The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1911-11-27

and fair little Susie Agnew there wal
small doubt that bis chestnut was
named for Susie. II Fate decreed
that Elsie's hero and Susie were ia
be mated-Elsie's smile quite faded
away for all the signs were against
her!
OF course they tried the mirror
charm. some of the girls taking hand.
mirrors and walking around the
house backward were rewarded by
seeing divers faces reflected in the
glass. 1t was q moonlight night and
the shrubbery cast lacy black shad'
ows across the path that encircled
the house Outdoors there was much
laughter and merriment.
Elsie did not Join them. This last
test she dared not try and 80 while
the others played hide-and-seek In
the crisp cool air after the midnight
hour had passed. Elsie sought the a.
cove in the conservative where she
had promised to meet Arthur Beck
man and give him his answer.
He arrived almost as soon 40 she
did. He sat down beside her and
took one cold little hand in his own.
Now, Elsie?" he asked softly.
"Oh. Arthur" she trembled. IL
can't"
"Well-never mind-don't cry
about IT," he said practically. for her
voice was near to tears. His own
heart was wrung with the bitterness
Of the moment. Don't let It worry
you one instant. dear. You needn't
tell me why-I suppose it's another
chap-would you like to join the
ghost dance! The orchestra is tuning
up" He tried to speak lightly but all
the spirit had gone out Of his voice.
Elsie shook her head. "You don't
understand" she whispered. turning
her head half toward him so that the
soft fragrant masses Of her hair
brushed his cheek. THE signs were
all against IT,"
He hardly breathed. 80 fearful was
he Of losing this blissful moment. but
her remark was puzzling.
THE signs? Oh. you mean those
charms and all that clap-trap bust
ness Of apple parings and melted lead
and 80 forth" he demanded.
"Yes-you see wanted to wait and
find out what Fate really had in store
for me. I thought II the signs were
propitious for my-my being happy
with you l believed that together
with" She hesitated and turned
away her head.
Together with your love for me"
he prompted softly and he was Wild
ly happy when she did not deny 1t.
Would insure our happiness" she
completed.
Fol de rol," calculated the Knave
Of Hearts. taking Old Mother Hub
bard In his arms 30 ruddenly that
the homeless dog bounced to the floor
and rolled away. Fol de rOl. darling.
Ill risk all the bad luck in the world
In marrying you II you'll have me!
Compared with the fact that love
you and you say you love newly.
the charm business doesn't cut any
figure at ALL"
At that instant came Wilbert Ian.
sing of mortar and pestle fame: the
Fates had decreed that he was to be
Elsie's future spouse and he was
eager to find her and press his suit
once more. He was rather supersti'
tious himself and the signs were au.
spicious for him.
Through the shielding palms he
caught one glimpse Of the Knave OF
Hearts and Old Mother Hubbard and
he lost his belief In signs at once.
As he turned away he saw the fat.
stuffed. woolly dog of Mother Hub.
bard lying at his feet
With well directed kick he sent
the poor beast flying across the floor.
whence 1t bounded into the fountain
and bobbed serenely around among
the startled goldfish.
Nothing in charms!" muttered
Wilbert Lansing as he stalked gloom.
lily home.