else for my wife But, you see, it's all so useless my expect ing you to love me, and l think my future wife cares for me more than I am worthy of She is one of Gods best works, a sweet straightforward girl" and Billy barred his young head reverently.
 Miss Courtwright's absent gaze was fixed on the sparkling water: she seemed intensely interested in study ing it's blue depths.
 r. After few minutes she turned her clear gray eyes on Billy and smiled