The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-03-15

ling Patsy Dugan's hand was wrig-
Cling high In air.
We'll, Patsy. what is it," The lad
rose, eager. Irish, inquisitive to his
backbone. On the breast Of his
ragged coat he wore little Ratchet.
an artificial cherry filched from his
sisters best hat and two hags-the
Stars and Stripes-and another tiny
flag green as grass! This was his
question::
please. Miss Dorothy. did youse
ever tell a lie YOURSELF" The chill.
dren turned to look at him in sorrow
and anger at such question. The
mothers Uttered. The fat old direc'
tor tried to keep his face straight.
Keith gazed straight at Dorothy, who
seemed not to see him. She had al
ways been almost painfully truthful.
That was one reason why he had
simply turned about and walked
away when she declared that she did
not love him. He waited now for her
answer. If she ever had lied she was
too truthful to deny It! She smiled
a queer little smile.
Don't look at Patsy. children. He
didn't mean to be rude. am glad he
asked me. will answer what he
asks. so you will be even more care.
full to tell the truth hereafter"
Every bright eye was strained with
interest. The teacher paused a mo-
ment. a queer, serious look on her
face.
81 did tell lie once" The words
came slowly. II have been sorry
ever since. It made me unhappy and
it made a dear friend unhappy. 1t has
caused a lot Of trouble, that miserable
little lie. have been ashamed ever
since That is why always tell the
truth now. ! want you to remember"
At sight of the sorrowful little faces
Dorothy called back her smile. Now"
she said, I'VE can all go home. Go
quietly! Ready. Rise! Pass"
With stamping of feet, tossing of
curls. childish twisting and pushing,
she finally got them all out OF the
room. Keith was in his place at the
back of the room watching her. He
saw her talk little to the director.
who went out Then she came down
to talk with the mothers. clucking
about HEP like group Of hens. each
anxious about and proud Of her own
chickens. Finally the mothers left.
lie was alone with her. She could no
longer ignore him. so she gave him
nervous glance. He strobe up In
front of her desk. his face serious.
Dorothy Meredith tried to put out
her hand and smile as II she greeted
a mere old acquaintance, but some.
thing In the young mans eyes and
the truthfulness of her own nature
forbade her. He did not even seem
to see the little hand half put out to
him, as quickly withdrawn, but his
very look seemed to fold her in an
embrace! A wave Of hot misery
came over her. and she had much
ado to keep the tears in her eyes un-
shed.
Dorothy" Keith said quietly.
leaning toward her ever the desk.
did you tell me-the truth year
ago today? Did you?" She was ST.
lent moment. her eyes raised brave
ly to meet his. Tell me-" he per-
sisted. You owe me and yourself the
exact truth"
NO. Keith. told you a lie." Her
voice did not faltcr. and with step
he was around the desk. by her side.
She put away his arms that reached
for her. and rose to face him.
Don't, Listen a moment" But he
would neither wait nor listen.
He held her TO him moment. and
the misery of the past year faded
into nothingness. Joy lived once
more. Finally he let her go.
Why" he asked. did you say you
didn't love me? How could you say
it," She was putting on her hat. and
while he held her coat she answered
him.
You remember--that day? that !
came in and found you waiting. and
you simply-rushed at me and-asked
me to marry YOU Well. | had just
ridden in the car behind you fathers
partner. MIR. Stevens. He said some
thing that nearly killed me. it hurt
my foolish pride so. He was talking
to a man | didn't know. II was only
a word or two. He said:
parsons and | are great friends.
Fine fellow-Parsons. Young Keith
Parsons has the makings of big
business man. too. Only trouble is
that he is. am told. infatuated with
an obscure little school teacher. OF
course he may not marry her
Then he left the car. | was blind
with anger and pride. Just fresh
from the hurt-I found YOU waiting