The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-05-06

SometnlnG, said the Waylafer
quietly. Il know your reputation II
town. Esmond-and Cecily is to<
sweet to be hurt by you"
In love with her YOURSELF" de
manded Esmond.
Perhaps. But that has nothing tt
do with the case. You'd better pacl
up your pictures. and run along
home"
III take Cecily with me-" said the
+: other.
II think not" said the Wayfarer
because when Cecily learns the truth
! don't think she will want to co."
It's a pretty small thing for one
man 70 talk about another"
Not when the other IL using the
hospitality Of q girls father to &C.
complish his own ends. l shall tell
Drake what know Of your past. He
can decide whether It is necessary to
warn Cecily. Personally. l don't be-
lieve that Cecily will miss you after
you have been away q week. When
she really falls in love she will fall
in love with a man.
Like you?"
AT least can offer clean hands
and true and steadfast affection"
The next day the artist went In
town.
After his departure Cecily dropped
and faded.
Can It be that she really loved
him." the Wayfarer often asked
himself.
He tried in every way to make her
happy.
I'm an old fellow" he said. but
really know some interesting
things"
Cecily began to enjoy the walks
with him. He did not talk to her as
Bruce had done Of the beauty Of her
eyes and the charm Of her smile. But
he had way Of telling her things that
were delightful. and as time went on
Cecily began to feel that she was In
close communion with Z wonderful
heart and mind.
"You don't paint your pictures.
she said one day. timidly. "You tell
them"
Such a sweet comradeship 40 It
grew to be! The Wayfarer sent to
town. now and then, for books. and
once there was box Of candy, and
at another time wonderful bunch
Of violets.
"How extravaganza" said Cecily.
smiling the flowers with delight.
But you like them" said the Way.
farer.
One day Bruce Esmond came back.
II have q perfect right to come"
he said to the Wayfarer, Il am free"
Legally" was the question.
"A divorce" said Esmond. Nov I
shall marry Cecily."
The anger Of the Wayfarer burst
out. You shall not have her." he
said. "You will break her heart 40
you have broken the hearts Of other
women who have trusted you-you
shall not have her."
And just then some ono said behind
them. Are you talking about met"
Cecily stood there. looking at them
With grave eyes.
It was Esmond who answered her.
HE says l shall not marry you" he
said. "And probably you think treat
ed you badly because I wooed you
before was free. But I loved you 90
much. Cecily. And he-he has moth
Ing but his money"
Cecily looked up at the Wayfarer.
Does he mean-that-that you are
r!ch?" she asked.
"yes," said the Wayfarer.
"lsut you came tramping along the
road like any common traveller"
''Tsecause | was tired Of the things
that riches could bring. II wanted
other things-like love-Cecily."
And 30 they stood before her, these
two men. asking. pleading for her
favor.
Cecily sobbed with her face In her
hands.
60 away" she said, go away. both
Of you"
But a. the Wayfarer went slowly.
she cried after him, "Oh. I shall miss
our long walks together. and the
books"
He turned back. why should my
money stand in the way"
you deceived me-" she said, and
and II I should say yes now you
might think II was because I wanted
to be rich."
II should think Il Wa because you
loved me-" he said.
From the other side Of he hedge |
Bruce spoke. bitterly. It's always
wealth that wins"
But Cecily smiled at him.
He has taught me something that |
you viii never know" she said. I'll
ask only that We shall be good com.
'ades along the road-wayfarers 70.
yether-until death parts
John N. callahan'e oeoy.