The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-10-27

been staying at the Blue Anchor at Pfngo the last six weeks, and the land lord drove me over in his dog-cart. I have not even wet my feet with the
 "oh. yes. of course. he said hurried iy. had forgotten, Forgive me. I should have remembered."
 WellT' she asked warily, as she seated herself in a chair by the Ire What do you wish to say to me?" Her voice was cold and hard. She expected such different meeting to this.
 But he had repulsed her as plainly as though he had thrust her from him with his hands. No amount of indiffer- ence could explain the coIdness of his voice, for she Knew that his strength and pride had been humbled in the dust, and at such moments the human heart welcomes even the sympathy of g He did not answer her question, but turning round. groped feebly for his chair. The action, simple enough in Itself, spoke eloquently of all that had happened since last they met. In a mos ment the hard look died from her eyes, and rising swiftly to her feet, she took him by the hand and led him to his | seat. He did not resist. and, when he had seated himself, she fell on her knees by his side. and. pressing her bitterly.
 'Leonore." he cried out, "Leonore, There is nothing to grfeve over. I snail | soon be we'll Please don't cry, Leonore. want to hear you laugh. IL Is long time since Ilhave heard anyone laugh"
 And Leonore laughed, as a woman | might laugh at the failure of her own life. Would nothing move this man? That Is better" he said with a smile. She raised her tearstained face and f.xk.I a& 1.fx< ~r Ia <.tR
 May Sit here" she whispered. while we ta1k?"
 Yes, yes, of course, Leonore," he answered, with touch of irritation in his voice. If you are comfortable on the floor"
 She did not reply but her fingers sought his hand. and her caress was more eloquent than any words could have been.
 i,rve been thinking, ,s Leonore," he be- gan. I've had plenty of time for thinking these last few weeks." He paused. and his face twitched nervously.
 "Yes?" she murmured after a pause. s'Yes, Jack?"
 T have been thinking about our marriage" he continued T am not the same when you promised to rnafry me. can only be hindrance to your life. I can never do much in the world now, but sit down and wait. should be q helpless burden to any woman, and es- pecially to-a woman of talent"
 She did not answer him, but her fingers frightened on his hand, as though he were slipping from her grasp.
 T have been thinking" he went on in a low voice. that I have no right to bind you to me, and that even if you wished 1t. have no right to take ad- nxoe .14 v.44
 T love yod.. she. whispered; lis that not enough?"
 "No.D he replied, 1t is not enough. | have no right to spoil your life" He spoke calmly, like one who discusses a matter of business. There was no ten- dernoss. no self-renuncistion in his voice. She loled at him sharply, but his face was so stamped with suffering that she could read nothing of his thoughts.
 "Then other things have happened since last mo met" he continued. You know all about Laura, how she came to me for protection, now cfncealed her from her husband on Conasea Island, how I dishonoured myself in so doing, and was faithless to the woman I had promised to marry, though I only sim ned in thought. You know aIl this7"'
 T know it." she replied coldly. The mention of Laura's name had taken al. the tenderness from her voice.
 And knowing it. are you Still con- tent to marry mel"
 She rose to her feet. and fAced him with a white face and flashing eyes.
 'You wish me to release you,' she cried. why do you pretend that you are thinking of my happiness? What has happened? Why can't you speak out like a man2"
 T am not much of a man--noE." ShiI replied slowly But do not in- tend to be burden to any woman"
 ''Burden2" she exclaimed sadly. "No, | 1t is not that you are thinking of. You do not like me. can see 1t in your face, | can hear 1t in your voice. Oh, for pity's | sake, speak plainly tonne. Jack. Tell i me what I have done. I do so want to | help you and comfort you in your sor~ row."
 Contiaued to-mOrrOw.