The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-04-01


your comfort Then he remembered
Dolly's advice. Where is Dolly? Did
she 80 hcmc.."
Yes. Perhaps you had better tele
phone and ask her 10 20 to the opera
with you tonight. am not equal TO
if-nor.
Phil noticed a little flush creep into
Annc's white face as she talked and
he wondered what Dolly had said.
Il prefer 10 remain with you if you
are able to put up with me-"
"Of course am. Open window.
Phil! Mothers lilac bushes are al.
ready in bloom"
The soft balmy breath Of southern
sprinetime. freighted with the sweet
ness of early flowers blew In aud a
nightingale. startled by the shaft OF
light from the open window. broke In
to a melody Of song. Warm life was
waking in the earth and in the breast
of every creature stirred the wOrld-Old
mystery of mating.
Anne" Phil said quietly. Il am in
love with a woman who does not care
for me. What must | do about it,"
One of Anne's hands moved restless
ly over the diamond pin that held the
spray of valley lilies on her breast. Il
Il don't know" she said. Il wouldn't
like TO think that anybody had spoiled
your life yet We are responsible. each
of us. only for our own personal hap.
piness."
"Oh, no." interrupted Phil quickly.
Il cannot make my happiness. only
the woman love can give it to me-"
Anne deliberated. Perhaps you
are right she said. Much Of the re.
sponsibility of the world seems to rest
on the women"
THAT is natural. They are more
able than men,"
The thought is enough to make US
try to live on very high plane"
what do you know about Dolly
Carer?' asked Phil slowly. Il ac-
knowledge the fact that she Is 4 very
charming woman in advance"
.! know that she is a true. sincere
friend answered Anne readily. land
also claim that she Is exceptionally
beautiful" Anne was not numbered
among the foolish ones of earth who
attempt to underestimate the charms
Of other women.
"Shc was great today in that pink
something, wasn't she?" Phil. remcm-
bering Anne's flushed face when he
had inquired about Dolly determined
TO take a chance and act OH the ad-
vice of his late counselor.
The color fed from Anne's cheeks
pnd her voice seemed to her to come
with an effort.
II never saw her as bright and an.
mated. She must be very happy. Don't
give up, Phil. Perhaps she will change
her mind and-and love you In re-
turn"
Phil had never known Anne TO hesi.
tate and his heart gave a bound at the
wild hope that she was jealous OF
Dolly.
And you, Anne3" He could not
keep the eagerness out Of his voice,
when are you going to marry Lord
Brandon?"
a." said Anne rising. expect never
to marry"
"Anne." cried Phil facing her. Anne,
I love you. You'll have to know It. you
must know II now. have known that
your mother favored Lord Brandon,
and my pride kept me quiet, but I'll
have to take my chance. I love you,
Ann. want you. Is It enough"
but what-what about Dolly
questioned Anne breathlessly.
"Shc will dance at our wedding
said Phil. his arms about her. "Shc
knows and begged me to take my
chance"
Listen" Anne whispered, "the birds
are kindred spirits tonight"
Outside in answer TO the nightin-
gales mad wOoing, came the tender,
thrilling music of his mate. flooding
the lilac scented fragrance Of the
dark,