The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-04-21
-:- OUR DAILY SHORT STORY -:-

pride had forced her to endure. but IL had left her with a morbid dread of marriage. conviction that all men were cowardIy and cruel. that as her husband had been, so any other might
 Tonight, as BYennen reviewed the words she had spoken to him. he felt swift indignation that she must still suffer physically. as her insomnia tes- tified she did.
 No wonder she broods. If she can't sleep nights" he muttered angrily What chance can I have?'' X After long silence. he spoke again, and now very tenderiy:
 If could play to her. for her rest the night through!v
 He went to the window and stood looking out at the glory of the river and the night The spirit of the scene crept to his ear and whispered her name. and the memory of her and the desire of her filled his soul.
 One day the whole party sailed up the river. and made mountaineering expedition into the Catskills. They did not return until nightfall; and they were hungry and weary. After din- ner the company was listless and orowsy: very early, one after another, they began to straggle off to bed.
 BIennen came to Mrs. Morse.
 I'm not the least bit sleepy" he said to her. so low that no one could overhear. And I'm not tired. Df course, you're not sleepy yet; and. even if you were II suppose you wouldn't dare to risk a nights sleep4 lessness by going to bed so early So come into the library with me. and I'll play you Chopin for while Win you? Do"
 Tt will rest me and sootfe me-" she said. T am so glad you thought of
 The great drawing-room was almst deserted as the two passed out into the hall. and on to the library, which stood somewhat apart in a wing. This foom was sacred to the master of tho house; guests rarely intruded unles. by particular invitation. When he had established her comfortably, BlSnnen turned away without a word and seat ca himself at the piano. At first he played Chopin's E flat Nocturne, but ne played the louder passages with a certain restraint. as he had no wish to appear to other ears than those of Mrs. Morse. N-
 From the nocturne he passed, into a slow waltz with a wonderful cradIing movement. and this he fnterpreted witn unaccustomed softness, with ex- traordinary lingering over the restful phrases. the more forceful passages. though justly proportioned. were but mildly loud.
 It had been eleven o'clock when Blennen began to play. At one o'clock his little fingers were darting with in- credible ease and lightness through the mazes of the Fantasie- -Impromptu.
 At two o'clock he was gently sound- ing the wonderful opening chords of the Funeral March. and the magic air that followed was faint. remote as the
  of the preludes came muted from be- meath his touch. a signing tranquility. whispered joyousness. At four. he was playing the nocturne with which he had begun. for even his memory was at last feeling the strain to which he had subjected 1t. since he had ever to hold his hands from the instinctive smiting of certain chords. for the sake of the woman who still rested so quiet ly before the open window.
 few dying notes. then silence. The shaded light of the electric bulb still shone softly, but the moonlight had long danced from the waves. In it's stead. the mist over the river was purpling warm with the summer dawn.
 Blennen moved softly to the window and stood looking down on the woman. She gave no heed to his presence. The dark lashes swept her cheek, her breath rhythmed gently. she was nest : led luxuriously amid the cushions-sre was fast asleep!
 Suddenly. she opened her eyes and stared into his face with the bewilder- ment of a drowsy child.
 Why good heavens. there must be fire. she exclaimed. She how light 1t is!"
 Blennen looked obedientiy.
 So 1t is." he agreed.
 It Isn't light" she cried, mot day light! It can't ber'
 T rather suspect 1t is, though" Blennen said. quietly.
 And do you mean to say that I've been rlgnt here In this chair since eleven o'clock last night? Sound asleep for hours?" she asked, with amusement that was almost awe
 I'm afraid you have been," Blennen affirmed at this moment.
 Bless me-" she exclaimed. raptur- ously, Its miracle! I--asleep for hoursi can't believe it. You are magician, Vance
 Blennen seized his opportunity. bold Iy:
 Marry me. and I'll play you to sleep any night you wish
 Instantly, the woman of the world awoke to her knowledge of conven- lions. Her eyes dilated a little, and for a minute there was silence. Then she turned to him with a face that was glowing
 Yes. l will marry you now Some how. the fear has passedr
 Aye. her nerves are the better for just these few hours of real sleep" Blennen thought but he had the wis dom not to speak aloud
 But such a scandal" the widow whispered as she drew her lips from Blennens
 Pooh! no one can know! And if they do--'
 And If they do-they will laugh.
 Yes. they iwll laugh. as they did at