The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-08-23
FATE's STRANGE FREAK
Bv BELLE KANARiS MANDATES.


dered out into the country. He had
but recently returned from abroad and
he contemplated making journey on
the morrow to his sisters summer
home. He had not seen her for three
years. but the prospect OF his visit to
her was somewhat marred by the
knowledge that among her guests
would be the paragon Of girl whom
| she had picked ont for him" the glow
| Ing descriptions OF whom he had de.
liberately omitted to read in the let
tiers.
He began to realize suddenly that
he had walked too far and that he
was decidedly wearied, when he saw
ahead of him in runabOut in which
was seated middlc-aged woman.
Both machine and occupant were mo-
tionless.
Can you start my car for me-" she
asked anXiously as he approached.
The trouble was very simple ond
and he adjusted it for her deftly and
courteously
She invited him to ride with her,
and he readily accepted. But when
he had taken the seat beside her, to
his surprise she quickly turned the
machine around and speeded on into
the country.
II beg your pardon!" he remon-
strated. 81 was about to return to
the city when | met you. Will you
kindly let me out"
My boy, don't you know me-" she
entreated Il am taking you home"
The speed was increased. lie re-
called the story he had heard Of a
woman. demented by the death of her
son. who lived in beautiful home
miles from the city. Presently he
saw a touring car approaching at a
rate of speed cqua! to his own. There
was a simultaneous grinding of
brakes.
Doctor" said the woman. address
Ing the elder of the two men in the
ear. this is my SON."
II am glad he has returned" he said
gravely. 81 am DR., Duval," turning to
Stephen with warning significant
look, your mothers physician
II met my mother" said stephen,
and fixed her car. and she was bring
Ing me home We can all 90 on now"
A quick run of three mile, brought
them to driveway leading into Il pri
vate park beyond which was smooth
faced. stone house. 4 tall 1.-THE girl
came into Stephens vision.
Irene" exclaimed the woman joy
FULLY. my son has come"
II am so glad" replied the girl. her
face paling. as she extended a wecOm-
ing hand to Stephen. but. Mrs. Good
win. you must be so tired after your
ride Come and lie down before visit
Ing with him /"
You acted very wisely" Irene said
to stephen. after Mrs Goodwin had
retired I'VE are under great obIiga-
lions to yon, Mr."
Laird"
Il am Miss Mervue, and OF course
YOU see that Mrs. Goodwin Is not in
her right mind. She has a passing
fancy that you are her son. She has
gone to sleep now. and when she
awakens she may have forgotten she
met you. and again she might ask for
'or you. If you can spare the time"
There are no demands upon my
line" he fastened to assure her. and
he proceeded tn relate how he had
met the unfortunate woman and ac
,ompaniel her home
She has never tried TO leave here
before so We were not on the watch.
1t was providential that you me, her
and comprehendcd the situation She
mas insisted that dine with you and
hen spend the evening with you"
will You" she asked anxiously
lie assented eagerly. After dinner
hey went to Mrs Goodwin's apart.
ments. His task was not diflicuit The
poor woman was quite content to sit
beside him and prattle gently. Then
: Irene sang In charming contralto
/ voice At 10 o'clock. Mrs. Goodwin's
bedtime. she badc him 4 fond good.
night and told Irene TO show him to
his room
1T Is too late for YOU to return to-
night" said Irene when they were in
the hall She will have forgotten You
? BY morning"
: At breakfast the next morning. Irene
Informed him chcerfully that Mrs.
Goodwin had not mentioned his name
He felt an unaccountahle dsappoint-
ment.
You might go in and see her. will
Introduce you as friend Of mine
Il hope YOU are" he said ardently.
J. She flushed slightly. and they went
= to Mrs. Goodwin in silence She look.
I ed up as he entered without recogni-
Q ton.
After some desultory conversation
they went out again.
May do what she asked-come 20
see you often?" he asked
Il leave here tomorrow" she re.