The Lakeland evening telegram., 1912-07-18

had robbed a bank, even thoish ne
p.omised himself that he would pay
her back some day.
However IL, bought the tickets,
bought them early in the week, ior ne
knew by sad experience that money
Ill; a way OF escaping even When you
!.,ve made The best Of plans for its
f,,ture. once they were purchased and
safely slowed away in his pocket a
change came over the artist, his con-
science ceased to prick him and he
fell strangely lighthearted, like gay,
irresponsible truant. In all the years
of patient drudgery since his father
died Tobin had taken no holidays, and
now he reyeled in the joys of ant'ci-
nation. He looked at the tickets
every morning to be sure that they
we're safe. but he said nothing to
Diana, for it was to be a great sur.
Prise Every Wednesday night Diana
went with Tobin's rival. William HUT,
to a moving picture show. and every
Saturday afternoon she walked with
Tobin through the park. He knew
Just how she would smile when he
told her that, instead Of walking in
the Park. they were to 60 to the cir
Gus together. Diana had funny,
sweet little smile that drove away the
pucker from her brow.
So pleasant was this thought that
Tobin forgot all about Clarissa until
the end of tho week. On Friday
night he worked late at downtown
art exhibit, but on his way home he
stopped to buy bag of peanuts for
the little girl Clarissa could not 60
to the circus, but she could feed the
squirrels in the park.
The house was in inky darkness
when he reached home, for Mrs. Bo-
sey wasted no gas on late arrivals,
and 1t was only by cropping cautiously
along that Tobin mounted to the
fourth floor. All was blackness there
except where a faint stream Of light
shone beneath Dianas door. He was
watching that light and wondering
why Diana was up so late when the
door opened and q girl crept out into
the hall. She closed the door behind
her and again the hall was absolutely
dark, but Tobin knew that she was
coming toward him. He stood still,
fascinated, and his heart began to
pound loudly. Although he could see
nothing, he could hear the soft swish
Of her garments as she approached.
He felt that he should 60, but his
strength seemed to have deserted him.
Then in the darkness his hand touch
ed hers. She drew away, but Tobin
held her and spoke quickly:
Diana, dearest, it's only Tobin.
Don't be frightened"
The girl stood still; they were alone
in the darkness, the other boarders
were peacefully snoring, and somehow
Tobins arms went around her. She
leaned against him with her face hid
den in his coat, and Tobin, who had
fought against his love so long and
bravely, lost his senses for time and
began to tell her hurriedly, hotly, all
his longing for her.
If she made no answer she made no
resistance. and rapturously he stopped
and kissed her hair and forehead.
Diana, darling" he begged SAY that
you love me. have no right to ask
you. but say that you love me a lit
tle."
He held her against his heart, but
with sudden movement she leaned
away from him, and match dared
out in the darkness Across its circle
Of light Tobin looked at the girl. and
his arms slowly fell to his side. II
was Clarissa. her face all drawn ur
with suppressed giggles and In hel
eyes the scornful. unsympathetie
glare Of twelve.yearold.
Il went to Diana's room to gel
some matches" she explained In a
whisper, "I think there's mouse in
our wardrobe"
Then as the light hickered out she
leaned toward him eagerly. insistent
ly. "Tobin. If I promise not to tel
the boarders will you take me to see
the circus?'
Tobin shook his head. Il dom
care" he said doggedly. "who knows
that l love Diana"
Maybe not" continued Clarissa
shrewdly. but II the boarders know
this they'll laugh at Diana"