The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-08-09
WITH ALL HIS FAULTS.
By Ethel Harrington.


 Copyrighted, 1907. by M. M. Cunning ham.
 Jealousy eats into happiness as acid destroys linen," declared Katherine, sententiously.
 | Despite which epigram you will marry Kenneth Hadley," scoffed her | friend. The two girls had paused at the corner of the street, where Katherine intended taking a car. It was not in sight, so she turned to finish the dis cussion.
 why not?" she asked. T am not J the woman to give ground forjealousy. while Kenneth. on his part, knows l would never forgive unjust suspicion which is what jealousy amounts to. Real love insures perfect trust and faith"
 With some natures possibly; but | Kenneth Had1ey could no more help being jealous where he loves than he could stop breathing and live" retort- ed Mildred why at the Meresdaie euchre party every one but you could | sec"
 ''Then he must have concealed his feelings admirably" declared MT. Had ley's flancee, flor he said nothing to me-"
 l Some day he will" l Katherine Felix shook her head.
 Doubt is degrading, and happiness cannot exist in its atmosphere. Mild red, I'll be frank. Kenneth and did once have a wretched understanding. which came near seperating us. warned him then that such scenes would kill whatever sentiment I cher ished for him. In becoming his wife do not relinquish my individuality. He takes me, as I accept him, soul matured, giving to him a closer inti- macy than to any other, yet, with nat uraI reservations We come into the world alone-depart alone, so must there always be silent places in our lives, to which even the nearest can have no key
 Her friend unconvinced, started to say good-by, but returned impulsively l to the charge.
 theoretically, Katherine, there is truth in your argument. Jealousy is | no temptation to you. Should you meet Kenneth walking with girl. doubt | if 1t would occur to you even to ash her name. Your error is making sec rets of nothing" The others eyes flashed resentfully. You say that because l would not tell you where I am going now"
 Nonsense, it's none of my affair; but suppose you had met MT. Hadley | instead?
 | T should have declined to explain" Then the emergency of her errand re- curing to her mind, she added: Here comes my car. Good-by Mildred, l wonder if it would not have been bet ter had Kenneth met you first; you would have yielded 10 his exactions so | graciously." With a smile at the others indignant protest, she notion 1 ed to the motorman. Reaching her destination, she enter ed a large manufacturing establish ment. Sending in her card to the ad- vertising manager, she was at once l shown into his private office.
 Half an hour later. returning home, l she encountered Hedley, who plainly showed his delight at the unexpected meeting.
 What luck brings you to this part of town?" he inquired.
 Business" was the light response. (Which, in womans vocabulary means pleasure" A quick look showed he was conscious of the evasion, though he did not press the point. ] wish I could return with you, but an appointment forbids. How dusty it is Give me your handkerchief Kathe! i There's a rude, black smudge danger ously near your eye
 Katherine laughed and, feeling for her handkerchief without success, re- marked that she must have dropped 1t somewhere adding; Use yours. At his compliance she thanked him. nod ded good-by and was gone.
 She was seated at the piano drawing soft melody from it's keys in the mel low light of the shaded lamp. when Hadley arrived. He watched her for some moments before she discovered his presence. Then she swung round gayly on the stool with extended hands.
 Come and kiss me, which cerimony you omitted when we last met.
 As he crossed toward her some thing in his expression made the girl draw back from the invited caress. What is the matter?" she asked.
 I've brought back your property" " | He tossed a crumpled bit of linen into | her lap; a large K. embroidered, show | ed oonspiciously in one corner. l My handkerchief! Thanks. Where did you find it?'
 You ask that? Tell me, rather. what takes my promise wife to visit Charles Truax?"
 T answer no question put in such 6 tone"
 Tt is my right to know" The mans l eyes took angry measure of her resis- tance. q put the same question this afternoon and you evade it. thought when you insisted on your rights and privileges. that your little secrets were | no concern of mine. What do l ma That you have been closeted in the l private office of a married man, ar old flame of yours. Truax refused ar explanation What have you to say A woman of leisure, you cannot pleac l business in factory as an excuse. i You go too far"
 No, 1t is you! I love you as my life, and you drive me mad with doubts l Knowing my weakness. you play upor | it, 1 will have the truth, or