The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-12-22
MLRLSE
(centinued.,

fhe comfort of clients as well as fol the protection of the bank this was rood advice. Counterfoils sometimes disclose mysterious little secrets to In come-tax people. official receivers greedy relations, and affectionate wives. Mir. Bowling usually iockeo up his cheque-book while there were any cheques still in 1t; but when the book was empty he became careless And so 1t befelI that Mrs. Bowling tidying drawer which containeo several exhausted cheque-books, came upon the old counterfoil: -. B., se pounds"
 Mrs Bowling for long had been sus- pfcious as to the relations of her nus band and the J. B whom she once met coming downstairs, when she was go- tng upstairs; and she now had deter mined to rake out all the truth. She might smile and seem to accept as suf- ficient whatever explanatiop was of fered, but untiring. unrestihg. over whelming as the ocean, she pursued the process of investigation.
 Thus 1t happened that what <Mr. Bowling described as the "unpleasaft- nessY swept out of the home circle in . terrible tempestuous wave. This very afternoon when the Crundens. Jack and MT. Bowling were assembled round the tea-table at Kings Cot d ceremony, and there began tremen- dous knocking and ringing which even Mrs. Price plainly heard.
 'visitors again." said Mrs. Price. as she hurried to answer the furious sum mons Then to those at. the tea table came. the sound of a voice which made Mir. Bowling turn pale.
 tn my husband is here," cried the voice, T demand to see him this moment ss = . Follow mes - will not let you out of my sight"
 And Mrs. Bowling burst through the parlor into the workroom, followed by Miss Jessie Barter.
 ''Hullo, Jessie" said Jack blankly.
 You'll excuse me rising" said MT. Crunden. My legs bad and I'm not to stand on it."
 But Mrs, Bowling paid no attention to this courtesy. In her excitement she ignored all except her husband.
 @This lady bears out your tale-but want to see you two face to face. An" and sch recognized Jack, "and you also. MT. Vincent. Now I have you all three face to face"
 My love. said Mr., Bowling implor- fngiy. "Surely-please-
 "If you are Nguiltless," cried Mrs. Bowling. you have nothing to fear. Be silent then"
 Mrs. Bowling was a terror-Medford A10 aAWdyS Sdiu SO. anu tfliS TcSPCCt Medford was entirely accurate. Swell ed with wrath she seemed immense ly large: the beads and bugles on her rich cloak rattled angrily. the plumes of her toque were tossed in scorn, as she planted herself on the hearthrug-- majestic, red. terrible, dominating the surprised tea-party.
 sNow. MT. Vincent, I'll begin with you. On your word of honor. did you give this lady fifty poundsT
 we'll don't know that 1t concerns anybody except the lady and myself But. since you want to know-yes. I did.
 Lizzie had risen from her chair. was looking from one to another; at Jack spoon; at Jessie smirking impudently. Now she left the table and drew away towards the hearthrug and Mrs. Dow ling
 .sYou are not repeating tale put into your mouth by my husband?" 4-rsT have answered your question" said Jack
 And if you are not afraid of the truth. you'll answer all my questions" !"
 1T am not afraid" said Jack; and he looked full at Lizzie. who had drawn nearer to Mrs. Bowling.
 .Ts it true that you borrowed this money? It was not your own money?'
 T borrowed it--but paid it back. And now I know how long it takes to earn fifty pounds. I think was very genereus:" and Jack looked full at Jes- sic.
 strangely generous" said Mrs. Dow ling loudly and scornfully. "So far your tales agree. but
 My love-" interposed MT. Bowling,
 "Be silent. You shall speak when your turn comes-
 T must speak now" said Mr Dow ling desperately. You are so un- reasonable that"
 'Tet me speak" said MT. Crunden. Madam. you"
 Miss Crunden." said Mrs. Dow'ing, .T appeal to you as a woman. Am I unreasonable? Is it not my right to know the truth"
 "Yes," said Lizzie. in low voice. 'T don't think you are unreasonable. She had drawn nearer still, and now she stood by Mrs. Dowling's side with and Miss Barter. Standing by the par Tor door. Miss Barter looked across the room and smiled impudently.
 sThank you, Miss Crunden," said Mrs. Bowling. Every woman of heart must support me* v And now as to you" and she pointed at the un- abashed Miss Barter, "ff 1t is true that you accepted the money from this gen tieman." and she pointed at Jack, you ought to be ashamed of yourself"
 .swhy not?" said Jessie. We were as good as engaged
 aOh, say" Jack expostulated. "Jes- sic. you are really. That is not the fact Really and truly-there are no grounds flor that statement"
 You had given me the right to ex- pect it. said Jessie; "and l did expect it-and I don't care who knows you have treated me Iery cruel"
 Then for a little while Jessie and Mrs. Bowling made 1t bad for Jack. It was dreadful scene.
 .T decline to discuss the subject further" said Jack at intervals.
 "welI answered" said MT. Crunden again and again. Nothing to do with us. No business of yours, madam. Only concerns the parties themselves"
 "'Father, don't get up." cried Lizzie often. Remember your leg. Sit still. Don't get up."
 Mir. Bowling was talking all the reasonable. and I'll explain" etc.-but no one listened to him.
 ''Very good" said Mrs. Bowling at last We will leave that part of the question. Miss Carter can obtain re- dress from a British jury. If there has been breach of promise, a jury will award damages"
 "Yes." said MT. Crunden. with a snort. and Juries award damages for islander and libel. Mrs. Bowling. Don't forget that"
 Sit still. father. Remember your leg"
 "The truth" said Mrs. Bowling, with a scornful laugh. lis ugly enough-no AJI