The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-02-03
Our Daily Sport Story

He bent his head laughing and she drew back with sudden shyness. very winning, adding faintly, "but that was long ago. before you went away and and never wrote, nor--nor cared about me any more"
 T did write" cried Ben, Lucille for gotten. And. cared too much--you must have known how much, though you married"
 gro show you that someone loved me even if you" She held out her arms, her face raised to his, then she turned away and her eyes sought the earth. as she said softly. T never loved but one man."
 "And that one" he urged almost
 "You-always you" she answered with a half sob, and he caught her to him, the sweetheart of his youth, kis- sing her until she pushed him from her, crying, Ben! How could your
 Forgive me- he plead remorsefully. 'what a wicked fool I am"
 ''No, Ben. no, you are not; come let us gather the flowers and--and re- member we are not children Der nice turned aside to conceal the exul- tant light in her eyes, The memory of that day never quite left their minds when their eyes met, and the old influence that Berniee once held, seemed awakening more | each week of her visit but there were no more kisses for Ben felt his weak ness and almost welcomed the time when 1t came for Bernice to leave. She asked him to meet her for the last time at a favorite rustic seat and he ! unwisely consented
 I would not have asked you" said Bernice timidly as he sat down beside l her. 'but--tomorrow we part. perhaps ! for ever, Are you sure Lucille is | asleep?"
 'eYes. poor child" he answered with a sigh.
 ''Why do you say that Ben?" Bernice asked dejectediy "She has you. and" her voice broke. have only the un- caring world and" he bent his head to hear for her voice seemed muffled with tears. memories of--dead days" "Bernice. don't tempt me" he almost groaned, T love you. to my shame to say it."
 "Am so poor creature it is shame to love mer' she asked sadly 1 'No, not that, you know I do not mean that, but-Lucile."
 What does she know of such love as ours?" whispered Bernice. turning swiftly to him. She is jealous. shallow. exacttng. Ben-Ben, this Is our last hour together. I asked you to meet me for I-I could not leave with Out-without Ben! take me in your | arms just once-just once as in those dear lost days riff you love me" She ' leaned toward him, her face beautiful in the moonlight
 Love your he echoed hoarsely. and he drew her toward him, almost rough ty then. as they kissed. there was the sound of a sob.
 Yes wait her and will see what it was" answered Ben. 1t was from the library"
 NO one was there" said he return ing but still uneasy. Come, let sis go in. have been brute enough for one night"
 "Never that dear" murmured Bernice | clinRing to his arm, but unresponsive, and troubled, he walked on in silence. The sob haunted him, nor did he turn when Bernice looked back before she entered her bedroom. and she closed the | door sharply.
 She walked to the window and drew | down the shade while a cruel curve marred her lips. What a pity Ben was not free to marry again instead of being tied to a weak creature who pre- mitted rides and walks without pro- | test" She turned and lit the gas. then her smile froze. for beSween her and the door stood Lucille. a. strange light in her eyes which made Bernice fear something. she knew not what
 I heard every word" said Lucille slowly. You have lured, almost cruel ly and deliberately my husband from me. and l. long month. have known the tortures of hades No-you shall not pass-you remain and listen"
 Stand aside! How dare you" cried Bernice boldly.
 "If you attempt to leave this room I will kill you" said Lucile very soft ly In tense tone. T have tried to warn Ben but he thought me unwarrantably jealous, I have hoped and prayed that he was right, for love him as you, vile woman, could never love"
 Bernice threw back her head and forced smile, but Lucille seemed not to notice and went steadily on.
 You have tortured me and I have made no sign to delight you. but now now I shall rest and you" a terri- ble smile illuminated her face, will ! suffer for this" She screamed shriuy