The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-02-07
Disllusiioniinq
Carson

rather late and the street was desert.
ed. Even the policeman on beat had
sought shelter from the storm.
She made an effort to rise. but sank
back helplessly as she placed a
strain on the injured ankle and she be.
gan to cry softly. For perhaps ten
minutes she lay there. then from
around the corner came a muffled form
and she gave a glad little cry that at
tract attention.
whats the matter?" called a CHEEKY
voice. Had a slip?"
II have sprained my ankle" she ex-
planned. Il can't get up and 1t began
to look as though | should have to
spend the night here"
Il guess not" was the cheerful
response. Live far from here?"
-Four blocks down and one over"
Not worth while calling cab he
commented. as he took quick glance
around IL don't think we could get a
cab if telephoned for one. This
seems to be the proper caper."
In nearby basement some boy had
left his sled. and the man caught it
up. This will do finely" he an
nOuneed. "l'll have you down there
In no time at all"
Geatly he raised her in his strong
arms and disposed her comfortably
on the sled Then he grasped the
ropes and started off at a brisk trot.
III reminds me of the times when
used to draw my sweetheart to
school on my Sled" he called over his
shoulder. Ever live in the coun.
try?"
Long ago. she answered. ut
seems ages"
"Then guess this makes you young
again, too"
That's polite" she replied with a
laugh.
Il dla't mean that" he s,ammercd
again. didn't suppose that you were
an old lady, though with that Brown
veil. you might be my own grand
mother
"Thank you again." she cried.
| Il guess | won't say anything moro"
IL he chuckled. perhaps wasn't built
to pay compliments. Is this where
your turn"
"To the right"
fright 1t Is" and the sled swung
around the corner. Presently. at her
word, he drew up In front of n house
and again he lifted her in his strong
arms. The ankle hurt terribly, but
there was something comforting In
the sense of his strength.
II was only moment before his
ring was answered and as the door
swung open and the yellow light
streamed out, Mrs. Donaldson gave O
cry Of surprise.
why, Ned Carson, what are you
doing here?"
I've a bundle marked damaged IN
transit" he explained. smlingly. "bu
did not know that it was for you. Ii
it ALICE
Certainly, the poor child. Take hel
in the parlor and I'll be right alont
with hot water and bandages.'
Carson carried the girl into the par
Tor and deposited her carefully upon
the sofa.
81 never thought" he said soft
~, "whcn | spoke Of carrying my
sweetheart to school. that ii was m!
real one-,ime sweetheart that ! was
/ talking TO-"
Alice colorcd wildly. She rcincm
bered those old days, and how they
had plighted their childish troth. Nct
had gone away and they had los
sight OF each other. What would III
say when he heard of her engage
ment!
I'll run away with that borrowed
sled before the police get after me,
] he announced briskly. Then III
be back to SEQ II can be OF an
USE"
Alice heard the front door close ant
settled weakly back upon the pillow
II seemed cruel. just as he had foun'
ner again and just when circumstance
recalled their childhood, that sh
should repay his kindness with disillu
sionment. She had been genuinel.
fond of Ned in the old days. and sh'
hated to give him pain. Yet 1t wa
best that she should tell him FRANK
ly. 1t was a generous cruelty.
Presently he came stamping back Z
announce that he had caught the small
boy Just going for a policeman. an
that he had compromised for
quarter.
His good humor was infectious. an
Alice found herself forgetting her pail
in listening to his recital Of his expt
riences in getting ahead. He wa
so frankly proud of his success t..
il seemed a shame TO dispel the Il .
ly-awakened romance by word, ye
she nerved herself to the task.
Il have a surprise for you,' she bt
gan. after all this talk of old time!
doesn't it seem funny to hear that III
engaged. I'm going TO be married J
the spring."
Al fra~r-