The Oakes times., 1912-06-06

'These-ars the first lilies that
have come into bloom for me- she
said with little triumph in her
voice.
"You-made these lilies grow?" Lor-
liners tone was almost one Of awe.
Hope Carter let fall soft happy
laugh. "Why yesAis 1t SO strange!
found that eggs and poultry left not
only some spare time but also some
room in our pocket books" She
laughed again with lack Of restraint
in her manner that charmed Lorimer.
Mother and l find that the lilies do
not rob our little farm of any finan-
cial or material aspect. they are so
lovely!" She buried her nose in the
fragrant blossoms.
"They certainly are" agreed Lor-
liner, looking into the depths Of gray
eyes above the flowers.
Il must be taking these to the 9th.
er patients" Hope said with a soft
flush in her cheeks. IT am anxious to
tell everyone of my venture into the.
field of lilies"
Lorimer looked up at her and
prompted by her gentleness said with
an appealing look in his eyes, "Is
there any possible way in which I
could take few weeks sojourn in this
field of lilies. The doctors have or
dered me to the country and l detest
and loathe country boarding houses
and hotels" He laughed quickly. Il
would probably break my leg all over
aga1n-in one Of those places"
Hope laughed merrily. "You are
most assuredly in q very bad way, Mr..
Lorimer. But If you can stand prim-
itiveness-together with eggs. chick
ems and lilies in abundance, my moth
er and l will be glad to take care OF
you for few weeks
Lorimer's eager smile brought a
lump to Hopes throat and then q Pc
culiar gladness to her heart.
IF you only would" he cried quick
"; st would be ideal-for me-" He
called out to his nurse, who he saw
passing along the corridor, "Oh. Miss
Lane! How soon could l manage to
get into the country?"
The nurse smiled and made his
plans for him. Lorimer was happier
than he had been since Clarice Nc
Clure refused to love him.
1t was on Good Friday and they
took him out to the little farm on
Long Island and he limped, on his
new crutches, to the big chair on the
veranda. Hope and her mother had
come from the long glass house
through which the white heads of
lilies looked like little ghosts. Hopes
hair was riot of tawny gold and her
eyes were as gray as the mountains.
Mrs. Carter greeted Lorimer and then
went quickly into the tiny cottage for
the egg-nog she had prepared for his
coming.
This place is like heaven" Lor-
inner half breathed; "at least feel
very near It," He looked contentedly
up at Hope and saw her smile down
into his eyes. Very near" he re-
peated.
"But am going to make you work."
laughed Hope quickly. "Do you see
that basket of eggs and all those funny
little papers? l am going to put you to
work as soon as you are rested-each
egg must have one of those transfer
pictures on it. Do you think you can
do that?"
Mrs. Carter came out again with
long. foaming glass of egg-nog and
waited until Lorimer had taken 1t.
Il feel as If l could do anything
now" he said by way Of thanking
Mrs. Carter and answering Hopes
question in one.
Il must go in now and practice my
song for Easter Sunday" Hope said
| shyly. "They have asked me to sing
in the village choir" She cast a
laughing glance at Lorimer. 1T will
be almost as bad as being in a ceun-
try boarding house to have to listen
to me singing Easter hymns to the
wheeze of our organ"
She tripped happily indoors and
soon Lorimer heard sweet, clear
volume of tone coming out through
the lattice windows.
He smiled with utmost contentment
and was scarcely aware that he spoke
aloud or that Mrs. Carter's eyes were
watching him with motherly approval.
Songs of>praise, then let us sing"
he repeated after the voice Of Hope.
He turned to Mrs. Carter and the
smile that made women adore him
| was in his eyes. You are going to
acquire son before another Easter
comes" he told her