The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-02-06

my Mullane. This year they were
guests of the Catlins and Nora at
BrOOkhurst.
Christmas eve was the big time;
things happened so satisfying then
First, there was the joy of arriving:
then the noble dinner and the Christ.
mas tres-not to mention THE Jinx."
The link" was the big feature Of
the reunion. 1t was peculiar insti-
tuition, taking a different form each
year. 1t might be a song. set to a
popular air, poem or satirical
story, or even painting. But it al
ways must be clever and illustrate
the foibles of some member OF the
group.
Nora's secret misgivings proved
groundless. She had dreaded the
coming of Christmas eve. She feared
the two young men would watch her
foolishly for sign or token.
Delaney Crane had been elected
to manufacture The Jinx." and there
was keen anticipation when dinner
had been cleared away and brown
paper parcel placed before him. With
mischievous smile he cut the cords,
stripped off the paper and pushed The
Jinx" forward into public view.
There was an immediate shout OF
appreciation and laughter. "The link"
WAS 4 wooden figure about foot in
height. beautifully carved. 1t was a
likeacss OF Jack Withington-a like.
mess 50 patent rs to be instantly dis.
cy,uthlr. There was 4 smile on his
fl AVID his hands were outstrotchcd.
'oiow. SUSPENDED in midair on 4
WE All bu- invisible, was the falling
va of"Alr2. Mliionhurhs.
Wee u ~ a'anie passed from hand
t. 'i amidst dsli.liel comment.
ot's iG-, the way You locked.
j cried Tommy Mu!lme.
'aa',5 N,auccr IT'S 4 ep'yuIia
r OF work" said Mrs. catiin, i'd
lat N.
III vondor h hasn't sold Il for
i IA dollars" contributed Wal
Il e. ad hey laughed al Cranes cN-
luse. 10 laughed. teo, pooa N nrod-
| em-h Ger he made no secret Of
hs tuafmira I'm 70 secure from art
tho last cent il would Yield.
Nellie Cameiun was shy, herself:
Sue knew the turtures of slyn"ss.
None but she and Nora saw tie pain
back Of Jack Withington's smilc as
he balanced the manikin in his palm.
Really, Delaney" she said, sharp
", 'you put too much emphasis OH
uNesscnlials.'
n Danicless como to JUDGMENT"
grinncd Crane Meaning the vase, l
prosumc?"
"lcs-thal's just what | mean! 1t
would be perfectly lovely without that
old thing tumbling down there
why" shouted Crane, the vase is
It's excuse for being! Witlou that,
you little simpleton, it wouldn't be a
.Iinx"
That was It, thought Nora: "Put-
ting too much emphasis In uncsscn-
tials" They were all doing that; she
had been doing 1t until Nellie's in
spired sentence lighted her path like
O lightning fash.
Delaney Crane was putting too
much emphasis on the uncssential OF
money. She had been putting too
much emphasis on the unessentlal of
Withington's clumsiness and uncase.
She had permitted 1t to blind her to
the fact that he was kind hearted,
generous gentleman-and that she
loved him.
Tho manikin came to her, amidst a
little bush. Il agree with you, Mel
lie" she smiled. Let us forget the
unesscntials.'
With def fingers she twisted free
the wire and vase, and tossed them
into the CRATE.
Tho statue stood alonc-Withington
ut his best, as he appeared tonight,
as he appeared always among his
fricnds--digniiicd, friendly, and COM
panionablc.
And both men had their answer.