The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-11-11
A MERCFUL DELIvERANcE
BY MARTHA MCULLoCH-wILLIAsIs

BY MARTHA M'CULLOCH-WILL (Copyright. 1906, by Homer Sprague-)
 "So, you won't have mel Whoi are you waiting for2 There's no otherJ girl around but would. say-Yes, ] and thanky'' tool" young Magee said angri- ly, crushing his, hat as he spoke,
 Peggy laughed. s-l
 "ohi for a. fairy prince, of course, Johnny. One with spangles all over him, and a coach and four." she said. Snow you've got a horse and buggy money in the bank, and the name of a good chance. Somehow, though, don't want you--very stupid of me, dare though, who does want you-worst of ali, as she saw him put up a protest ing hand: sally Job, and she's such a dear! Go right on and ask hef--she worth three of me. And then her Aunt Sarah will leave her money think how easy you'll get rich with the money coming in on both sides"
 T don't want any Sally Job" Magee ragged. "She--she's been after me since we went to school together"
 P,it don't you think you'd better let me or some other b11y say it,
 demanded, her eyes dancing. She liked Johnny in way, despite his colossal conceit--a eonceit somewhat excused by his bringing up,
 rec maiden aunts "'Tisnt nice thing to say that of a girl" she went on. "The fact that you do say 1t .and don't sec that 1t isn't nice, IS one of the reasons I won't have you"
 Tt is, eh?" Magee said almost chok- ing. q came here courtin'-not to be lectured on manners. Have your way,
 fester-but mark what I tell you-some day you'll be- sorry for what you're doin' now"
 But not so sorry as if I hadn't done it," Peggy flung back at him. She had been a bit sorry for him. Now she was angry, through and through. 'If II thought there was a woman anywhere big enough and rough enough to thrash you within an inch of your life. I'd pray that you might get her. Unless there Is such one, hope you'll die a bachelor"
 Peggy. what are you sayingT' Mrs. Lester demanded, stopping stock still in the sitting room door, with her tray of elder and erullers. You mustn't mind her, Johnny" she went on. You
 ,v sa4's d little spltflre, that don't mean what she says"
 She does mean It--this time," Ma gee answered sulkily. But, Mrs Les ter, I hope you won't let that keep you from bein' my friend" Surely not" Mrs. Lester said. set- | ting down the tray. Johnny must be l wrought up when he refused her crul- | lers, to say nothing of the cider. She looked severely at her daughter. Pes | gy tossed her head. I'm a friend of | Johnny" she said. with shadow of a | smile. 'Ie can't deny it-I've been advisin' him for his own good"
 Good byei When I take your ad- vice I'll let you know,"~ said Johnny | hufiily. his hand on the door. Mrs. Lester sat down, trembling all over.
 You've done 1t now, Peggy" she said. "Old Miss Elm. Magee will never, never lend us the money to pay that i security debt Of your father's-our home will have to go."
 No it won't" Peggy said stoutly, running to her mother as she spoke. We won't ask Miss Em-instead I'll go up to the city and see Uncle John" Tt will be no use-he said he'd never help us again when he made up the in the treasurer's office" Mrs. ISesteP said dejectedly. "Rut your poor pa wii keep goin' security-and haYin' 1t to pay every time"
 Now. now, mother! Don't fret nor 70 over it all," Peggy entreated. I'm