The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1911-11-21

dUOut HID piopcitss anu tuCu tuIucu
him out one day. without dollar We
don't know where the poor fellow is
nOw-starving. maybe"
How terrible!" Miss SCOTS blue
eyes were wide open. She looked very
thoughtful as she arranged bowl Of
broth and some crackers on a little
tray, and went upstairs to the invalid.
II guess we've given her something
to think about now" Selinas tones
were triumphant
Selma Trimbell!" said Charlotte.
II didn't know it was in you!"
Miss Scott was thinking seriously
as she watched the invalid while he
finished the light repast Mr.. Thadde.
Us Trimbell was doing very we'll; but
there was something about his case
she had not understood. II she had
been asked to express an opinion. she
would have said that there was some.
thing on her patients mind. Yet he
had never spoken OF any secret sor-
row. or given her d clew from which
to draw conclusions. Unintentionally.
that clew had been furnished now by
Miss Selma!
The nurse took the tray away. She
looked around the apartment with new
interest. but there was no photograph
there which might be young Thad's."
Adroitly she led the man to talk Of his
early life. Whether anger or shame
kept him silent. he had naught to say
of nephew turned adrift. From her
new viewpoint, however, Retta Scott
was sure that his mind was troubled
II she could only discover the cause
and help him!
Well, Mr. Trimbell, you'll soon be
able to do without me-" she said blithe-
ly, a few days later.
The invalid was sitting up. then.
well wrapped and comfortable In re.
clining chair near the window.
Are you going to leave me to the
mercies Of these two crotchety old
maids down stairs? You're a hard.
hearted young woman"
Miss Scott laughed childishly.
"Oh. II they could only hear you!
But isn't there anyone else who could
come here and be with you? Any
other relative?"
The mans face darkened as he
turned his eyes to the open window
mo one. wish there were. like
young people around me. I'm spry
young fellow myself when I'm on my
feet. Miss Scott. wish you could
stay here. II 1t could be arranged"
"Oh, you know | must follow my
profession. I'm going back to the hos
pital when leave here. i left only
to take this case, because my duties
there had tired me out. needed the
change. But must 90 back"
Hang 1t all! suppose So Miss
Scott. I've grown very fond Of you
You're the finest young woman I've
ever met. II were young man. I'D
ask you to marry me.
oh, Mr.. Trimbell!"
81 certainly would. But don't look
scared-I'm not going to; although I'm
only fifty-three. and | could settle
nice little fortune on you. But II you
would stay and don't you see. want
some bright young folks around You
could have all the friends you wanted.
The house is like a graveyard. It's
been SO ever since"
Since your nephew went away"
Queried Retta softly.
Mr.. Trimbell turned on her with
roar.
How did you know? Have been
talking In my sleep? swOre Id
never mention the young rascal's
name again. How did you know any
thing about my nephew, Thaddeus
VelsOr?"
''VelsOr. Thaddeus-Velsor!"
The other did not hear the whis
pered exclamation. lie was fairly
launched now into recital Of his
troubles. and all his resentment. grief
and chagrin were poured forth in swift
eloquence. with a forcible expletive
now and then. which would seem &c
justify the description Of raging ty-
rant" which Miss Selma had artfully
drawn
Meanwhile Retta's wits were rally.
ing quickly; and as soon as she had
chance to speak. she made her
point.
MIR. Trimbell. you must not agitate
yourself So know how you feel, but
you are not quite right-your nephew
is better man than you think, and a
repentant one! know. Young Mr.
Velsor was my last patient in the hos
pital did not know he was your
nephew; but recall now, one night
when he was very low. asked MIN
if there was anything he wanted. Yes,
want my uncle's forgiveness he
said. OF course, knew that there
was story back of that, but he never
told me any more And Thaddeus Vel.