The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-05-29

your dear father was the best of men, and should think that in all his lie there was nothing which he would have wished concealed. But, my dear, young men are less restrained In meir ways than we are, than we have to Dc for our own safety and protection. Their life is so very, very different; and some of their companionships so un- profitable that really the exposaf com ing from an intimate inquiry into their accounts might lead to the forming of ideas better left alone" The poor lady was greatly perturbed at having to | speak in such a way to the young | girl. whom she credited with having | the same ignorance of the facts of life as had been existent in her own youth, and of being ruled by the same qualms and difiidences which had been in vogue at that time. Stephen saw her distress: coming over to her, she sat down by her and took her hand.
 T think you are quite right. Auntie. dear It would have been better if I had asked you fl st; but I saw that Leonard was in distress, and wormed the cause out of him. When I heard that 1t was only debt I offered to help him. He is an old friend. you know, Auntie. We were children together; and as l have much more money than I can ever want or spend. I thought might help him. I am afraid I have let myself in for a bigger thing than I intended; but as have promised I must go on with it. I dare say, Aun- tie that you are afraid that I may end by getting in love with him, and marrying him. Don't you. dear?" This was said with a hug and a kiss which gave the old lady delight. Her in stinct told her what was coming. She nodded her head in acquiescence. Stephen went on gravely:
 Put any such fear out of your mind. I shall never marry him. I can never love him." She was going to say could never love him." when she re- membered. Verbal accuracy Is a great help to one's amour propre when there is secret to be concealed.
 Are you sure, my dear7 The heart is not always under one's own control"
 Quite sure, Auntie. As sure as I am of my own identity. I know Leon ard Everard; and though I have al- ways liked him, I do not respect him. Why, the very fact of his coming to me for money would make me recon sider any view had formed, had noth- ing else ever done so. You may take it, Auntie, dear, that in the way you mean. Leonard is nothing to me; can never be anything to mel" Here a
  light a serious difficulty passed away from her. and the doing of a thing which had a fear of its own became easy. With a conviction in her tone, which in itself aided her immediate purpose she said:
 'T shall prove 1t to you. That is, if you will not mind doing something which will save me an embarrass- ment"
 You know I will do anything. my dearest which, an old woman can do for a young onel" Stephen gave her loving glance. and squeezed the nit tened hand which she held as she went on:
 "As I said, I have promised to lend him some money. The first instalment is to be given him tomorrow; he Is to call for it in the afternoon. Will you give it to him for mel"
 Gladly. my dear" said the old lady, much relieved. Stephen centinued:
 "one other thing. Auntie. want you to do for me; not to think of the amount, or to say a word to me about 1t. It is a large sum, and l dare say it will frighten you a little. But have made up my mind to 1t. I am learning a great deal out of this, Aun- tie, dear; and am quite willing to pay for my knowledge. After all. money is the easiest and cheapest way of paying for knowledge! Don't you agree with me?'
 Miss Dowly gulped down her disap- | pointment. She felt that she ought \ not to say too much, now that Stephen 1 had set aside her graver fears. She consoled herself with the thought thai even a large amount os money would cause no inconvenience to so wealthy q 1 woman as Stephen. Beyond this. a. | ..Ia | | IN...
 money to Leonard, she would know tn, amount. If advisable, she could re. 1 monstrate.
 (Continued Tomorrow.)