The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-04-04
CONFESSED.
BY NELLIE CRAvEY GILMORE

bN ehtA Copyright, 1905. Daily Story Pub. Co)
 Ashleigh glanced occasionally across the tea table at his wife. That bright particular star" who for the past two years had been tho faithful custodian of his Lares and Penates--as well as of his loyal heart-answered him with smiling eyes.
 "Wel?' she queried, her soft hands huttering like white butterflies above the Dresden.
 He did not reply at once, and Fran cesco leaned coaxingly across the tea tray curiously, and a tiny. dawning shadow coming into her face, "I hope it isn't anything unpleasant--
 "Oh, no--not exactly; not in the way you mean Ashleigh laughed, tilting back in his chair in a little contempla- tive way, and regarding her with dubious expression. "I was just won dering," he pursued, whether you would rather go to that ball this even ing or remain at home with me? l find that I shall be somewhat late, but perhaps Kendrlx-"
 Hendrix, indeed Why. you silly boy, will you ever outgrow your in- fancy? Which do you suppose I would rather do?'
 That settles 1t then. I was a bit worried for fear you might be disap- pointed"
 A little laugh that sounded to Ash leigh like the music of gurgling water bubbled up to her lips. Francesca left her chair and, going over to where he sat- rested two soft, pink palms on his shoulders T don't believe there are any two people in the world quite as happy as our selves" she said, letting her hands slip up till they touched his checks After a moment he rose and kissed her for answer. A servant came in to clear the table, and they went back to the cozy little sitting room, where the light from pretty. rose-skirted candles glowed warm and mellow.
 Ashleigh gave his attention to some accounts he had brought up from the office, and Francesca went to the pi- ano. half hour passed, and tiring of 1 her music, she went over to the ire place and threw herself into a prodi- gious leather chair that almost swai- | lowed her up. She stretched out the | tips of her slippered feet to the brass | fender. and watched the sleepy bed of pink and purple coals with musing eyes.
 | After awhile ,Ashleigh put aside his papers, and drawing up hassock, sat | down beside her, laying one of his strong brown hands over her dainty l white one that rested enticingly on the arm of her chair.
 For some time. neither spoke. Pres ently. he gave her fingers a playful | little pressure. Penny for your thoughts" he said, smiling up into her | half-closed eyes.
 Are you just awfully anxious to know ''
 q am."
 Make a guess"
 Me " he asked.
 They both laughed. Francesca did not answer immediately, and he shook his head lf-deprecatlngly as he looked toward her for corroboration Her lips smiled. but he fancied that her eyes were a trifie grave.
 "Yes," she responded after a little "I was thinking of you. I always am and I was wondering her voice fal- tered a blt-"if happiness like our' could-last."
 Ashleigh threw her a startled glance, vaguely conscious of some sud den. indehnable change.
 q don't understand" he said almos harshly, as though under stins.
 She made no verbal response, bu the shadow faded momentarily iron her face Then, after whole:
 Tt occurred to me" she began re nectiveIy. that most of the married | people have seen. seen1--after q tim ito grow weary and indifferent, If no