The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-06-29
Sharing An
Orphan


ourk0 sOIuy.
Eunice Telford shook her head.
Il like you very much-very much"
she said slowly. But I don't think
that 1t is more than liking. Burke"
Burke Edwards gritted his teeth
hard as he looked out over the water
for moment. but when he turned
his head again the pain had gone
from his features and he was again
the Burke that Eunice liked SO we'll.
For long time they had been good
friends-Eunice liked to call 1t chums
and more than once he had asked
for a reconsideration of his proposal.
but Eunice always shook her head
She liked Burke: liked him better
than any of the other men she knew,
but he seemed to lack tenderness and
that was the quality Eunice most ad-
mired. She was sorry to inflict pain
and suggested that they might so in
If he wished
NO, thanks" he said evenly. "It's
more pleasant out hore on the drive"
Across the road three boys were
playing ball. On the curb sat another
boy Of about their age DIRE. sed in The
Bingham apron that was the uniform
OF the orrhanage up the street.
How absurd" said Eunico. "That
boy must be twelve and yet he is
wearing an apron like a little boy OF
six"
"They all have to wear them" ey-
plained Burke. "They are easily
washed and they are cheaper than
coats. They wear them the year
round"
Not in winter" gasped Funice
Sure" explained Burke My sis
ter's house overlooks their yard and
you can sec them playing in the snow.
] don't think there is an Overcoat in
the place. Mostly they tie the aprons
about their waists In a vain endeavor
to suggest shirt waist when they
are let out. It's the reward of espe-
cial merit to be permitted to come
over to the drive alone"
The ball slipped from ono OF the
players hands and came rolling
toward the orphanage boy. He
sprang up to toss It back. but the
player came rushing up.
"You leave that ball Alone" he de.
manded holly. I'VE amt gOin' to
have you charity kids swiping our
ball. are We, fellows?"
The others had Joined the first and
the assent was unanimous. you
girls are getting too fresh" went on
the first speaker. why don't you
stay in your prison and play by
yourselves? We don't want girl-boys
over here. Who wants to play with
boy who wears dresses?"
Tho orphan had sprung to his feet
at tho first approach. There was cold
welcome to the orphans from the boys
In the fashionable apartments along
the drive and the first demonstration
Of hostility was sufficient warning.
Now he faced his tormentors holly.
I'm no girl" he cried, seven II I
do have to wear an apron. I'm not to
blame for that"
"You are a GIRL" insisted the az.
gressOr. you don't wear a coat and
you do wear dress. Go on. | could
| lick Won with ono haeSp'
BY way of illustrated. his fist shot
out and bruised the pale check OF tho
orphan. With a cry. Eunice sprang
up. but Burke's arm held her back.
wait a moment" ne said quietly.
1T would be n treat to see some Of
those young snobs get thrashed."
The boy had answered the blow and
the fight had become general. 1t was
three against one. but that one was
holding his own bravely and Burke
looked on approvingly. The orphan,
smarting under sense Of wrong, was
a match for the three and fought
them savagely.
He had them in retreat almost be-
fore Eunice realized that the battle
was over. The elevator boy in ono of
the houses bordering the drive, came
running over. seeing in prospect a fat
tip for taking the part Of the tenants
sons, but Burke was beside the boy
as he came up and the newcomer
hesitated.
Those youngsters got what they
deserved" he said shortly. "Clear out
, Of here"
i've been wanting to see some OF
these young DULLES trimmed up for
. some time" he said with a satisfied
smile. Those Riddles cannot help
the absurd fashion in which they
have to dress and the young snobs
know It I'm going to adopt that
boy"
lust because he is a good fighter"
asked Eunice contemporary.
Burke turned to her with new ex-
preston on his face. a light in the
kindly blue eyes that she had never
seen before. though the men he