The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-02-03
Arson was a person. Granger did not
allow her to speak.

That means" he answered the Ques-
ton in her eyes-"ihat you will be
prepared to take the management OF
a home into your own hands.
Where will | get the home?" she
asked innocently but with hint OF
mischief in her now happy eyes.
Granger did not answer at once.
He wondered if she were aware OF
her elfin beauty. Yes. he decided.
Madge Carter was the very wife for
Harold.
"Oh, | say beg your pardon!"
Harold himself burst into the sum-
mer house.
Granger arose and introduced the
two whom he had selected for mates.
The boy was confused and Ques-
ton was in his eyes.
Il was stealing some flowers from
vour uncle's garden" the girl said
with an abashed glance at Granger.
"Ile caught me. and in return he is
giving me tea"
Am too late to have a cup!
Harold sank into chair and Wills
Granger realized with oddly mixed
emotions that his own scheming had
been in the nature of forerunner.
His good looking young nephew and
the becgarmad seemed to have
found the big thing in life in their
first exchange of glances.
During TIE months following. Madge
went through an abbreviated course
in domestic economy. After that she
was intrusted to the tutelaSe or
maiden lady whose profession it was to
instruct those whose education mad
been neglected. There Madge re-
ceiyed the little finishing and society
touches so dear to the refined nature.
During these lorg months OF sep
aration Harold accepted gladly the
position of envoy. At frequent inter-
walls he was sent for information to
the various schools. He returned with
enthusiastic accounts OF Madges
progress :.
Once only, during her absence. had
Willis Granger seen his prftege. On
that occasion his had been a peculiar
medley of emotions.
She had received him in the little
visitors parlor Of the boarding house.
Harold had in a measure prepared
him yet he was strangely at loss
for words during the interview. He
had hurried away. whether in self
defense or a desire to hurry Harold
toward the capture of Madge. he knew
not.
As Willis Granger drove up tho
shady drive and through the luxurious
grounds to his home the memory OF
the comfortless boarding house he
had left smote him. Wistful gray
eyes floated before him and the cling.
Ing pressure of soft fingers sent an
uncomfortable warmth up his arm.
Inside the house he wrote note
asking or rather demanding thst his
prOtege come at once for two ceks'
change.
Granger thought Of q house party
but finally decided against the idea. A
house party would involve the neces'
sity Of young men who might In 4
measure jeopardize Harold's chance
Of winning Madge. Granger Yelt re-
lieved over this decision and Madge
became a part of the household un'
der the amused chaperonage Of
Changers sister.
Things progressed. Willis Granger
felt that he was rejoicing in the very
evident success Of his plans. He and
his sister talked of church wedding
and afterward in the privacy OF his
den the philanthropist tried to visual
lie himself In the act Of placing the
hand of his protege in that Of his
nephew. But instead. the soft fingers
Of the girl chung to his own.
/, Granger felt suddenly very warm
. He took OF his coat and went to the
open window through which yount
, moon peeped. The mystical beaut,
Of the night. his own deep unrest ant
: desire to be alone sent him out ant
, toward the summer house.
! He paused in the act Of lighting hi
cigar before entering.
A low, breathless sob as Of a child
A tired with weeping. reached him.
4 She was huddled up in his bi,
!. smoking chair. He saw. by the pal
light Of the moon. that Madge had re
!. sumner her tattered dress and tina
d her coppery curls lay on the nape O
}. her neck.
;. "Madge!" Changers voice shoot
g why are you crying! Why thes
h clothes? Come here!"
Il She turned wide frightened eyes o
? him then jumped up as II she woul
i have flown from the summer house.
I Tell me all have asked" he con
q handed, barring her way.
o Il was saying good-by-to the sun
II mer house." she faltered.
r Granger strove to steady his voic,
d "Good-by! You are not going back
marry"
,e I'm not going to marry anyone!
r. she burst out.