The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-02-03
THE NTERLoPER.
BY ELIZABETH SEAL BLAKELY (Copyright, 1906. by Dailty Story Pup
 Col

BY EbIZABEEh SENAH tcopyright, 1906. by Dailty Story Pub. q wish she were not coming.
 .'selfish little woman" leased Ben.
 possibly" replied the young Wife, half uouting, but we have been so happy since you retired from practice and-and don't know your cousin.
 Ben coughed to cover sigh; the gtv- ing up of his chosen calling had been a trial of intense bitterness for, young as he was, he had made two operations which brought him prestige However, falling health had demanded immediate cessation from all work. though he did not despair of resuming 1t some day.
 wore you very fond of herT' de- manded Lucille after slight pause.
 Ben laughed.
 girl attachment when she was about eighteen years old. Then l went to France an another man married her. He was always a lucky fellow. that is-until that burglar killed him last winter"
 T believe you love her still" declared Lucille. How old is she?"
 "what a woman's question" chuck led Ben. Let me see-eighteen and twelve-no-fourteen she must be thirty-two.'
 "Oid--lsn't she?" remarked Lucille se- cure in her own vouth-not yet twenty two.
 Then must be? inquired her hus- band, smiling.
 Oh, I forgot" and she rubbed her soft cheek against his arm. Well. its different with men" Then, with sigh. How long will she stay7"
 Several weeks I fancy"
 'Weeks!" said Lucille in dismay.
 Really" said Ben, rising with slightly impatient air. you make 1t rather hard for me-" And he began walking up and down the veranda.
 "I know-I know" and Lucille wink ed away two foolish tears, 'I am all wrong: I will make her as happy as l can, and Ben--is she-prettyT
 Ben laughed and lit another cigar.
 'Is that some more worry?'
 "N-o. was just wondering"
 Not as pretty as you dear" And Ben tenderly drew her up beside him. Come. it's nearly 12 o'clock"
 That was the last evening they had together before Bernice took them by surprise, and the days seemed to be weeks after she came, that Is to Lucille. One morning. Ben was starting for town when Bernice came tripping down the stairs. charming in a thin lawn and large hat covered with roses. Lucille turned back to the kitchen where preserving was going on. No she would not say goodbye to Ben. all over-heated and in a soiled apron. with that radiant creature standing by. cool and-yes- beautiful. The upstart"' muttered Lucille pressing her nails into her hands," and he thinks she Is guile 1 less'
 Meanwhile. Ren and his cousin were driving down a shady road and she was saying:
  l more of the work to the servants--she 1 must have had a pretty hand once"
 T hadn't noticed her hands were harmed said Ben naturally glancing at his companioRs. white and beauti- fully shaped. showing to advantage as she drew on her long silk gloves.
 Men are always a trifle thought less" she replied. with an adorable glance But really. you should prevail upon her to protect her face from the sun. she Is getting quite covered with fine freckles. but don't mention mel ---t think she might not understand l that feel interested in her appearance l flh Ben see those beautiful flowers. she exclaimed with chIldlike delight. DO you remember when we were Were-engaged?' Her chin dropped prettily and his hands tightenedfon the reins. for the past week had awakened | many memories better forgotten. You used 10 hitch the horses" Bernice com tinued softly. and we gathered daisies. Oh, let us play we are children and gather some now-I just long to-"
 And Ben complied. for it was hard to resist her in that mood Jumping from the carriage he hitched the horses then came to assist her to alight She { hesitated. one small foot on the wheel saying roughishly. Do you remember how you used to catch me, you great strong man, when you were only eigh- teen?" she laughed, then cried gayly 'try 1t now; here I come." And he caught her Clinging to him for a second with a pouting. startled air she murmured. 'my how it frightened me; I had no idea that l had become SC 1 timid; yet in those dear old days I was l not very brave, and you used to-"