The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-11-04

tion that this flaw was a sickly sent imentalism, the minimizing. unreason- ing passion of silly girl for dancing master. And as a climax to the whole affair, he was actually helping her to elope from his friends home! Il Again the girls gentle voice broke upon his thoughts.
 "If had only been frank and honest! never should have taken the place. l was too young. I lacked judgment but then--I did 50 need the money!
 ITO be frank" said Carruth, sternly, T do not think you have been exactly on the level with MT. Smylie, but
 The car shot around the side Of the depot, and Peggy Moreland fairly rose to her feet. swaying, as she cried:
 "Oh, we are on time. There they are!" | Carruth set the brake and stared hard ahead. Two youthful figures were scurrying around the corner of the lit- tie building.
 'If it were not for making a scene, I'd have you thrash him as he de- serves" cried Peggy, with sudden wrath. She was running after the young people, Carruth, half dazed. close at her side.
 
 arms around the girl, she sobbed out her heart on the rebellious. heaving young shoulder.
 $50 wish you had minded your own affairs. Peggy Moreland.' said the girl. sullenly. T told Arthur directly I found had left his note behind that 1t would be Just like you to nose around and find 1t. but I did hope you'd be down at the dance"
 You should be mighty thankful that Miss Moreland came to your rescue, said Carruth, with quiet contempt. as he deliberately took her bag from the hands of the angry-looking man. who folded his arms across his breast, for all the world like star in cheap melodrama-
 You can separate us for time. sir," he said, casting a tender glance at the girl: but true love always finds a way" "oh. not always" replied Carruth, lightly. Just now your way leads to , New York, and we will see you safely on this train. Have you ticket7 Yes? That's good '. When Miss Smylie is 27. instead Of IT. she will regard Misf Moreland and myself as her saviors.
 It seemed to Carruth as If they rode home on air, instead of firm gravel. Behind him sat the two young women. the elder speaking in tenderly re- proachful tones, the younger sobbing. at first rebelliously, then faintly, child ishly, wearily.
 Peggy leaned forward and touched his sleeve.
 Take us to the south entrance-the little door behind the library"
 He nodded his head. and the car swung away from the main entrance, gay with Japanese lanterns.
 Peggy Moreland slipped behind the rrl,. struggling ip. Already the musicians were tuning up for the cotillion. Car ruth had just greeted his host and hostess, when he saw Mrs. Smylie turn to the slender. black-clad figure.
 Really Miss MorelHld, you have an- noyed us greatly! Where have you been%
 Bessie had a headache-and took her out for a bit of fresh air. said the girl, quietly. .
 Carruth' s>dancing eyes met hers, but she flashed back no answering gleam.
 Well, do go and look after that Drummond girl" continued Mrs Smy- lie in peevish undertone. She never takes with the men, and l don't want her mother to say that she had a stu Did time here. See that she meets some
 The slender figure in black eluded Carruth until supper had been served. :. Then he cornered her under a wisteria bower.
 T hope you are none the worse TOT your exciting experience?"
 No" said the girl slowly. T feel greatly relieved, for see my duty now. I am no longer coward. h the morning l will tell MT Smylie that his daughter needs firmer hand than mine. woman or more tact ana eN- perience. must find something else more suitable for one of my years perhaus some nice old lady in need of a secretary"
 "One not given to eloping. preferred7 , And wasn't it rich"-his voice was ioyous-"that l thought IL was you who were eloping-"
 He paused suddenly-The girl had shrunk away from him. then drawn her figure up to its full height. Her slen- der hands were clasped tightly before her. The pupils of her eyes were di- lated. and her breath came quickly through nostrils elongated delicately like those of a thoroughbred, facing ! the course.
 "You-thought-tha .. ming away?" she demanded. slowly. Why. you see. you did not mention Bessie's name-and then-meettng you so unexpectedly at the foot of the fire escape-and everything-' he ended lamely.
 Perhaps you were also wondering whether I had some of Mrs Smylie's gems concealed about my person, or a few of MT. Smylie's bonds?"
 Cor an instant the scorn of her voice confused him. then Carruth looked hel r straight In the eyes.
 T remember of thinking only one thing Peggy dear, that everything worth while was slipping out of my |, life, and I, helplessly bound to do you, bidding, was carrying my very all tc another man."
 Her hands separated and fell Imply to either side.
 "Ohw she said, faintly. T did no; : understand"
 , Neither did l. dearest" said he |. drawing her close, until tonight"
 During a conference with the chiefs and 2 nnn triheSmen of Seknlnniland