The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-05-27

all OF the girls In the village. An
most of all he found his way into tn
coy home of the Lanes. where b
and Iris had spent many happy eve
nings.
I'm sorry, old man." Lane had salt
10 him when he learned OF the broker
engagement. Iris Is mighty flint
little GIRL" and Blair turned away un
accountably irritated.
You should have humored her.
Mrs. Lane put in. Iris. being above
the average type, needs delicate han
ding. | hope she will not marry
some New Yorker and leave u.s." she
had added by way of helping the
cause Of Iris. The little matron knew
that Iris would never marry any one
save Evan Blair. but that he should
be taught to appreciate the girl was
also a part OF Mrs. Lanes scheme.
So it was. from time to time, Blair
heard of the splendid times Iris was
having in the city. Knowing 1t to
have been the cause Of the trouble.
Mrs. Lane wisely refrained from
speaking Of the progress Iris was
making In her dramatic work.
After six months OF study Iris had
been given an afternoon at one Of the
larger hotels and the newspapers had
given her great praise.
Blair would have given much for a
glimpse OF those letters which his
hostess read excerpts from, but he
only sat back with gloomy eyes.
Il got q peach Of q record today,
Dlair." Lane suggested in an effort to
lift the shadows from his friends
eyes.
Lets have It," said Blair, and they
repaired to the room where the talk.
ing machine gave forth it's fund Of en-.
tertainment. Blair sank into the
chair that had become his.
Mrs. Lane ensconced herself and
turned to Blair. you are to listen
to both Of these records before you
Judge them. They are both by the
same person and Harry and I think
them splendid"
The machine burst forth into q mon.
ologue. The voice was the high fall
setto Of a Broadway dandy whose ex.
pericnces along the great White Way
were told in an inimitable, drawing
manner that brought the hrst hearty
laugh to Blair that be had had In
THAT fellows all right" he laughed,
"Iet have the other!"
Remember" reminded Mrs. Lane,
this Is the same fellow"
Blair sat back and prepared him.
self for another funny record. When
Lane drew away from the machine
Blair leaned forward in his chair.
the arms. The voice thpt
came from the cabinet was that of
Iris.
Dear" It said. Il have found that
there are other things in lie besides
the study Of dramatic art. | have
taken all the prizes here and have re.
ceived offers for stage work, but"
there was an effective pause-"you
are not here and nothing else counts.
When ] said that life with you would
be monotOnOus-l had not tried to |
i've without yOu-sO II you still
lare." the voice from the cabinet |
trembled. Il will be in the summer
house tonight, and"
Blair Jumped up to adjust the rec.
'rd. thinking something had happened.
Dat that was all of It. He looked about
ana realized that his host and hostess
nad lett him to hear the message from
IT'S. Tie took of the precious record
'nd went into the hall for his hat and
waking stick In daze of happiness.
When he left the house, still In that
'emi-conscious state Of mina, Mrs.
.ane ran to the telephone.
lie has left the house. dear" she
allied out to the person at the other
'nd OF the line. land l think perhaps
'ou had better fly or he will be in
he summer house first. Run in to.
morrow and tell me all about II, dear.
;ood.by."
Lane turned to his wife. a puzzled
COX on his face. Everything worked
eautifully. but has Blair lost his I
mind? He was talking away about
o'ne platform In q drawing room.
r."
merry laugh tinkled from Mn
-ane's lips. 1T only means that he
planning q stage in the house he
'as bought for Iris 20 that she csn
ave oil the amateur theatricals aha
wants."
"Happy lris," enid Voon