The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-01-12
HER ART
OR HEART:
By Catherine Coope

Julia. just be sensible and reason
this thing out with me-" Leon Will
son. astride chair gazed over fold
ed arms at the girl. You want to
follow career and l haven't a de-
sire In the world to marry and never
will have. Why not 60 through the
marriage ceremony with me? Come
be sensible"
1T was perfectly detestable thing
to do-to make such will" Julia
was on the verge Of tears. Uncle
Harry might have known would fol-
low my art without his money"
That's just It," expostulated Leon.
The old man hated careers and he
knew that you couldn't study without
money-and you can't Julia. You can't
60 abroad and study under good mas
tiers and all that sort of thing without
money and II you are not married by
the end of next week you are penniless
and get all the money. 1t puts
me In a mighty mean position-espe-
cially when we are such good pals"
Il know-but-we don't love each
other-that way" cried Julia.
That's the joy of the whole arrange
ment." Leon jumped excitedly from
his chair. III We did, 1t would be
goodby to career. goodby to mp trip
around the world and goodby to the
freedom We both love-
you are putting 1t rather sensibly,"
admitted Julia. "But-you may fall
In love some day and then"
Never! Living all my life with so
perfect specimen has made me indif.
ferent from the ordinary woman" He
turned frank, serious eyes toward her
Uncle did me the greatest turn of my
life when he picked little waif out
Of the snow and gave her to me for
a sister. DO you think am going
to let an old mans foibles stand in
the way OF your desire? II you were
In love with some one and thinking
of marrying In time to save the mon.
ey 1t would be all right, but you are
nOt-are you?"
NO" laughed Julia.
Good! We can be married immedi'
ately as the will demands and then
We can drop each other at the first
lamp post" he added lightly.
1T Is a good idea." admitted Julia
but l still feel that am stepping
between you and happiness"
Rot" Icons tone satisfied her. I'm
another minute would sell this beau
tiful old Wilson Manor and give the
money to a home for stray mice. Just
because Uncle Harry was Tilted by a
girl who chose a career instead OF
him and family see no reason why
he should seek to cut you off,"
Perhaps he expected that clause in
the will to make me settle down with
husband and family" Julia
laughed.
Uncle was mistaken Leon said
"Then it's settled, Julia. you are a
trump"
80 are you." echoed Julia.
settle the bargain"
He leaned over and they kissed each
other-a kiss void of trener.
"Eloping would save lot of embar
rassment," Leon suggested. We car
send the certificate back to the law
yer, and he will fix you up with the
money"
Half of it," corrected Julia. BAT
I didn't SNOW you were coming witt
me-"
He raised his surprised eyebrows.
my dear Julia! DO you want al
the villagers to know the conditions
of our marriage? Certainly | will es
cOrt you to Paris--I suppose that's
your destinatiOn-and from there
will start on my Joyous trip. We are
both sick of this place-the conditions
Of the will are really a blessing tt
each of us. II the break hadn't come
this way we might have hung on al
the old place for another decade"
"Yes, and we couldn't have lived In
this house together. anyway" laugh
ed Julia, land wouldn't the place seen
terrible-with one of us gomez"
1T could be. Our marriage is doub
" sensible" Leon gazed reminiscent
ly about the old-fashioned sitting room
I'VE will leave old Nanny Jane II
charge while we are away" He turn
ed and faced Julia. There is full
moon-are you game to elope tomor
row night? We can sail Saturday ant
I am sure you would rather get {
trousseau in Paris than in Wilson
VILE"
You forget don't need a troHs
seau."
Leon looked uncomprehendingly a
her. and a slow blush mounted he
cheeks.
That's So" he laughed. quickly
We'll, l must be off to get the rings
They are to be thick and broad 81
that none of those French guys vii
try to flirt with my wife"
The word sounded strange in Julia''
ears and she would have called hin
l l,,,& h<n